Save Our Seas Foundation 2023 Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant Winner

“Photographer Nicolas Hahn makes underwater images full of colour, energy, and a surprising mix of species. His drive to mix photographs that celebrate nature with topside work that speaks to the need for marine conservation was a winning combination.”

-Kathy Moran, former senior editor (natural history) of National Geographic Magazine

“Nicolas’s photographs instil a fresh perspective on frequently covered subjects such as Baja’s mobula ray aggregations, and many of his images beautifully transcend the boundary between photojournalism and fine art.”

-Thomas Peschak, National Geographic Photographer & Save Our Seas

Foundation Director of Storytelling

  • UN world oceans day 2022-Underwater Sea Scapes -winner

“ A Diamond Stingray and a one-eyed Porcupine fish search for a meal in the sand as hundreds of Big Eye Jacks school behind them. The incredible biomass in the Cabo Pulmo national Park (Baja California Sur) allows for some surreal sights. Protected areas such as these serve as a strong example of how plentiful our oceans can be given the chance to recover.”

  • OPY 2022- Young Photographer of the Year- 2nd place

"This image was shot during my first encounter with orcas in the Sea of Cortez," says photographer Nicolas Hahn. "These magnificent animals cruised past me at a relaxed pace. Playfully, the calf turned upside down and showed its white belly. Witnessing the close bond between mother and calf in the fathomless ocean was a powerful and emotional experience. It is my hope as a photographer that capturing and sharing moments like these can transmit some of the rich feelings that this sight originally evoked."

  • UPY 2021 Up and Coming- Highly Commended

“The textures created by the intentional camera movement, add an additional visual treat to this ‘wall of content’ composition, where the frame is filled with perfectly stacked eyes and stripes. A winner pack with energy and excellent execution”

- Alex Mustard

  • OPY 2023- Conservation (Hope) finalist

“A fever of Munk’s mobula rays swim in shallow water in the Gulf of California. "Mobula rays are very sensitive, and to capture this image I had to dive down to the sea floor while freediving and stay as still as possible, doing my best to lay low and disappear before the animals could notice me," says Hahn. "As the fever swam over me, I remained still and started shooting the spectacular sight. I waited until the entire group passed by to surface, so as not to disturb the rays."