Winners Gallery
Finalist Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Renee Capozzola Maui, Hawaii
A rare encounter: four green sea turtles serenely swim together under the sun’s rays in a single frame. "I captured this image by staying still, waiting patiently, and not exhaling any bubbles into the shot," says Capozzola. "This image was only possible due to the strong legal protections that allow this species to thrive in Hawaii. By successfully enacting and enforcing these protections, Hawaii shows the rest of the world what can be accomplished through excellent conservation practices."
BEHIND THE LENS
Renee Capozzola
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Clear, sunny day
- Early morning shoot
- Shore dive
- Light swell
Renee Capozzola is a conservation-oriented underwater photographer who has received over fifty prestigious international awards for her work. Renee’s work has been featured by multiple news outlets such as CNN, USA Today, BBC News, People, the Today Show, and France 2. When she is not in the water, Renee enjoys speaking at various events, judging photo competitions, and educating others about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
MORE IMAGES BY Renee Capozzola
Fine ArtPhotographer of the Year
2024 Tahiti, French Polynesia
Ocean Portfolio Award
2023 Hawaii
Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
2023 French Polynesia
Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year
2023 Maui, Hawaii
Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year
2022 Philippines
Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year
2022 Hawaii
Female Fifty FathomsAward
2021 French Polynesia
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.