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 was sparked in 1998 in a makeshift darkroom in my bathroom, during a local photography course that revealed endless possibilities.

My journey has been richly shared with my wife, Ambreen, who inspires me wherever we travel, from serene nature to bustling cities, helping me capture each place’s essence. Photography for me is about personal expression and telling diverse stories. I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible photographers, whose perspectives enrich my approach.

My dedication has been honored by awards such as Gold (Photographer of the Year 2024) from 1839 Awards, Double Category Winner of the Year 2024 from Global Photography Awards, Category Winner of the Year 2024 from London Photography Awards, Gold Winner 2024 from NY Photography Awards, Silver 2024 from Epson International Pano Awards, and Silver (Photographer of the Year 2024) from ReFocus Awards. I was previously named “Discovery of the Year” by ReFocus and “Best Artist Fall 2022” by Photoserge Academy. My work has also been showcased in venues like Valid World Hall Gallery in Barcelona and Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago, as well as featured in publications like PPA.