Ocean Photographer of the Year, JOAFRE4 - Oceanographic

Subscribe today from as little as £2 / $2.70 a month! Find out more

Subscribe from £2 / $2.70 a month! Find out more

  • News
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Podcast
  • Events
  • Storyteller in Residence
  • Ocean Photographer of the Year
  • Shop
  • LOG IN
  • Search
Digital bookshelf
Oceanographic Logo
  • Conservation
  • Adventure
  • Exploration
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • News & stories
    • News
    • Stories
    • Storyteller in residence
  • Videos
  • Podcast
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Ocean Photographer of the Year

Winners Gallery

<< Back to WINNERS GALLERY
  • Previews
  • 1st
  • 2nd
  • 3rd
  • 04
  • 05
  • 06
  • 07
  • 08
  • 09
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • Next

Finalist Fine Art Photographer of the Year

Joaquin Fregoni French Polynesia

17°30'11.7"S 149°56'40.2"W

"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

Ocean Photographer of the Year, JOAFRE4

Joaquin Fregoni Argentina

  • Follow Joaquin On Instagram

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.

IMAGES BY Joaquin Fregoni

AdventurePhotographer of the Year

2025 French Polynesia

Ocean Photographer of the Year, JOAFRE6

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.

Shop_otherproductsHEADER_OPYbooK2025_PINK SLEEVE
Add to cart Buy now

Newsletter

Receive the latest from Oceanographic and get 10% off your first order.

footer Photographer logo
  • Home page
  • OPY
  • Stories
  • Magazine
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Shop
  • News
  • Faqs
  • Legal
  • Read for free
  • Stockists

Copyright © 2026 CXD MEDIA LTD.

All rights reserved

10% off your first order!

Enjoy 10% off your first order with Oceanographic.

Choose from subscriptions, print magazines, books & photography prints – or bundle them together!

Use code WelcomeAboard10 at checkout.

Get 10% off