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Finalist Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Rafael Fernandez Caballero Mexico

24°24'39.4"N 109°16'32.5"W

In the Pacific waters of Mexico, this photograph captures the aftermath of a successful orca hunt. Nearly an hour after a pod separated a humpback whale calf from its mother, the orcas resurfaced carrying their prey between them. The event reveals the cooperative hunting strategies of orcas, where multiple individuals work together to isolate and subdue large prey. What the image doesn't show is that after the kill, other scavengers, including silky sharks, were drawn to the remains, showing how one event can influence an entire marine food web.

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, RAFCAB12

Rafael Fernandez Caballero Spain

ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Shot while snorkelling
  • Site accessed by boat
  • Nikon z9, Nikon 8-15mm lens. Isotta Housing,
  • ISO800, F/9, 1/320s

Rafael Fernández Caballero is a photographer, filmmaker, renewable energy engineer, scuba diving instructor, expedition leader, and wildlife cameraman. Internationally recognized for his visual storytelling, he has won prestigious awards including Underwater Photographer of the Year, Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024, and multiple CMAS World Championship titles. As a National Geographic Storyteller, he combines exploration, conservation, and compelling imagery to bring the underwater world closer to audiences worldwide. He also works as an expedition leader, wildlife specialist, and cameraman for the TV series *Cazadores de Imágenes*. Through powerful photography and film, Rafael inspires ocean conservation and connection.

MORE IMAGES BY Rafael Fernandez Caballero