Wildlife / Animals nominee

A solitary West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) floats peacefully in the crystal-clear waters of a North Florida spring, its reflection mirrored perfectly on the still surface above, like a window into another world. This serene moment, captured in 2024, offers a rare glimpse into the quiet beauty of these gentle giants.

Each winter, manatees migrate to Florida’s freshwater springs, drawn to the constant warmth these sanctuaries provide during colder months. Here, they glide with quiet grace, grazing on aquatic vegetation that helps sustain the delicate balance of these ecosystems. The springs, fed by an extensive aquifer system, are a powerful reminder of the intricate connection between species and their habitats.

This image invites viewers to pause and reflect on the profound beauty of nature, encouraging a deeper appreciation for these tranquil moments and inspiring the preservation of the vital ecosystems that sustain life both above and below the surface.

Rem​una is an artist, award-winning self taught photographer, filmmaker, and passionate advocate for conservation and animal welfare. Her underwater work aims to capture the beauty and fragility of the ocean and the incredible diversity of marine life who inhabit it.

2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition Sydney (current)

2024
- Underwater Photographer of the Year Wideangle Runner Up
- The Photo Week Awards
- Siena Finalist

2023 Awards
- Fine Art Photo Awards Professional Nature Nominee
- Ocean Photographer of the Year Finalist
- Monochrome Awards Fine Art Awarded
- Chromatic Awards Professional Wildlife and Animals Awarded
- ND Awards Professional Nature Underwater Awarded
- World Shootout Semi-Finalist
- CUPOTY Underwater Shortlist
- Nature TTL Finalist
- Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year Awarded
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year Finalist
- Underwater Photographer of the Year Finalist
- South Florida Underwater Photograph Top 3

2022 Awards
- World Shootout Winner
- CUPOTY Underwater Top 10
- Ocean Photographer of the Year Female Fifty Fathoms Finalist
- Nature TTL Shortlist
- Ocean Geographic Finalist
- South Florida Underwater Photographic Society Top 3
- Big Picture Underwater Shortlist

2019 Awards
- Underwater Photographer of the Year Up & Coming Winner