Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, Karsten Michels - Oceanographic

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Finalist Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year

Karsten Michels Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

62,001009° N 6,777626° W

During a Grindadráp in the Faroe Islands, a pilot whale lies on the shore as hunters carry out the final stages of the hunt. Children watch a tradition that has been passed between generations. The visible wounds and hunting tools show the injuries caused during a process that can last for hours. Whole pods of pilot whales and Atlantic white-sided dolphins are driven onto beaches by boats and are killed for their meat and blubber. More than 1,000 whales are typically killed each year, despite ongoing concerns over high levels of heavy metals in the meat.

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, Karsten Michels

Karsten Michels Germany

  • Follow Karsten On Instagram

Born and raised in Lübeck in 1967 Karsten Michels moved to Braunschweig to study mechanical engineering and got a Phd in electrical engineering. He worked for 33 years in the Automotive Industry starting at Volkswagen followed by engagements at Suppliers like Siemens AG and Continental AG. Mostly he held management positions in engineering with teams around the world. He retired this year and as he had been a practising photographer since he was a child Karsten decided to use his skills and education to work for NGOs. He is married with one grown up son.

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