Falmouth lecturer recognised at International Photography Awards 2023

Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) lecturer Gina Goodman has been awarded both an Honourable Mention and Official Selection at the International Photography Awards 2023. She has also been shortlisted for the British Photography Awards 2023 alongside Falmouth University alumni Heather Hamilton and Shannon Moran.

Two of Gina Goodman's spectacular underwater photographs have won acclaim at the prestigious International Photography Awards 2023. Ocean Chapel – an atmospheric shot of a jellyfish and sea kelp in native UK waters – was awarded an Honourable Mention, and Tail Trails has been chosen as part of the Official Selection. Tail Trails was created using slow shutter speeds, dual light sources and heaps of patience to achieve the colourful, slightly ethereal style.

As a lecturer, I think the greatest win is to share these kinds of professional platforms with those you have watched and help guide into the industry – you can't ask for more really!

Gina has also been shortlisted for the British Photography Awards (BPA), alongside two Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) graduates; Shannon Moran and Heather Hamilton. Speaking about sharing the stage with graduates, Gina said: “I couldn't be prouder to be joined this year by two of our talented underwater photography alumni, Shannon and Heather. As a lecturer, I think the greatest win is to share these kinds of professional platforms with those you have watched and help guide into the industry – you can't ask for more really!” 

Gina's BPA shortlisted image captures a lionfish waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting shoal of fish in Marsa Alam, Egypt. The image – titled The Long Game – is an example of a man-made structure becoming the safety net for wild animals. Shannon’s image, Ghost Goby, is a close up shot of a skittish goby on a coral reef, also catpured in Egypt. And Heather’s image, Stargazer, shows a starfish surrounded by ‘glowing’ strings of sea salps; an unusual find in British waters.

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About Gina Goodman

Alongside being a lecturer at Falmouth University’s Institute of Photography, Gina is also an underwater photographer and PADI qualified diving instructor with a deep and genuine love for the marine environment. She has been shortlisted for four British Photography Awards for her underwater work and has also worked commercially for brands including Finisterre, Nature TTL, Fourth Element and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. 

Gina’s career in underwater photography began 18 years ago and has taken her across the Caribbean, Europe and Africa, photographing a diverse array of marine habitats – from coral reefs and eagle rays to kelp forests and cuttlefish.

These experiences have led her to focus on adapting equipment and techniques that do not typically form part of the underwater photographer’s toolkit, to give images an unexpected look and feel.  

See more of Gina’s work:  

@ginagoodman

ginagoodman.co.uk

Are you an aspiring nature photographer? Explore Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) at Falmouth University.