Fourteen-year-old underwater photographer Panitbhand Paribatra “Pari” Na Ayudhya has been named a winner in the Project // 21 category of the Hasselblad Masters 2026 competition. According to PetaPixel, the Thai photographer secured the title—which is restricted to entrants 21 and younger—following a series of three technically complex images captured during a blackwater dive in the Philippines.
Strategic Approach to Competitive Photography
Winning the Hasselblad Masters required more than just technical ability; it required a strategic study of past winners. Paribatra told PetaPixel he analyzed previous editions of the contest to identify patterns in successful submissions. He determined that while individual images must stand on their own, a winning series requires a cohesive aesthetic thread. “They all look similar but they’re all different in a way,” he noted. This preparation paid off, earning him a 5,000 euro creative fund and his choice of a Hasselblad 100-megapixel camera system.
Did you know?
Blackwater diving involves floating in the open ocean at night over abyssal depths. Divers use high-powered lights to attract plankton, which draws deep-water predators and creatures closer to the surface for unique photography opportunities.
Technical Improvisation in Open Ocean Conditions
The winning images were captured under challenging conditions. Paribatra initially experimented with standard flash photography but found the results lacked the desired organization. To refine his process, he improvised by using a video light combined with filters, employing a slow shutter speed before finishing the exposure with a flash to retain critical details. This technique reflects his broader commitment to technical growth, which he began at age 10 when he first started scuba diving.
Gear Choices for Macro Underwater Work
While many underwater photographers favor wide-angle lenses, Paribatra utilizes a Nikon Z8 paired with a Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S macro lens. He explains that this setup allows him to capture minute subjects, such as an octopus he photographed that was roughly the size of a ping-pong ball. To manage lighting, he mounts two Kraken strobes to his lens, ensuring he is prepared for the rapid movements of marine life.
Pro Tip:
Paribatra recommends practicing camera settings on nearby objects or fellow divers before approaching wildlife. “A shark isn’t going to stick around long,” he noted, emphasizing that once a subject appears, there is no time for adjustments.
Future Aspirations and Ocean Conservation
Despite his success, Paribatra views photography as a passion rather than a singular career path. As an Ocean Ambassador for the Manta Trust and a Young Shark Ambassador for Fins Attached Marine Research and Conservation, he balances his artistic pursuits with a desire to contribute to marine science. He stated that he avoids viewing photography as a rigid commitment to preserve his enjoyment of the hobby. He recently hosted a Bangkok exhibition titled “Pay Back to the Ocean” to raise awareness for marine environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old is Panitbhand Paribatra? He is 14 years old.
- What is the Project // 21 category? It is a specific division of the Hasselblad Masters competition reserved for photographers aged 21 and under.
- What gear does he use? He primarily shoots with a Nikon Z8 and a 105mm macro lens, supplemented by Kraken strobes and a video light.
- Where were the award-winning photos taken? The images were captured during a nighttime blackwater dive in the Philippines.
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