2023 Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant Winners
We are thrilled to announce our two winners for the Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant 2023. Congratulations to Nicholas Hahn and Pier Nirandara! The judges felt that these candidates were able to tell compelling stories through their lenses, balancing a natural history eye with artistic lyricism. We are excited to follow their journey, and support their growing talent, as they contribute to the field of ocean conservation.
Special mention should be made of the five photographers who made it to our top seven selection: Frida Jonguitud, Jules Jacobs, Russell Laman, Sage Ono and Shatabdi Chakrabarti. Their hard work and commitment to changing the world merit serious applause.
The winners will receive the following:
- Each winner will be given a paid three-week photographic assignment to document an SOSF-supported marine research or conservation project. The SOSF has funded more than 480 projects in more than 90 countries and the winning photographers will be assigned to tell one of these stories.
- Thomas Peschak, National Geographic Magazine photographer and Director of Storytelling for the Save Our Seas Foundation, Kathy Moran, former senior editor (natural history) of National Geographic Magazine and Jennifer Samuel, photo editor at the Washington Post, will mentor photographers throughout the process.
- All winners will be given the chance to showcase their work at an international conference or an exhibition, with travel expenses included.
- Each winner’s story will also be published as a photo essay for Save Our Seas Foundation.
- A 2,000 USD cash prize
Striking photography that also weaves a narrative can really change how people see the world around them – both Nicholas and Pier displayed incredible talent in their applications and we’re really excited to work with them on connecting people to engaging shark and ray conservation stories.
– Dr James Lea, CEO of the Save Our Seas Foundation
Nicolas Hahn
Many Fine spotted Morays share a crevice in the Malpelo flora and fauna sanctuary, in Colombia. Sights such as these serve as a reminder of how rich in life the oceans are when protected. Photo © Nicolas Hahn
A young fisherman loads his speargun in the tidal pools of Guinjata Bay, Mozambique. There, he targets the small fish that find their way into these pools during the high tide. Photo © Nicolas Hahn
A Galapagos Shark swiftly swims through a school of Barracuda in the Malpelo marine protected area. Photo © Nicolas Hahn
Nicolas Hahn
Winner
Argentina
Nicholas’s goal is to tell stories that nurture empathy and empowerment. He believes that, in the face of the urgent climate crisis, mainstream media often falls short in providing stories that inform us, establish connections, empower us, and foster collective care for one another and our planet. He firmly believes that in this era, independent media plays an important role in rebalancing the recognition and attention given to voices that have been ignored for too long. Indigenous communities and other natural stewards have, he believes, been marginalized by the Western world and overshadowed by globalist agendas. His mission is to use his camera as an amplifier, giving voice to those who are the true protectors of nature, especially when their message is more urgent than ever before.
– Thomas Peschak, National Geographic Photographer & Save Our Seas Foundation Director of Storytelling
– Jennifer Samuel, photo editor at The Washington Post
– Kathy Moran, former senior editor (natural history) of National Geographic Magazine
Pier Nirandara
Photo © Pier Nirandara
Photo © Pier Nirandara
Photo © Pier Nirandara
Pier Nirandara
Winner
Thailand
Pier is determined to create, represent, and showcase more diversity in environmental journalism and marine spaces. From “fresh off the boat” to “Black people can’t swim,” she knows that people of colour are often excluded from marine narratives. But disenfranchised groups are the most at risk from climate change, so Pier believes it begins with representation—reclaiming marine spaces from the past for the future. We can’t care about what we don’t know, and where we don’t feel like we belong, she says. Pier believes that stories can elevate messaging. Empathy, awe, horror—these are all important emotions, and can be used as catalysts for change. A well-told story, she believes, elevates this work beyond the ordinary, inspiring action towards social good to leave this pale blue dot we call home better than the last.
– Thomas Peschak, National Geographic Photographer & Save Our Seas Foundation Director of Storytelling
– Jennifer Samuel, photo editor at The Washington Post
– Kathy Moran, former senior editor (natural history) of National Geographic Magazine
The Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant builds on the legacy of our previous Marine Conservation Photography Grant and is dedicated to finding and supporting a new and diverse generation of conservation storytellers. While we look specifically for photographers who can tell conservation stories about our oceans, the grant is not limited to underwater photography. It is led by our own director of storytelling and National Geographic photographer Thomas Peschak, in collaboration with Kathy Moran (formerly National Geographic) and Jennifer Samuel from The Washington Post.