Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, JINZHA - Oceanographic

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Finalist Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year

Jingyi Zhang Zhuhai, China

22.098750° N 113.538507° E

A male orca rests motionless on the floor of a concrete tank at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China. His severely collapsed dorsal fin is a visible consequence of prolonged captivity. Captured as part of an investigation into captive cetaceans, this image reveals the contrast between the public display of “adorable animals” and the physical and psychological challenges faced by captive orcas. Originally wild-caught from Russia’s Sea of Okhotsk as juveniles, these animals were separated from their family groups and denied the social environment that defines their lives in the ocean.

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, JINZHA

Jingyi Zhang China

  • Follow Jingyi On Instagram

ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Taken on the shore
  • Canon R5Mark II
  • ISO100 1/60s F4.5

As a wildlife conservation photographer, Jingyi Zhang focuses deeply on whales, dolphins and rare terrestrial wild animals. Years are spent on offshore expeditions and safari trips, documenting the real living conditions of wild populations underwater and on land. Beyond producing fine art wildlife imagery, the camera is treated as a powerful tool for environmental advocacy. The core goal is to awaken public empathy for vulnerable species through vivid visuals, discourage unnecessary human interference, and advance long-term sustainable protection for both marine and terrestrial wildlife ecosystems.

Reconnect. Immerse yourself. Be inspired.

Enjoy the vibrancy, beauty and impact of each year's finalist photography, celebrated in our Ocean Photographer of the Year coffee table book collection.

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