I am deeply honoured to share that my image Stranded, taken at Lennox Head, has been awarded 1st place in the Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean category at this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards.
This recognition means so much to me because the story behind the photograph is one that has stayed with me in a very personal way.
In the early hours of July 1st, I received a call about a stranded humpback whale at Lennox Head. Wildlife veterinarian Dr Stephen Van Mil was already on the scene, assessing the situation. Within hours, SeaWorld Marine Rescue and other key agencies had been contacted, and what followed was an extraordinary day of collaboration. For 15 hours, rescue teams and local community members worked tirelessly side by side, united by one goal: to save her.
Despite the dedication and determination of everyone involved, the whale could not be saved. The outcome was heartbreaking. Yet, in that moment of sadness, what struck me most profoundly was the compassion and unity I witnessed all around me. Volunteers, professionals, and locals who had never met before stood shoulder to shoulder, driven by empathy and a shared sense of responsibility to protect life.
When I look back at Stranded, I don’t just see an image of a whale. I see people. I see connection. I see the best of humanity rising to meet a moment of crisis. Photography, at its core, is about storytelling—and this image tells a story of loss, yes, but also one of togetherness, resilience, and compassion.
The Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards are about more than celebrating beautiful imagery. They shine a light on the fragile state of our blue planet while also showcasing the ways in which people all over the world are engaging with, protecting, and cherishing the ocean. To have Stranded recognised in the Human Connection Award category feels particularly meaningful because it underlines the importance of these human stories within the larger story of our oceans.
As an ocean and nature photographer, my work has always been about creating deeper connections between people and the natural world. I believe that if we feel connected, we are more likely to care, and if we care, we are more likely to act. My hope is that this image not only honours the community who gave their all that day but also inspires others to reflect on their own connection to the ocean and the life it sustains.
Winning this award is an incredible privilege, but it is not mine alone. It belongs to every person who stood on the sand that day, every volunteer who gave their time, every agency who responded without hesitation, and to the whale herself, whose story will continue to resonate with me—and I hope with many others—for years to come.
Thank you for supporting my journey and for allowing me to share these stories through photography. Together, through art and action, we can make a difference.
