Name: Stephane Granzotto
Picture title: The Whale
Category: People’s Choice
Nationality: France
Occupation: Full time photographyer, 20 years
Technical information
Camera: Canon R5
Lens: RF15-35mm f2.8
EXIF: 1/160 sec at f3.5, ISO 12800
Accessories: Seacam Underwater Housing
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Stephane Granzotto | The Whale
Name: Stephane Granzotto
Picture title: The Whale
Category: People’s Choice
Nationality: France
Occupation: Full time photographyer, 20 years
Technical information
Camera: Canon R5
Lens: RF15-35mm f2.8
EXIF: 1/160 sec at f3.5, ISO 12800
Accessories: Seacam Underwater Housing
Stephane Granzotto says:
I’ll never forget the moment I pressed the shutter. Right in front of me, a humpback whale suddenly shot up, its enormous mouth wide open. It swallowed an entire school of herring in one dramatic gulp. The scene unfolded north of the Arctic Circle in Norway during the winter. What makes the photo even more remarkable is the invisible teamwork behind it: a pod of orcas had spent minutes herding the fish into a tight ball, herding them with precision. And then, from the depths, the humpback whale suddenly appeared, taking advantage of the chaos to feed.
Through my lens, I captured not only the power of this moment but also the complexity of ocean life: a web of competition and cooperation, of survival and opportunity. It reminded me that every photo is more than a frozen image; it tells a story about connection, timing, and the fragile balance that sustains marine life.
Stephane Granzotto
France
Stéphane Granzotto is a French nature photographer and filmmaker whose work focuses on the beauty and fragility of nature. Passionate about the ocean and marine life, he has spent years documenting whales, dolphins, and other iconic species in their natural habitats. His photographs are widely published in a variety of magazines, books, and exhibitions. They combine his artistic vision with scientific precision, offering both powerful images and insights into animal behavior.
In addition to his photography, Stéphane collaborates with researchers and conservation organizations, using his images to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect biodiversity. Whether underwater or on land, his work reflects a deep respect for nature and a commitment to sharing its wonders with the widest possible audience.