Katie Jackson, Surrender (SINGLE SHOT 2025)

Luciana is a national free diving record holder. Her story to the top of her sport is an inspiration. We connected through our love of the ocean. This image represents the surrender our body's experience once we submerge ourselves in water and activate the Mammalian Dive Reflex. An ancient adaption; the mammalian dive reflex is a physiological response seen in all mammals. Our body's ability to conserve oxygen during submersion in water allows us to explore and connect with the underwater world. For myself and my children, who are all neurodiverse, the immersion helps regulate our nerves system. This is something we can all benefit from- as an antedate to the demands of the modern world. Not only is immersion personally empowering, it also fosters community amongst ocean lovers and a connection to the natural world that motivates us to promote its conservation.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.