Underwater Wings

Thomas Peschak's Image

Thomas Peschak (Germany/South Africa) documents the relationship between endangered Amazon river dolphins – also known as botos, or pink river dolphins – and the people who share their watery home.

The Amazon river dolphin uses sonar and its wing-like pectoral fins to navigate the murky waters of the flooded forest.

Each time Thomas was in the water with them, he was impressed by their ability to swim confidently at speed, so close to obstacles.

Behind the lens

Thomas Peschak

Thomas Peschak

Germany/South Africa

Thomas is a National Geographic Photographer and Explorer. He’s a marine biologist who turned to photojournalism to broaden his impact in conservation. Thomas has photographed 15 magazine feature stories for National Geographic and has authored and photographed eight books, including his most recent Wild Seas for National Geographic. As the Director of Storytelling for the Save our Seas Foundation, Thomas merges science and visual journalism to tackle critical marine conservation issues. Plus, his TED Talk titled Dive into an Ocean Photographer’s World has been viewed more than one million times.

Image details

  • Nikon Z 9
  • 8-15mm f2.8 fisheye lens at 15mm
  • 1/80 at f10  •   ISO 2000, Nauticam underwater housing
  • Rio Negro, Brazil
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.

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