First Light
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PrizeHonorable Mention
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PhotographerDeepak Jaybhaye, India
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Date of Photograph19 December 2025
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Instagram
As dawn breaks, the first rays of sunlight cut through a blanket of mist, transforming the lake into a river of liquid gold. Three ducks drift silently across the glowing water, their silhouettes adding scale to an otherwise ethereal landscape. For a few fleeting minutes, light, mist and stillness merged into a scene that existed only between night and day.
Dr. Deepak Jaybhaye is an Indian nature and fine art photographer based in Maharashtra. Alongside his profession as an obstetrician and gynecologist, he pursues photography with a passion for wildlife, landscapes, and human stories. His work combines careful observation with artistic vision, exploring light, behavior, emotion, and the relationship between people and nature. Through both documentary and fine art imagery, he strives to create photographs that are visually compelling and emotionally enduring.
Awards Dr. Deepak Jaybhaye's work has received recognition in several international and national photography competitions.
Shortlisted – Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA).
Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY) 2026 – Selected for the Final Judging Round.
Exposure One Awards – People's Vote Award Winner & Honorable Mention.
Refocus Black & white Awards – Silver Award & People's vote award
Refocus Color Awards – Honorable Mention & Nominee.
His photographs have been featured by Canon Asia, National Geographic India, Asian Photography Magazine, Nuts About Wildlife, Best Bird Shots, and other respected photography platforms. His images have also been published in leading Indian newspapers and magazines, reflecting his continued dedication to nature, wildlife, fine art, and visual storytelling.