Humpback Mother and Calf Win Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025
Wide-angle category winner and Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025: Alvaro Herrero, Spain, for Radiant Bond. Humpback mother and calf, Mo’orea, French Polynesia.
The photo was taken in French Polynesia and triumphed over 6750 underwater pictures entered by underwater photographers from around the world.
“The mother is accompanying her calf to the surface, because the baby is still so small and clumsy,” explained Herrero. “The calf is releasing a few bubbles underwater showing it is still learning to hold its breath properly. For me, this photo really shows a mother’s love and communicates the beauty and fragility of life in our ocean.”