Multi-International Award-Winning Ocean & Wildlife Photographer | Marine Biologist | Freediver | Ocean Conservation Storyteller

"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, marine biologist, freediver, and ocean advocate whose work is gaining worldwide recognition. Widely regarded as one of the most influential female artists in ocean photography, Charlotte's images capture rare and intimate encounters with marine life while inspiring conservation and connection with the natural world.

 

Photographing almost exclusively on a single breath, often at considerable depths and in challenging ocean conditions, Charlotte's imagery is renowned for its authenticity, emotion, and storytelling. Through her art, she breaks down barriers between people and marine life, inviting audiences into a world few have the privilege to experience.

 

Following a near-death experience eight years ago, Charlotte made the courageous decision to leave a successful corporate career in finance and law to pursue her lifelong passion for the ocean. Combining academic excellence with athletic achievement and artistic talent, she has built an internationally respected career at the intersection of conservation, adventure, and visual storytelling.

Recognising her extraordinary talent, Canon Australia and Aquatech, the world's leading underwater housing manufacturer, supported Charlotte in transforming her passion into a full-time profession.

 

One of her most significant career highlights was being invited to showcase her iconic Turtle and Eagle Ray photographs on the sails of the Sydney Opera House for World Oceans Day, placing her work on one of Australia's most celebrated landmarks.

 

International Photography Awards & Recognition

Charlotte's work has received recognition at some of the world's most prestigious photography competitions.

Major Awards

🏆 Winner — NZ Geo Wildlife Photographer of the Year (2023)

🏆 Winner — NZ People's Choice Photographer of the Year (2023)
(Selected from over 8,000 entries and 25,000 public votes)

🏆 Gold Award — New York Photographer of the Year
Nature / Underwater Category

🥉 Bronze Award (3rd Place) — PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris (2020 & 2023)
Nature / Underwater Category

🏅 Finalist (Top 10) — International Photography Awards (IPA)
Awarded Honourable Mention in the Nature/Wildlife Category

🏅 Finalist (Top 3) — Worldwide Photography Gala Awards
Awarded Honourable Mention in the Wildlife Category

🏆 Xposure International Photography Festival, Dubai (2024)
Selected as one of only 12 photographers worldwide to exhibit and receive recognition for her contribution to photography. Charlotte was one of just two photographers selected from Oceania and the only female representative from the region.

 

Ocean Experiences & Tourism Excellence

Charlotte's marine wildlife experiences and photography tours in the Cook Islands have earned international acclaim.

🏆 Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award (2021)

Her turtle and eagle ray encounters were ranked among the Top 1% of experiences worldwide and within the Top 10 experiences in the South Pacific.

 

Athletic & Ocean Achievements

Born into a family of pearl farmers in the Cook Islands, Charlotte developed an extraordinary connection to the ocean from an early age.

She is an accomplished waterwoman and former elite athlete, having been:

🌊 Ranked 13th in the World for Big Wave Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Surfing

🌊 An internationally recognised SUP Yoga Guru and Instructor

🌊 A highly experienced freediver, surfer, and ocean guide

The media has repeatedly dubbed her "The Real Moana" for her unique combination of ocean mastery, conservation work, and adventurous spirit.

 

Professional Qualifications & Certifications

Academic Qualifications

🎓 Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) — Major in Finance

🎓 Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Completed five years of study with an A- academic average

🎓 Diploma in Marine Biology

Professional Certifications

✔ Apnea Freediving Certification

✔ PADI Scuba Diving Certification

✔ Bronze Medallion (Surf Lifesaving)

✔ Master Trainer — Academy of Surfing Instructors
(World-leading organisation setting international standards for surf, stand-up paddleboarding, and water safety education)

✔ 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)
Internationally Certified Yoga Teacher

 

Commercial Clients & Assignments

Charlotte's unique ability to combine elite water skills with world-class photography has led to collaborations with leading brands and sporting organisations including:

• Canon Australia
• Aquatech
• O'Neill Kids
• Nike Swim
• Speedo
• Softlite Surfboards
• DaFin
• Nutri-Grain IronMan & IronWoman Series

She has also photographed luxury resorts across the Pacific and Australia while continuing to compete internationally, surf big waves, host award-winning wellness retreats, and advocate for marine conservation.

 

Weddings & Personal Commissions

Charlotte began her photography journey under the mentorship of renowned Australian wedding photographer Chris Prestidge (AtDusk Photography).

Now based in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Charlotte is available primarily for assignments throughout the Cook Islands, while regularly travelling to New Zealand and Australia for commercial projects and commissioned work.

Whether documenting a once-in-a-lifetime wedding, a luxury resort campaign, or a conservation story beneath the ocean's surface, Charlotte brings a rare combination of artistic vision, technical expertise, and deep connection to the natural world.

For media enquiries, exhibitions, commercial assignments, weddings, speaking engagements, and collaborations, please visit Charlotte's Press Page or follow her journey on Instagram and Facebook.