The story behind “The last bite”. Winner of “Ocean photographer of the year 2024”.
An unrepeatable moment beneath the Pacific: the Bryde's whale and the Sardine Run
A fleeting, powerful, and unrepeatable moment beneath the Pacific Ocean: the exact instant a Bryde’s whale emerges with its mouth fully agape, devouring a school of sardines during the Sardine Run. All around it, a whirlwind of wildlife—gleaming dorados, swift sea lions, and panicked sardines—creates a scene of pure survival. This natural spectacle captures the raw power of the ocean, its fragility, and the delicate balance that sustains its ecosystems.
My connection to the ocean:
My story with the sea did not begin with a camera, but with an air bottle. From a very young age, my father – a professional underwater photographer with more than three decades of experience – took me to explore the marine world. At the age of seven, I received my first 7-liter tank, perfect for a young diver. From then on, diving into the blue became part of my life.
For years I dived without a camera, simply observing and learning. I trained in silence, understanding the rhythms of the sea and the species that inhabit it. It wasn’t until later, inspired by my father’s captivating images, that I picked up a camera and knew I wanted to dedicate myself to telling the stories of the ocean.
A photograph that sums up a life of dedication
The image of the Bryde’s whale feeding is not just a technical feat or an award-winning photograph. It is the result of thousands of hours underwater, years of preparation, patience and passion. On this day, the Pacific waters were unusually calm, allowing the scene to be captured in stunning clarity. The whale emerged in one final motion, enveloping the school of sardines in an almost cinematic image. It was the kind of scene you dream about for years… and it only happens once.
Photographing for conservation: the ocean needs stories
The ocean is full of stories that have yet to be told. Each image I take seeks not only to be visually stunning, but also to serve as a testament to its immense value and fragility. Moments like these are a reminder of all that we are at risk of losing if we don’t act. Photography is my tool to inspire awareness, respect and action. Because what you don’t know, you don’t love. And what you don’t love, you don’t protect.
A shared moment: the power of being in the right place at the right time
This moment was also special because of the people who were with me. I had spent years hoping to witness exactly this: a whale feeding on a school of sardines. It is one of the most astonishing predation events in nature, and I was lucky enough to be there, ready.
My friend Mekan, also an underwater photographer, was right behind me. He didn’t manage to capture the image, but his generosity and joy at my achievement made the moment even more memorable. In the end, it’s not just about the photography, it’s about sharing the experience and that magical balance of preparation, intuition and luck.
Winning photo Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
When I was notified that I had won the OPY 2024 I couldn’t believe it. I never focus on winning awards, I just love taking photos. So when I was named the overall winner of something I admire so much, I had to reread the message several times to make sure it was real. It’s an honor and a privilege, but it’s something I never expected or intentionally sought out. Knowing that my work has resonated with others at such a high level still seems unreal to me.
I invite you to read the full article on the official website of National Geographic.
