We’re absolutely stoked to unveil the 2026 Ocean Film Festival Australia hero image — a breathtaking photograph of a green sea turtle gliding peacefully through the blue, captured by Gold Coast–based marine wildlife photographer Evie Wilderness.
Every year, we choose an image that captures the heart of what the festival is all about — connection, awe, and respect for the ocean. Evie’s photo does exactly that. It’s calm, powerful, and full of that indescribable magic that happens when you’re truly present in the water.
So, we caught up with Evie to chat about her journey, her favourite dive spots, and the wild story behind the shot that now represents the 2026 Ocean Film Festival World Tour.
From Land Lens to Ocean Obsession
When Evie talks about how she got into underwater photography, you can tell the ocean has completely stolen her heart.
“It all started about three years ago,” she says. “A mate and I went for a spontaneous snorkel, and I ended up swimming with Grey Nurse Sharks. That moment completely changed everything for me. I was instantly hooked.”
That first encounter lit a fire that hasn’t gone out. “I bought an underwater housing for my old land camera and started spending every spare moment in the ocean. What started as a simple curiosity quickly snowballed into the career I have today.”
Favourite Spots Beneath the Surface
Ask Evie to name her top three underwater photography spots, and she laughs — “Ooooh, that’s a tough one!”
Her first pick is Nguthungulli / Julian Rocks, near her home. “It’s home to the largest aggregation of Leopard Sharks during summer — it’s absolutely magical every time I go.”
Next on the list is the Deep South of the Maldives, where the coral reefs are, in her words, “some of the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen. It’s so special to witness large, healthy coral in such abundance.”
And finally, Bushrangers Bay in NSW — the spot that started it all. “It’ll always hold a special place in my heart and a deep sense of connection.”
Lessons from the Deep
“The ocean has taught me that we’re all equal,” Evie says. “Every species plays a vital role in keeping balance in our world. Each creature is so intentionally evolved and unique — they deserve our respect and kindness.”
It’s a message that runs through all her work. Her photos feel calm and intimate, a reminder of how connected we all are — both above and below the surface.
The Story Behind That Turtle Shot
So, what’s the story behind the 2026 hero image — that serene, top-down photo of the green sea turtle?
“This day was truly epic!” Evie laughs. A few friends decided to swim about 400 metres off their local beach, just to see what they might find. “The conditions were a bit choppy and quiet underwater, so everyone else headed back in. But I had this gut feeling to stay a little longer — and I’m so glad I did.”
Moments later, she was surrounded by around 40 juvenile Bronze Whaler sharks, with a few Scalloped Hammerheads mixed in. “It was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life,” she says.
Still buzzing as she began swimming back to shore, she spotted a sea turtle gliding gracefully over the sand. “It felt like the perfect calm after all that adrenaline. I dove down, took a simple top-down shot — one of my favourite styles for how natural it looks — and then swam alongside the turtle for a moment, making eye contact. It was pure magic.”
The image was captured on her Nikon Z8 with a NIKKOR 14–24mm f/2.8 lens, inside a Siren Salty Surf Housing — but what really makes it special is the quiet emotion behind it.
“Such a Huge Honour”
When Evie found out her image had been chosen as the official hero photo for the 2026 Ocean Film Festival, she was over the moon.
“I’m honestly so honoured,” she says. “To have my work associated with an event that celebrates the ocean and the people protecting it feels incredibly special. The ocean has shaped who I am, so knowing my photo might inspire others to connect with it means the world to me.
A Few Fun Facts About Evie
- She’s completely self-taught — learning everything through trial, error, and pure obsession.
- Her favourite subjects? Leopard Sharks, Humpback Whales, every kind of ray, and dolphins “if I’m up for a fast-paced challenge.”
- She mostly shoots using natural light — keeping her images raw, real, and true to how the ocean feels.
We’re proud to feature Evie’s work as this year’s hero image and can’t wait for audiences around the country to experience the stories, films and art that celebrate our incredible oceanic world.
You can follow Evie on Instagram at @EvieWilderness
See you at the 2026 Ocean Film Festival — some tickets are already available! Get onto it quickly! Tickets here
OR you can sign up to our mailing list to be one of the first to know when other tickets go on sale and the new 2026 merch drops
All images in this article are credited to Evie Wilderness
