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Season One: LIFE 2026

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PRINCE OF BLUE

2026 Annual Competition

PRINCE OF BLUE

RINTARO UKONJapan

JURY CHOICE

Nature/Wildlife

Entry type: Series
Series: 5 photographs

Prince of Blue captures a young humpback whale emerging from the depths of the Pacific and circling around me in a graceful dance. Shot while free diving in Tonga on August 10, 2023, without scuba tanks or artificial lighting, the image reflects a silent, sacred encounter built on trust and respect. Using a Sony α1 with a 28mm F2 lens, I captured the whale’s movement through natural light, preserving the dignity and beauty of this gentle prince of the blue ocean.

Complete series

PRINCE OF BLUE — Image 1 of 5

PRINCE OF BLUE — Image 2 of 5

PRINCE OF BLUE — Image 3 of 5

PRINCE OF BLUE — Image 4 of 5

PRINCE OF BLUE — Image 5 of 5

12AWARDS

An international photography competition celebrating exceptional vision, creativity, and visual storytelling across the globe.

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