Earth In FocusPeople’s Choice Award ← All photos
Spirit of the Sea by Maryline Renault

No. 64

Spirit of the Sea

Earth In Focus Photography CompetitionCreative

This vibrant underwater image captures more than just a yellow thorny seahorse - it captures the soul of the ocean in motion. Suspended mid-water, the golden seahorse glows like a spirit drifting through the current, its delicate form standing in striking contrast against the flowing blues of the sea. To enhance this emotion and create a dreamlike effect, I used a blend of creative lighting and in-camera motion: a focused snoot beam to isolate the subject, soft backlighting to make it glow, and a panning during long exposure to blur the background - mimicking the rhythm of the sea.

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Voting closes
28 Nov 202611.59pm, Singapore time
Winner announced
29 Nov 2026on the exhibition’s final day

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About the photographer

A French-born, award-winning underwater photographer and Ocean Geographic Associate Photographer based in Singapore, she has explored over 100 countries, developing a global perspective on marine ecosystems. Through creative lighting, macro photography, and wide-angle compositions, she transforms underwater encounters into compelling visual stories. Her work celebrates the ocean’s beauty while raising awareness of conservation and the urgent need to protect fragile ecosystems.