French underwater photographer Frédéric Damato from Angoulême has captured international attention by winning a prestigious silver award at the 10th International Festival of Film and Image of the Underwater Worlds in Trébeurden, Brittany. The photographer received the "Silver Abalone" award, which represents second place, on Saturday, October 18th, for his striking photograph of a pike in a spawning ground in the Charente region.
The winning image competed in the "Freshwater, Rivers and Lakes Worldwide" category against submissions from photographers around the globe. Damato's photograph stood out among numerous international entries, showcasing the natural beauty of the Charente's aquatic ecosystem. The Festival international du film et de limage des mondes sous-marins de Trébeurden is recognized as one of the premier competitions for underwater photography and filmmaking.
The award-winning photograph captures a pike in its natural habitat within the freshwater spawning grounds of the Charente region. This image represents what festival organizers described as "a piece of Charente among images from around the world," highlighting how local French waterways can compete with exotic underwater locations from across the globe. The technical and artistic quality of Damato's work demonstrates the rich biodiversity found in France's inland waters.
Damato's success at this international festival brings recognition not only to his photography skills but also to the natural heritage of the Charente region. His achievement showcases how French freshwater environments can provide compelling subjects for underwater photography, competing successfully against images from renowned diving destinations worldwide. The silver award represents a significant accomplishment in the competitive field of underwater photography, where technical expertise must combine with artistic vision and patience to capture the perfect moment in challenging aquatic conditions.
