/ 2026 / Nature / Underwater

• Prize
  Honorable Mention
• Photographer
  Max Dobens, Spain
• Date of Photograph
  18 January 2026
• Studio
  Max Dobens Photography
• Website
  https://www.maxdobens.com
• Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/maxdobens/

While snorkeling off the coast of South Georgia Island with a water temperature of 5C, I found myself face to face with a very playful fur seal. She kept coming at me and then turning away at the last moment...until she touched her snout to the dome of my underwater camera housing and then I was graced with this amazing image.

I create images because it makes me happy.

Photography transports me back to simpler times growing up in the peaceful and happy upstate town of Hamilton, NY. As a young boy, the abundance of wildlife and natural landscapes provided endless fascination.

Reflecting on select memories, I’ve come to see how my deep connection to nature has profoundly shaped my path as a visual artist. Today, I’m driven by a desire to share the breathtaking elegance and understated power of the natural world. For me, photography is more than just capturing images—it’s about honoring the artistry of nature itself.

Awards 2025

International Artistic Photography Awards - Winner - Black and White - "Rest Stop" - Los Angeles, CA, USA

Monochrome Photography Awards - Honorable Mention - Wildlife - "Rest Stop" - London, UK

BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photographers) Print Masters 2025 - Natural World Finalist​ - "Rest Stop" - Preston, UK

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Artist-in-Residence program for April 2026 - Finalist - Hawai'i, USA

10th CAMPINA 2025 International Exhibition of Photography, Monochrome Acceptance - "Depleted" - Bucharest, Romania

10th CAMPINA 2025 International Exhibition of Photography, Nature Acceptance - "Risk v. Reward" - Bucharest, Romania

10th CAMPINA 2025 International Exhibition of Photography, Nature Acceptance - "Rest Stop" - Bucharest, Romania

Budapest Foto Awards, Honorable Mention, Nature - Wildlife - "Hibernation Hustle" - Los Angeles, CA, USA

PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris, Honorable Mention / Nature / Wildlife​ - "Hibernation Hustle" - Paris, France

PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris, Honorable Mention / Nature / Landscape​ - "Black Sand Beach" - Paris, France

The London International Creative Competition - Official Selection - "Waiting to Drop" - London, UK

The 9th Annual ONYX International Exhibition of Photo - People - "Medina" - Bucharest, Romania

The 9th Annual ONYX International Exhibition of Photo - Travel - "Third Visit to Turnip Rock" - Bucharest, Romania

The 9th Annual ONYX International Exhibition of Photo - Nature - "Iberian Ibex" - Bucharest, Romania