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one of the most followed female artists in oceanic photographyC l e a n ,
charlotte piho isCharlotte Piho isone of the most followed female artists in oceanic photographyC l e a n ,charlotte piho isTwig & pine isMulti-International Award-Winning Ocean and Wildlife Photographer
"Thank you for sharing your images with the world. The work you are doing is beautiful, emotional and important."
— Stuart McLean, Chief of Staff, The Daily Telegraph
Charlotte Piho is a multi-international award-winning photographer and is rapidly becoming recognised as one of the most followed female artists in oceanic photography. Through powerful imagery captured on a single breath, often at significant depths and in untamed marine environments, Charlotte creates compelling visual stories that bridge the gap between people and the natural world.
The stories behind her images are as moving as the photographs themselves. Her work invites audiences into intimate encounters with marine life, fostering connection, understanding, and conservation awareness through art.
After a near-death experience eight years ago, Charlotte made the life-changing decision to leave a successful corporate career in finance and pursue her true passion—the ocean. An accomplished academic, she holds degrees in Finance and Law, along with a Diploma in Marine Biology. Recognising her extraordinary talent, Canon Australia and Aquatech, the world's leading underwater housing manufacturer, supported her transition from passionate photographer to full-time professional artist.
One of Charlotte's proudest career moments came when she was invited to showcase her iconic Turtle and Eagle Ray images on the sails of the Sydney Opera House for World Oceans Day, placing her work on one of Australia's most celebrated landmarks.
International Recognition
Charlotte has received an extensive list of international photography awards and accolades.
In October 2023, she was named NZ Geo Wildlife Photographer of the Year and, from more than 8,000 entries and 25,000 public votes, was also awarded People's Choice Photographer of the Year.
In March 2024, Charlotte received her highest photography honour when she was selected as one of only 12 photographers worldwide to exhibit her portfolio and receive recognition at the prestigious Xposure International Photography Festival in Dubai. She was one of just two photographers chosen from Oceania, and the only female representative from the region.
Her other prestigious awards include:
- New York Photographer of the Year (Gold Award) – Nature/Underwater Category
- PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris (Bronze Award) – Nature/Underwater Category (2020 & 2023)
- International Photography Awards (IPA) – Honourable Mention, ranked among the Top 10 photographers from over 13,000 entries
- Worldwide Photography Gala Awards – Wildlife Category Finalist (Top 3)
Ocean Experiences & Tourism Excellence
Charlotte's Cook Islands photography and marine wildlife tours, featuring encounters with turtles, eagle rays, and other marine life, were awarded Tripadvisor's highest accolade: "Best of the Best" in 2021.
This distinction placed her tours among the top 1% of experiences worldwide and within the Top 10 experiences in the South Pacific.
Ocean Heritage & Athletic Achievements
Born into a family of pearl farmers, Charlotte is a naturally gifted freediver and accomplished waterwoman. She was ranked 13th in the world for Big Wave SUP Surfing and became an internationally recognised ambassador and instructor for SUP Yoga.
Often referred to by the media as "The Real Moana," Charlotte has built a career that seamlessly combines adventure, artistry, athleticism, and environmental storytelling.
Her commercial and editorial work has included:
- Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series
- O'Neill Kids
- Nike Swim
- Speedo
- Softlite Surfboards
- DaFin
She has also photographed some of the world's most luxurious resorts while continuing to surf big waves, compete internationally, and host award-winning wellness retreats.
Weddings & Assignments
Charlotte began her photography career under the mentorship of acclaimed Australian wedding photographer Chris Prestidge (AtDusk Photography). Today, as a mother based in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, she is primarily available for assignments throughout the Cook Islands while regularly travelling to Australia and New Zealand for commercial projects.
If you're planning a wedding in the Cook Islands, Charlotte would be honoured to capture your special day.
For more information, please visit Charlotte's press page or follow her adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
one of the most followed female artists in oceanic photographyC l e a n ,charlotte piho isCharlotte Piho isxx Charlotte Piho is a multi-international award winning photographer and becoming widely recognised as one of the most followed female artists in oceanic photography. 'Thank you for sharing your images with the world, the work you are doing is beautiful, emotional and important.' - Stuart Mclean, Chief of Staff, The Daily Telegraph.
3months into launching her own photography business in 2018, Canon Australia celebrated her work for 'International women's day'; She also judged a nationwide Animal photography competition for Canon and had an almost sell out turtle exhibition at Bondi Beach's Bucket list.
In Sept 2020 Charlotte was placed 3rd (Awarded Bronze) in the nature/underwater category of the Paris Photographer of the Year awards (PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris). This is regarded as one of the most prestigious photography awards in Europe. Most recently she was named as a finalist and awarded an Honourable mention (Top 10 out of over 13,000) in the highly prestigious IGA 'International photographer of the year awards'. Earlier in August 2020 Charlotte was named a finalist (Top 3) in the Wildlife section of the prestigious fine art 'Worldwide Photography Gala Awards'.
Born from a bloodline of pearl farmers, Charlotte is a naturally gifted freediver and all-round waterwoman (Was ranked 13th in the world for big wave SUP Surfing and continues to be an international Guru for the sport of SUPYoga). She has just recently opened her own gallery in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. And her turtle and ray tours are currently rated No#1 tour on Tripadvisor in the Cook Islands.
Charlotte is deeply passionate at photography both above and below the water (She recently completed a diploma in Marine Biology). Her unique, warm and authentic approach to capture candid natural moments of magic; has seen her working with clients all over the world. From family water photos; sporting events to brand campaigns. Recent work includes the water photographer for one of Australia's leading sporting events the Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series. Water Photographer for one of Australia's most iconic ocean swims 'The Bondi to Bronte Oceanswim'. Photographer for Aus O'Neill Kids campaign. Work for top ocean sporting brand clients Nike Swim; Speedo; O'Neill; Softlite Surfboards and Dafins.
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