Judge’s Choice Winner: “Synchrony” by Rachel Moore
Environmental advocacy group Ocean Conservancy has unveiled the winners of its 2023 photo contest. Underwater photographer and DPGer Rachel Moore took home the top prize for her “Judge’s Choice” winner, titled “Synchrony” and captured in French Polynesia.
“A once-in-a-lifetime encounter with humpback whales in the crystal-clear waters of French Polynesia” was how the photographer described the dive, adding, “While drifting miles offshore looking for whales, this trio, mother, calf and male escort, came in for a close pass in perfect synchrony.”
Rachel’s image was selected from hundreds of submissions to three categories: Human Impact, Marine Wildlife, and Spectacular Seascapes. The judges were last year’s grand prize winner and Ocean Geographic Science Editor Alex Rose, Manta Caribbean Project Founder and Director Karen Fuentes, and filmmaker and photographer David Coffey.
Head over to www.oceanconservancy.org to find out more about how the nonprofit group is working to safeguard our oceans.
Human Impact Winner: “Choked Up” by Nicholas DeNezzo
Marine Wildlife Winner: “Climate Endurance” by Jenny Wong
Spectacular Seascapes Winner: “The Shallows” by Maximilian Holba