Make a donation
The Museum is a charity and we rely on your support.
Make a donation today and support our 350 scientists who are working to build resilient habitats, protect vulnerable species and secure a sustainable future for our planet.
David Doubilet's Image
As this hawksbill turtle swam past, David angled his camera to set its amber underside against the rich blue water.
His intent was ‘to connect people with the ocean’s incredible beauty and its silent devastation’. Framed by a backdrop of barracuda and batfish, he used a slow shutter speed to capture this hawksbill soaring through its realm. As far back as the Ancient Greeks, the hawksbill’s glossy, colourful shell has been the sole source of commercial tortoiseshell, prized for jewellery and spectacle frames. Now critically endangered, the species is still threatened by an illegal trade for its shell as well as its eggs, meat and juveniles, which are stuffed as exotic gifts.
Behind the lens
David Doubilet
USA
David is a contributing photographer-in-residence and author for National Geographic with over 75 features. He has also won the Academy of Achievement, Lennart Nilsson and Explorers Club Lowell Thomas awards. He is a NOGI Fellow, member of the Royal Photographic Society, member of the International Diving Hall of Fame and founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers.
Image details
- Nikon D3
- 17-35mm f2.8 lens at 17mm
- 1/13 sec at f22 • ISO 320 • Seacam housing
- Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
More images from David Doubilet
View all
Support our important work
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.