Young Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024, JOAPON4 - Oceanographic
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2nd place Young Photographer of the Year

Joao Pontes Hawaii, USA

21°26'09.3"N 157°47'36.0"W

A perfectly camouflaged lizardfish with prey in its mouth. “Lizardfish are ambush predators and try to camouflage themselves among the paler substrate, remaining motionless, waiting for other fish to get close,” says Pontes. “They attack and capture their prey with sharp teeth, and sometimes they have eyes bigger than their stomachs. I think this photo highlights how colours can play very different roles in nature. Taking the shot from above ensured the distinct outlines of each fish were clear, thereby bringing the interaction into focus.”

BEHIND THE LENS

Young Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024, JOAPON4

Joao Pontes Portugal

  • Follow Joao On Instagram

ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Water temperature of 21 degrees Celsius
  • Site accessed with kayak
  • Taken while freediving
  • Late morning

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.

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