Wildlife / Animals 3rd place winner

Clearwater Beach, Florida, is more than just a sunbather's paradise. It’s also home to a flock of regal pelicans that captured my heart. As a passionate wildlife photographer, I was on a mission to capture the essence of these birds in their most raw and natural moments.

For days, I waded deep into the waters, with the waves lapping at my neck and the taste of salt on my lips. Certainly, holding my camera with its large lens above the surging waves was a daunting task. My pursuit was singular – to capture the pelican's poised precision during takeoff and its rapid torpedo dive hunting for fish.

Through waterlogged eyes, I captured their routines: the splash, the struggle, the success. I bore witness to the raw beauty of nature and felt a connection deep and unspoken. It wasn’t just about the photos anymore, but the bond I felt with these incredible creatures.

In those wet, endless hours at Clearwater, I didn't just chase the pelicans; I became a small part of their world. And in return, they became an indelible part of my story.

Hello! I'm Jan-Tore Oevrevik, known as JT, or Jan-Tore Øvrevik in Norwegian. As a Norwegian-American photographer, my passion for capturing life's moments sparked in 1998 in a makeshift darkroom in my bathroom. This early exploration in a local photography course opened a world of endless photographic possibilities.

My journey has been richly shared with my wife, Ambreen, my steadfast partner and source of inspiration. Together, we've traversed diverse landscapes, from tranquil natural scenes to bustling urban environments, capturing the essence of each place. Ambreen's unwavering support during our travels has been instrumental in bringing depth to my photography.

Photography for me is a unique blend of personal expression and capturing the world's diverse stories. Along the way, I've been fortunate to meet and befriend incredible photographers, each sharing their unique perspectives and enriching my approach to photography.

My dedication to this art form has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the "Discovery of the Year" from reFocus and the "Best Artist Fall 2022" from Photoserge Academy. My work has been featured in esteemed venues such as the Valid World Hall Gallery in Barcelona and the prestigious Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago, as well as in notable publications like PPA.