Maxence Atzori, Face to face with underwater gentle giants (Wildlife and Animal 2019)

As an ocean lover it has always been a dream of mine to encounter and photograph humpback whales underwater. This year I finally decided to make that dream come to true and booked a ticket to the island of Eua, Tonga. I've had the chance to freedive with so many whales there but one encounter was the highlight of the trip. That calf was incredibly playful and seem to want to interact with me, coming straight at me multiple time. It was so amazing to be that close from these gentle giants and to realise how mindful they can be.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.