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The Guardian

Deep inside her PVC-pipe den, a Pale Octopus (Octopus pallidus) tends her clutch, carefully aerating and cleaning each egg to protect her future brood. It is a quiet act of maternal sacrifice — she rarely leaves, fasting for weeks as she guards them, her life is slowly fading away in silence.

Awards

Color Photography Contest

2026

Gold

Underwater

Non Professional

The Guardian

Deep inside her PVC-pipe den, a Pale Octopus (Octopus pallidus) tends her clutch, carefully aerating and cleaning each egg to protect her future brood. It is a quiet act of maternal sacrifice — she rarely leaves, fasting for weeks as she guards them, her life is slowly fading away in silence.

About Artist

Vadim Belakhov

I am a certified freediver and underwater photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. Photography has been a long-standing passion of mine, and about five years ago I combined it with another passion—freediving—turning breath-hold diving into both my way of exploring the underwater world and my creative tool. Whether I am travelling or diving locally in Port Phillip Bay, I focus on telling visual stories that show you do not need to be a scuba diver to experience the extraordinary beauty the ocean has to offer.

Vadim Belakhov

Photographic Areas of Focus

Macro, Underwater

Location

Australia

Explore Other Winners

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Honorable Mention
Vadim Belakhov

Vadim Belakhov

Underwater

Nominee

NM

Nathan Myhrvold

Underwater

Honorable Mention
Takayuki Nishijima

Takayuki Nishijima

Underwater

Honorable Mention
Nominee
Marina Valitova

Marina Valitova

Underwater

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