Bryde’s whales, pronounced ‘broodus’, are part of the baleen family, which also includes humpback whales and blue whales. One particularly hungry marine giant was captured by Rafael Fernandez Caballeromaking him the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year (previously).
“The photo captures perhaps the most special – and craziest – moment of my life,” Caballero said in a statement, reflecting on the excitement and astonishing timing that allowed him to document the Bryde’s whale feeding on a bait ball – a tight, spherical gathering that fish shape to help protect itself from predators. Caballero’s photo was chosen as the top image from more than 15,000 entries in various categories, from underwater to surfing and drone shots.
Second place was awarded to Jade Hoksbergenwho caught a northern gannet torpedoed into the sea for a meal, and saw third place Thien Nguyen Ngoc‘s aerial view of a fishing boat amid swirling smoke and its strip of green mesh.
Discover more of our favorite finalists from this year’s competition and see the full gallery about the competition website. Follow updates about upcoming exhibitions Instagram.
