Diving in the ocean's whirlpool

(NADS) - A photograph by Benjamin Yavar, capturing the breathtaking scene of a massive vortex of marine life swirling around a freediver, has earned him the prestigious "Nature Photographer of the Year" award at the 2024 IPA International Photography Awards.

The International Photography Awards (IPA) is an annual global award that attracts professional, amateur, and student photographers from around the world . This competition is one of the most prominent in the photography industry today.

The "Nature" category focuses on works that highlight the beauty of Mother Nature, including landscapes, wildlife, plants, and close-ups of natural textures. Taken on April 21, 2023, this underwater photograph shows a large school of sardines swimming around a freediver.

Photograph: Sardines - Author: Benjamin Yavar
*Nature Photographer of the Year Award - IPA International Photography Awards 2024*

Freediving is an art form of underwater diving that doesn't require any breathing equipment, especially in deep water, demanding exceptional skill and expertise. Simultaneously freediving and handling camera work can be considered a remarkable talent. To capture this image, the photographer used a Sony a7 IV full-frame mirrorless camera paired with a Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G lens, housed in a Sea Frogs underwater protective case. Photographer Benjamin Yavar also shared this spectacular image on his personal Instagram, stating: "This is the day I captured an encounter from another dimension."

In the caption of his entry, author Benjamin Yavar shared: "Photographing sardines is an incredibly wonderful experience. They can create the most amazing and unique shapes. I love how the sardines seem to be welcoming the freediver or wanting to devour her – depending on your perspective."

Dan Rubin, a member of the judging panel, commented: "The swirling spectacle of this school of marine life looks more like the gaping maw of a giant creature wanting to devour the diver than a simple school of sardines. It's surrealism in nature at its most spectacular."

Additionally, Yavar's photograph will be featured in the annual IPA Photo Book, a prestigious award in the world of nature photography.

The IPA International Photography Awards is an initiative of the Lucie Foundation, a non-profit charity dedicated to honoring outstanding photographers, discovering and developing emerging talent, and promoting the appreciation of photography globally. The Lucie Foundation's annual program is primarily funded through the IPA International Photography Awards, with the highlight being the prestigious Lucie Award.

Here are some other outstanding entries from the 2024 IPA International Photography Awards.

People Photographer of the Year Award
Work: In the Shadows of Silent Women - Author: Maryam Firuzi