Winners Gallery
Finalist Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year
Daniel Taylor The Gulf of California, Mexico
A silky shark circles helplessly after taking bait from an illegal longline, its fate sealed by a steel hook and heavy line designed to prevent escape. Photographed less than 48 hours after Baja California's seasonal shark fishing ban ended, the image reveals a hidden reality unfolding far from shore. A small group of pilot fish remains beside the shark, highlighting how the loss of one animal can ripple through an entire ecosystem.
BEHIND THE LENS
Daniel Taylor Mexico
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Taken snorkelling
- Accessed by boat
- Canon R, RF 15-35 mm f/2.8 lens, NA-R Nauticam Housing
- ISO 800, F/10, 1/500 sec
Born and raised in Mexico City, Daniel moved to Baja in 2017 to build a life centered around the ocean. Drawn to the underwater world from an early age, he combined his passion for sharks, freediving, and photography into a career dedicated to exploration, storytelling, and conservation. As a divemaster, freediver, underwater photographer, educator, and former hospitality professional, he created a project focused on offering immersive ocean experiences that inspire a deeper connection with marine life. More than an expedition platform, it is a vehicle for education, community, and meaningful conservation, bringing together local communities, scientists, and conservation organizations to help protect our oceans.
IMAGES BY Daniel Taylor
Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year
2026 Gulf of California, Mexico
