Honorable Mention
Escondido
DESCRIPTION
This photograph, part of the Escondido series, captures a moment of profound stillness and unity. Set underwater, four figures—two women and two men—stand together, naked and facing away from the camera, their forms softened by the enveloping water. Stripped of societal markers, their nakedness highlights a shared vulnerability and an unspoken bond, emphasizing the collective human experience and our intrinsic connection to one another.The figures, evoke a sense of timelessness, suggesting that when we remove external distinctions, we are left with a universal truth: our interdependence with both each other and the environment that sustains us.
The viewer is encouraged to reflect on the invisible connections that link us all, both within society and with the natural world. The scene exudes calm and harmony, subtly urging a return to balance—not only between individuals but between humanity and the Earth.
This photograph was shot underwater in a Mexican cenote, with both the photographer and the subjects holding their breath, without any assistance from scuba equipment.
AUTHOR
Fran Reina is an Italian underwater photographer based in Mexico. Drawn to water from an early age, she pursued a career traveling as a scuba diving instructor and underwater photographer. However, her true fulfillment came from capturing the natural beauty of the underwater world while incorporating the human element into each scene.Through her art, Fran seeks to highlight the beauty and tranquillity of the underwater environment. Her work focuses on integrating the human form into the underwater landscape, creating a powerful connection between the viewer and the scene. By featuring a variety of human figures that are not typically represented within modern beauty standards, she aims to promote inclusivity and inspire self-esteem in both the subjects and viewers.
Despite being an experienced scuba diving instructor, Francesca captures all of her underwater images while breath-holding. This technique allows her to move fluidly through the water without the burden of heavy equipment, creating a deeper connection with the subject—also breath-holding—and the surrounding environment.
