{"id":102268,"date":"2025-08-30T02:59:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T02:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/102268\/"},"modified":"2025-08-30T02:59:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T02:59:15","slug":"featured-photographer-ilaria-mariagiulia-rizzuto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/102268\/","title":{"rendered":"Featured Photographer – Ilaria Mariagiulia Rizzuto"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Ilaria Mariagiulia Rizzuto was born in Verona, Italy, and has always felt the sea as her true home. Although raised far from the coast, she grew up cultivating a deep fascination with water, practising various aquatic sports that strengthened her bond with the ocean. <\/p>\n

In 2019 she became a certified scuba diver and soon after embraced freediving, discovering in the silence of the depths a place of belonging and inspiration.<\/p>\n

Her journey into underwater photography began in 2021, guided by her partner and mentor, internationally acclaimed photographer Pietro Formis. With determination and curiosity, Ilaria quickly developed a distinctive style, combining strong technical skills with a sensitive narrative vision. <\/p>\n

From her very first shots, she received recognition in major international competitions such as Ocean Art, Underwater Photographer of the Year, Mare, Asferico, VIEPA, Memorial Maria Luisa and World Nature Photography Awards among others. <\/p>\n

In 2024 she was named Emerging Photographer of the Year at the prestigious Og. Picoty Awards, confirming her talent on the global stage.<\/p>\n

Her images have been published in several national and international magazines, and in 2024 she was invited as co-presenter at PHIDEX Manila, Asia\u2019s leading underwater photography and diving event. Beyond photography, she has collaborated on underwater film projects: in 2022 she worked as assistant camera operator on Divina, a documentary about Federica Pellegrini, and in 2024 she filmed the paralympic freediving world record under ice.<\/p>\n

Ilaria is an ambassador for Marelux and Beuchat, brands that embody her passion for high-quality tools essential to exploring and documenting the underwater world. Since 2025, she has also expanded her photographic language to terrestrial wildlife, achieving recognition in this field as well.<\/p>\n

For Ilaria, photography is more than art: it is a means of conservation and awareness. Through her images, she seeks to reveal the fragile complexity of ecosystems, whether in the ocean depths, the stillness of a forest, or the delicate movement of an insect \u2014 always guided by the same energy, respect, and love for life.<\/p>\n

More from Ilaria: ilariamariagiulia.com<\/a> and Instagram @ilariamariagiulia<\/a><\/p>\n

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Blue shark, Pico Island, Azores. A sleek blue shark (Prionace glauca) gliding through the Atlantic waters.\u2028Graceful and inquisitive, it is one of the most iconic pelagic predators.\u2028Encountered in the deep blue off the Azores.<\/p>\n

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Harlequin shrimp, Puerto Galera, Philippines. \u2028A delicate (Hymenocera elegans) feeding on a sea star.\u2028With its vivid patterns, it is among the most iconic subjects in macro photography.<\/p>\n

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African pompano, Blackwater dive, Anilao, Philippines. \u2028Juvenile African pompano (Alectis ciliaris) with its elegant trailing filaments.\u2028A rare encounter, drifting in the open ocean at night.\u2028One of the most sought-after subjects in blackwater photography.<\/p>\n

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Clownfish in its anemone, Anilao, Philippines.\u2028A vibrant clownfish nestled among the protective tentacles of its host anemone.\u2028This iconic symbiosis offers both shelter and defense in the reef ecosystem.\u2028A classic yet timeless subject of tropical underwater photography.<\/p>\n

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Juvenile Carangid, Blackwater dive, Anilao, Philippines.\u2028A young carangid fish seeking shelter beside drifting debris.\u2028Blackwater dives reveal the fragile early stages of many pelagic species.\u2028A fleeting encounter with life suspended in the open ocean.<\/p>\n

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Leaf scorpionfish backlit, Anilao, Philippines. \u2028A leaf scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus) captured against the light.\u2028Its translucent body reveals intricate textures and details.\u2028A master of camouflage, blending perfectly into the reef environment.<\/p>\n

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Bottlenose dolphin, Strait of Gubal, Red Sea. \u2028A graceful bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) gliding through the clear waters.\u2028Known for intelligence and playfulness, dolphins are symbols of freedom in the ocean.\u2028Encountered in the vibrant waters of the Red Sea\u2019s Gubal Strait.<\/p>\n

