ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Every winter, West Indian manatees seek refuge in the fresh water springs of central Florida, gathering in these sanctuaries to escape the colder waters and offering divers an incredible chance to connect with these gentle giants. I captured this intimate portrait while freediving early in the morning, when the springs were quiet and nearly empty of other divers. My goal was to create a close, personal perspective without disrupting their peaceful environment, so I observed a mother and her calf from a respectful distance. After a while, this curious young manatee decided to come closer, swimming by me repeatedly until he eventually approached my camera, perhaps intrigued by his reflection in the dome. In that moment, our eyes met—a gentle, unforgettable encounter filled with mutual curiosity and wonder.

AUTHOR
Remuna 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. Although we are all connected to the ocean, few people truly experience the world beneath the surface or witness the significant impacts we are having on it. Through her photography and film, Remuna hopes to raise awareness and inspire a deeper appreciation and will to protect these critical ecosystems and species. Her favorite subjects are sharks—one of the most misunderstood and threatened species on the planet—and advocating for their conservation by dispelling misconceptions and instilling the same love and fascination she has for them in others.

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