September 15, 2024 0 Exhibition Belinda OPY Awards 2024 Edwar Herreno Awarded 2nd Place at Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 Conservation, photography, and a global spotlight Colombian-born photographer Edwar Herreno has made waves in the world of conservation photography, winning 2nd place at the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 competition in London, in the Conservation (Hope) category. His striking photograph, which features a whale shark swimming alongside a boat off the coast of Costa Rica’s Cocos Island, was prominently displayed at London's Piccadilly Circus during the awards ceremony this week. MÍRAME Contact Information: MÍRAME Fine Art Email: [email protected] Follow: Facebook | Instagram Behind the Image: Conservation in Focus The winning photograph was taken during Herreno’s collaboration with an NGO focused on shark conservation. As part of the mission, Herreno was aboard a converted whale-hunting vessel off Cocos Island, an area rich in marine biodiversity. The NGO’s work to protect vulnerable shark species led Herreno to witness a majestic scene—the graceful movements of a whale shark circling the boat. But this wasn’t just another photo opportunity. The photograph required tremendous physical effort and skill to achieve. Enduring a physically demanding swim, Herreno worked with a large underwater camera while navigating the constant movement of the boat and the whale shark. The result is a split-shot photograph that reveals a delicate balance between humans and marine life. More than just a visually arresting image, it is a statement on the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, a cause Herreno has long championed through his work. This award from the Ocean Photographer of the Year celebrates Herreno's conservation efforts. Edwar Herreno at the Ocean Photographer of the Year awards ceremony in London, 2024 International Acclaim and Continued Success The Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards is not the first time Herreno’s work has received international acclaim. In 2019, this exact image was honored at the United Nations World Oceans Day event and remains on display at the UN headquarters in New York. He has also been a finalist in 2021 and 2017 in the prestigious “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” competition held annually at the Natural History Museum in London, and was named “Underwater Photographer of the Year” in England, in 2017. In addition to his photography, Herreno has contributed to major underwater film productions with CNN, BBC, National Geographic, and other international media outlets. His work in these productions further solidifies his reputation as a leading figure in marine photography, using his platform to educate and inform a global audience about the wonders—and the vulnerabilities—of the ocean. Art as Activism: MÍRAME Fine Art’s Commitment MÍRAME Fine Art, Costa Rica’s online art gallery, represents Herreno, and emphasizes the importance of using art to inspire environmental action. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing artists who are committed to conservation and who use their platforms to raise awareness about critical ecological issues. Belinda Seppings, co-founder of MÍRAME Fine Art, spoke about Herreno’s achievement: “We are incredibly proud of Edwar’s commitment to using his work as a tool for change. His dedication—both in overcoming the physical challenges involved and in crafting such an impactful image—speaks to the power of art in driving global conservation efforts.” Herreno’s photograph, now available through MÍRAME Fine Art, has already sparked important conversations about ocean protection. The gallery is offering custom-sized prints of the image to accommodate various spaces, ensuring that this emblem of conservation can be appreciated by a wider audience. A Life Devoted to the Ocean Edwar Herreno at the Ocean Photographer of the Year awards in London, 2024. Since 2002, Herreno has been dedicated to ocean exploration and conservation, a passion that has led him to work with numerous conservation organisations. In addition to being a photographer, Herreno is also a videographer, scuba instructor, technical diving instructor, and yacht captain. His skillset allows him to navigate challenging underwater environments, making him uniquely equipped to document life beneath the surface. Costa Rica holds a special place in Herreno’s heart. His work has frequently brought him to the country's most biodiverse regions, including Malpelo, the Papagayo Gulf, and Catalina Island, but it is Cocos Island that stands out as his favorite. There, Herreno has spent years photographing its diverse underwater ecosystems, focusing on species such as sharks, rays, whales, and dolphins. These experiences have shaped his approach to photography, which seeks to inspire a deeper connection between viewers and the ocean. A Future of Conservation Through Photography Herreno’s achievements highlight the growing role of art in environmental activism. His photography not only invites viewers to appreciate the beauty of the natural world but also challenges them to think critically about the environmental crises facing our planet. With thousands of hours spent beneath the waves, Herreno continues to explore and document marine life in the hopes of inspiring stronger conservation efforts. Through MÍRAME Fine Art, Herreno’s work remains accessible to collectors and institutions committed to supporting conservation. His award-winning photograph from the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 competition is now available for purchase, offering an opportunity for art lovers to own a piece that stands as both a celebration of nature and a call to action.
