Winners Gallery
Finalist Fine Art Photographer of the Year
Joaquin Fregoni French Polynesia
"I took this photo during one of the most special encounters I’ve had in years," says Fregoni. "This curious female whale kept coming back to us, very close, again and again. It was just my group, her, and a male watching quietly from a distance, around 20m deep. He never came closer, but he didn’t leave either."
BEHIND THE LENS
Joaquin Fregoni Argentina
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Sunny & windless
- Taken on expedition
- Shot while freediving
- Site accessed by boat
Joaquin is an underwater photographer based in French Polynesia, where he spends much of his time in the ocean—especially during whale season—capturing moments with whales, dolphins, sharks, and other marine life. His work blends powerful imagery with storytelling, aiming to reveal both the beauty and fragility of the underwater world. Joaquin has published two photo books focused on the marine life of the islands, sharing his deep connection to the ocean. Through his photography, he hopes to inspire greater appreciation and protection of marine ecosystems.