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Jackfish tornado, Cabo Pulmo, Mexico. \u2028A massive school of bigeye trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus) swirling in perfect unison.\u2028This natural spectacle transforms the ocean into a living vortex of silver.\u2028One of the most iconic scenes of Cabo Pulmo\u2019s marine sanctuary.<\/p>\n

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Bull shark at El Vencedor wreck, Cabo Pulmo, Mexico. \u2028A powerful bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) patrolling the wreck of El Vencedor.\u2028Surrounded by dense schools of fish, it embodies the raw energy of the reef.\u2028A striking black-and-white scene from the heart of Cabo Pulmo\u2019s marine reserve.<\/p>\n

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Alpha sea lion, Isla Esp\u00edritu Santo, La Paz, Mexico. A dominant male California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) patrolling his rocky domain.\u2028His strength and authority maintain order within the colony.\u2028A majestic guardian of the marine sanctuary of Esp\u00edritu.<\/p>\n

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Sea lions play-fighting, Isla Esp\u00edritu Santo, Mexico.\u2028Two California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) engaged in a spirited play-fight.\u2028Their interactions strengthen social bonds within the colony.\u2028Captured in the dynamic waters surrounding Isla Esp\u00edritu Santo.<\/p>\n

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Blenny in brain coral, Anilao, Philippines.\u2028A small blenny peeking out from the ridges of a brain coral.\u2028Illuminated with a narrow beam of light, the coral glows in vivid neon hues.\u2028A perfect example of the hidden beauty in Anilao\u2019s reefs.<\/p>\n

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Male paper nautilus, Blackwater dive, Anilao, Philippines.\u2028A tiny male paper nautilus (Argonauta argo) drifting within the open ocean.\u2028Its delicate shell and golden hues stand out against the dark water.\u2028A rare and magical encounter of blackwater photography in Anilao.<\/p>\n

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Crown-of-thorns starfish, night dive, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.\u2028A striking crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) captured during a night dive.\u2028Its vivid spines glow under the dive lights, highlighting its formidable presence.\u2028Both beautiful and destructive, this species plays a dramatic role on coral reefs.<\/p>\n

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Giant manta ray, Revillagigedo (Socorro), Mexico.\u2028A majestic giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) soaring gracefully through the blue.\u2028Its vast wingspan and elegant presence dominate the waters of Socorro.\u2028An unforgettable encounter in the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago.<\/p>\n

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Crisaora isocella jellyfish with juvenile fish.\u2028A Crisaora isocella jellyfish split in half, revealing tiny juvenile fish seeking refuge.\u2028The delicate balance between fragility and protection unfolds in this unique scene.\u2028A striking example of symbiosis and survival in the open ocean.<\/p>\n

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Mantis shrimp, Mediterranean Sea.\u2028A mantis shrimp (Squilla mantis) captured with its striking eyes and raptorial claws.\u2028An impressive predator of the sandy seabed, known for its lightning-fast strikes.\u2028A rare close-up portrait from the Mediterranean depths.<\/p>\n

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Stargazer, Rijeka, Croatia.\u2028A well-camouflaged stargazer (Uranoscopus scaber) buried in the sand.\u2028Its upward-facing eyes and hidden mouth reveal a master ambush predator.\u2028An extraordinary night dive encounter in the northern Adriatic.<\/p>\n

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Red-mouthed goby, Rijeka, Croatia.\u2028Close-up of a red-mouthed goby (Gobius cruentatus), highlighting its vivid colors.\u2028The striking red patterns around its mouth stand out against the dark background.\u2028A rare Adriatic portrait showcasing this small yet captivating species.<\/p>\n

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Squat lobster in crinoid, Puerto Galera, Philippines.\u2028A tiny squat lobster (Allogalathea elegans) nestled among the arms of a crinoid.\u2028Its colours blend perfectly with its delicate host for camouflage.\u2028A classic macro encounter from the rich reefs of Puerto Galera.<\/p>\n

You can find more of Ilaria\u2019s fantastic photography on her website ilariamariagiulia.com<\/a> and Instagram @ilariamariagiulia<\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to see your work featured as one of our Featured Photographers and shared across our social media feed and weekly newsletter, send an email with some samples to\u00a0crowley@divemagazine.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More of DIVE\u2019s Featured Photographers<\/p>\n

Click here for the complete list<\/a><\/p>\n

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