Swedish photographer alex dawson has achieved the prestigious title of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024. Their winning entry, ‘Whale Bones’, is a mesmerizing image that takes viewers beneath the icy expanse of the Greenland ice sheet, where a diver is seen discovering the skeletal remains of a minke whale. This fascinating composition not only showcases Dawson’s extraordinary photographic skills but also highlights the haunting beauty of the underwater world.
a competitive field
Competition for this year’s award was stiff, with over 6,500 entries submitted from photographers around the world. Entrants competed in 13 categories including Macro, Wide-Angle, Behavior and Wreck, with an additional four categories dedicated to photographs taken in British waters. Dawson’s ‘Whale Bones’ stood out among this impressive series of underwater photography, earning him top honors in the renowned competition for its celebration of the planet’s aquatic environments.
Dawson’s underwater mastery
Alex Dawson’s achievement in the 2024 Underwater Photographer of the Year competition underlines his mastery of the art of underwater photography. His ability to capture the eerie stillness of an underwater scene alongside the compelling story of natural history told by whale bones speaks volumes for his photographic vision and technical expertise. Dawson’s work not only contributes to the genre of underwater photography, but also serves as a poignant reminder of the natural wonders that exist beneath the surface, often unseen by the human eye.
Importance of ‘whale bones’
The ‘Whale Bones’ image is more than just a visually stunning photograph; It is a window into the depths of our planet’s oceans and their secrets. Through Dawson’s lens, viewers are offered a rare glimpse of the remains of marine life preserved in the cold, dark waters beneath the ice. This image serves as a powerful testament to the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of conservation and the need to protect these priceless underwater habitats.
A celebration of underwater beauty
The Underwater Photographer of the Year competition continues to be a platform to showcase the incredible talent of photographers who dive into the depths to bring the underwater world to the surface. Through their lens, we are given the opportunity to appreciate the beauty, diversity and complexity of aquatic life. Alex Dawson’s ‘Whale Bones’ is a remarkable addition to the competition’s legacy, reminding us of the deep connection between humanity and the ocean, and the endless wonders waiting to be explored beneath the waves.
