Mención de honor Votación popularSynchronized Ballet de
Cristobal Serrano de Alicante (Alicante)
Lugar: Vava’u - Tonga
Descripción: Photographing big animals in the wild is undoubtedly
stimulating, simply for the feeling of defencelessness in their presence.
Leviathans like humpback whales are some of the world’s largest creatures residing in the ocean, which is home to unusual species whose proportions are unknown on land. Despite their huge volume, they have the ability to move gracefully like ballet dancers in the water.
This image was taken during one of the most exciting moments in my life: I was free diving, close to a pod of whales, equipped with my fisheye lens. Unexpectedly the whole group started moving towards me, plunging through the water in unison. I felt as if I was in the middle of a highway, about to be run down by a marine battalion of colossuses. They passed so close, but surprisingly without touching me.
I will never forget that breathtaking moment, when I had one of the best, not-to-be-missed opportunities to capture a close up of a truly unforgettable marine performance.