2024
OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHER
OF THE YEAR
FINALIST

A team of scientific divers on board a skiff in rough seas during a scientific expedition to the Seven Brothers Archipelago, Djibouti.
Photographer - Ulrika Larsson

The Transnational Red Sea Center at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne successfully carried out a coral mission in the Djiboutian waters of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in close collaboration with
two of its regional partners: the Université de Djibouti, the Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche de Djibouti (CERD) and the Red Sea University in Port Sudan.

Behind the scenes with Ulrika:
The mission's main goal was to characterise the state of the reefs at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. While capturing this moment, it felt like being in a big pot of boiling water, the sea was feisty to say the least. The boat was constantly throwing me in all different directions and everyone onboard tried to hang on to the railing with both their hands, fighting sea sickness and doing everything they could to protect the scientific equipment they had brought. It was definitely a roller coaster experience!

I tried to capture the international team spirit and action on these small boats during this scientific mission several times. Still, the moment never really presented itself the way I envisioned. This was the first time for me in this particular location and the first and only time I could capture this specific image due to the sea state, the light, the time of the day, the direction we were heading in, etc. The early morning light added to the image's slightly serene yet energetic mood.

Despite the challenges with the conditions on the day I took this image, I must admit that I enjoy being in situations like these. I have to stay focused and balance the risks of performing as a photographer while being aware of my safety, the camera gear, and the other people around me. Would I go back and do it again? Oh yes!