Playful sea lion pups “chased, gently nipped, and twisted around the camera, fascinated by their reflections in its curved dome port,” explains winner of prestigious ocean images award

Snapping a wonderful wildlife scene is rewarding, however when the animal really interacts with you in the course of the course of, it’s an extra-special expertise, and might result in additional spectacular photographs.

That was the case for British underwater photographer, Jenny Stock, who was not too long ago named the Ocean Photographer of the Year Female Fifty Fathoms 2026 winner.

Stock’s successful portfolio included an unimaginable scene of two sea lion pups, who not solely interacted with the photographer, however even copied her actions, turning as she spun within the water.

“The playful animals chased, gently nipped, and twisted around the camera, fascinated by their reflections in its curved dome port,” Stock informed the images competitors organizers.

Gear and settings: Canon 5D Mark IV in underwater housing | 1/200 sec | f/18 | ISO 400

Stock pictured the playful pups in Western Australia’s Jurien Bay Marine Park. According to the Australian Government, the positioning is the one sea lion breeding zone alongside Australia’s western shoreline, and is residence to roughly 20% of the area’s 800-strong inhabitants.

Interactions with divers have confirmed the marine mammals to be extremely sociable and clever, with Stock saying that her expertise revealed their “curious” nature.

Other photographs in Stock’s counseled portfolio included a brilliantly composed shot of a inexperienced turtle passing above the coral flooring close to the floor of the French Polynesian Pacific waters. Stock commented that she used a quick shutter velocity and a small aperture to manage the “intense brightness”.

The Female Fifty Fathoms Award is a class of the Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards, celebrating one of the best women-created ocean images. Unlike different classes, the recipient is nominated by her friends and judged by the Ocean Photographer of the Year jury.

Stock mentioned: “To be nominated by fellow ocean photographers means more to me than I can easily express. I hope this recognition inspires more women to pick up a camera and discover the magic that’s beneath the surface.”

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