Winners Gallery
Finalist Adventure Photographer of the Year
Marc Lenfant French Polynesia
Three surfers converge on the same wave at Teahupoʻo, French Polynesia, after a paddler is thrown from his board. The tow-in surfer immediately changes course, grabbing the cameraman to avoid a collision. At Teahupoʻo, where waves can become almost vertical, decisions are made in fractions of a second. This image captures the split-second judgment and teamwork needed to stay safe in one of the world's most demanding surf breaks.
BEHIND THE LENS
Marc Lenfant France
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Surfing
- Accessed via boat
- Olympus E-M1 II & 40-15mm lens
- ISO 500, f8.0, 1/1600s
Marc is a French photographer who has called French Polynesia home for over 25 years. A geographer by training and avid traveler, he captures the deep connection between ocean, culture, and people through powerful imagery. From outrigger canoes and waves to underwater seascapes, his work focuses on the beauty and fragility of tropical marine ecosystems. A certified diver and sailor—having crossed from France to Polynesia by yacht—Marc combines exploration with environmental awareness, using photography to inspire a deeper respect for the ocean and its communities.
IMAGES BY Marc Lenfant
AdventurePhotographer of the Year
2025 French Polynesia