What is the best photograph ever taken?

What qualifies as the best photograph ever taken is a question inherently leading to diverse responses from photographers. It’s an inquiry that draws out varied responses based on personal preferences, interests, and cultural perspectives. What constitutes as the best photograph ever taken is highly subjective, and depends on the type and style of the photographer in question. Each of us is shaped by distinct ways of perceiving the world, leading to significant differences in our opinions.

Nonetheless, this question carries significant weight. It acts as a lens through which we can gain profound insight into who the photographer is – revealing what propels and inspires them, ultimately shaping their distinct visual mindset. The quest for the best photograph ever taken transcends the pursuit of an elusive image; it becomes a meaningful journey, unveiling a photographer's artistic identity.

So, what do I think is the best photograph ever taken?

Well, I've encountered countless incredible photographs in my lifetime, and choosing a favourite was a difficult task. However, at this moment, the best photograph ever taken in my opinion is not just down to the image itself but the story and the emotional beauty it conveys. That photograph is François Baelen’s ‘Gentle Giants.’

The French photographer, based in the West Indian Ocean, developed a passion for freediving. It was through experimentation with a GoPro that he delved into underwater photography, gradually upgrading his gear to a Sony A7III Mirrorless camera with macro and wide-angle lenses.

The image ‘Gentle Giants’ was captured off Saint–Gilles Reunion Islands. Baelen freedived to around 15 meters and was only centimetres away from the tail of a magnificent Humpback whale. Despite the challenging yet rewarding drift dive, with the boat missing upon resurfacing and having to swim back to shore, Baelen managed to capture a hugely impactful image. One that even today is one of the best images he believes he has shot.

Encountering the photograph in a scuba diving magazine in 2019, it struck me with its powerful composition and strikingly deep blue colouration. Baelen's ability to convey the size, serenity, and peace of these two different mammals – a human and a whale – was truly captivating. Baelen reflected on the trust displayed by the animal, a stark contrast to the continued hunting and killing of such creatures by the same animal that was capturing the moment.

It was this image that inspired me to want to someday be that diver in the picture, experiencing this feeling of being free and at peace surrounded by some of the largest and most beautiful animals in the world.

Photography is a multifaceted art form, it serves various purposes—be it storytelling, expressing truths, or capturing individual visions. While interpretations may differ among photographers, a common thread unites us all: a shared vision and, perhaps more significantly, a dream.

The pursuit of perfection propels each photographer on a unique journey. For some, the dream materializes from the moment they first grasp a camera, while others require years to cultivate their artistic vision. In my case, the evolution of my dream took time. Now, I aspire to capture an image akin to François Baelen's, but instead of a whale, I aim to experience and photograph images in open water with sharks. I am driven by the desire to change perspectives, convey hidden truths, and shed light on important matters. François Baelen's 'Gentle Giants' remains the image that first ignited my love for the ocean and continues to propel my photographic dreams. That, in my opinion, is the best photograph ever taken. But that's just my story—what do you think is the best photograph ever taken?

Image: Gentle Giants. 2023. Reddit. cemreorkun.

Information: Scubadivermag.com/underwater-photographer-françois-baelen Ross Arnold, January 2021

UWphotographyguide.com/oa18-1st-wide-angle

BBC.co.uk/news/in-pictures-47371328 BBC, 2019

Themarinediaries.com/tmd-blog/upy19