Winner, Underwater, “Giant Octopus Dofleini” by Andrey Shpatak
Nature Talks has announced the results of the latest Nature Photographer of the Year competition, with the title of “Nature Photographer of the Year 2024” going to Italian photographer Paolo Della Rocca for a wonderful shot of two snow leopards battling for dominance on a snowy mountainside.
But, of course, it is the contest’s Underwater category that will be of greatest interest to DPG readers, and the winner, runner-up and highly commended images don’t disappoint. Russian shooter (and former DPG Photographer of the Week) Andrey Shpatak claimed the top spot in the category, with a dramatic shot of a giant Pacific octopus, while the runner-up by Luca Luigi Mario Ghezzi is a charming image of a pair of amorous catfish.
DPGer Franco Banfi is highly commended for his beautiful portrait of a Portuguese man o’ war—complete with tiny man-of-war fish living among the deadly tentacles. Also highly commended are Andrea Michelutti for a lovely take on a hairy frogfish and Pietro Formis for his ominous-looking stargazer buried in the sand, waiting for its next meal.
Head over to the Nature Photographer of the Year website to check out all the stunning winning images. And don’t forget that the deadline of this year’s DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition—December 31st!—is fast approaching. Make sure to submit your entries for a chance to win some epic travel and gear prizes!
Runner Up, Underwater, “Love in the Deep” by Luca Luigi Mario Ghezzi
Highly Commended, Underwater, “Man of War” by Franco Banfi
Highly Commended, Underwater, “Aeolus” by Andrea Michelutti
Highly Commended, Underwater, “Waiting” by Pietro Formis
Highly Commended, Mammals, “Gone Fishing” by Hannes Lochner
Winner, Plants and Fungi, “Vibrant Dance” by Junqi Peng