Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, JOHKOW6 - Oceanographic

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Finalist Fine Art Photographer of the Year

John Kowitz Hawaii, USA

19°33'34.3"N 155°58'08.6"W

Five spotted eagle rays glide above the sandy seabed, their dark bodies and white markings contrasting against the pale background. These rays often travel together while searching for prey, using electroreceptors to detect hidden molluscs and crustaceans beneath the sand. Photographed during a dive in search of manta rays, this formation appeared during the journey back to shore.

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, JOHKOW6

John Kowitz United States (US)

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ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Freediving
  • Accessed site via Coastal walk-in
  • Sony A1 & Nauticam Housing
  • ISO 125, f/25.6, 1/160s

John is a Hawaii-based underwater photographer and freediver specializing in large pelagic marine life - Humpback whales, dolphins, sharks, and manta rays. Shooting on breath-hold across locations including Moorea, the Maldives, the Bahamas, Japan, and Italy, he brings a diver's patience and a storyteller's eye to every frame, working to capture genuine behavior rather than staged encounters. His work has supported scientific and conservation expeditions, where he delivers publication-quality imagery under demanding field conditions. Equally at home documenting marine life, underwater volcanoes, storm swells, or fast-moving vessels, John combines technical precision with a calm, professional presence in unpredictable environments.

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