What makes Edwar Herreño’s wildlife photography unique?

Edwar Herreño is a marine biologist as well as a photographer, which allows him to approach his subjects with deep scientific understanding. His work is not just about aesthetics; it is a form of "visual conservation" intended to document marine life and raise awareness about declining shark populations and the importance of ocean preservation.

What are the most common subjects in Edwar Herreño’s portfolio?

Herreño is world-renowned for his underwater photography, specifically of large marine predators. His most famous images feature scalloped hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, bait balls, and orcas. He also documents Costa Rica's terrestrial biodiversity, including hummingbirds, capuchin monkeys, and toucans.

Has Edwar Herreño received any major international awards?

Yes, Herreño is a highly decorated photographer. He was named "Underwater Photographer of the Year" by the United Nations in 2019 and has been a multi-time finalist in the prestigious "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" competition at the Natural History Museum in London (2017 and 2021).

Where does Edwar Herreño capture his underwater images?

While he has traveled the world, Costa Rica is his primary focus. He has spent thousands of hours documenting the waters of the Papagayo Gulf and the Catalina Islands. He famously considers Cocos Island (Isla del Coco) to be his "favorite place on Earth" and the primary setting for his most dramatic shark and marine life photography.

Edwar Herreno

Colombia, b.1976

Lives and works in Marseille, France

Available CV

Commission

Edwar Herreno, a prominent wildlife photographer and marine biologist, has been fascinated with the ocean since his early years, which led him to embark on a journey of exploration and conservation. In 2002, he pursued a career as a marine biologist, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion for the sea. Aside from being a photographer, Herreno is also a videographer, recreational scuba instructor, technical diving instructor, and yacht captain. Having lived in numerous countries, he has amassed a wealth of experiences along the way and is deeply committed to marine conservation, actively collaborating with multiple organisations.

Costa Rica holds a special place in Herreno’s heart, where he has dedicated extensive time documenting Malpelo, the Papagayo Gulf, Catalina Island and – his favourite place on earth – Cocos Island. His Costa Rican underwater photography showcases an array of marine life, from sharks and rays to whales, dolphins, fish and breathtaking bait balls.

Herreno’s photographs have earned him recognition as a finalist in 2021 and 2017 in the prestigious “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” competition held annually at the Natural History Museum in London, as well as being named “Underwater Photographer of the Year” for the United Nations in 2019 and “Underwater Photographer of the Year” in England, in 2017. Herreno’s contributions to underwater film productions with CNN, BBC, National Geographic, French TC, Marine Investigators, and Japanese TV have further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in marine photography.

With thousands of hours spent beneath the waves, Herreno invites us to explore and appreciate the underwater world of Costa Rica through his images, promoting a deeper connection to the ocean and its preservation.

Why We Love This Artist
Every conversation with Edwar leaves us with a deeper appreciation of what his photographs actually represent — years of patience, thousands of hours underwater, and a marine biologist’s understanding of the creatures he is waiting to photograph. What can look like a single, simple image is often the result of a lifetime’s knowledge and practice. That his work has been recognised by the Natural History Museum in London and the United Nations speaks to a reputation that extends well beyond Costa Rica’s extraordinary waters.