Jury FINALE 2023

Luca Chiarabini Memorial Contest 2023, FINALE 2023 Jury Memebers

Luca Chiarabini
MEMORIAL

Photo Contest
2024

Worldwide Edition
(Free participation)

JURY MEMBERS
FINALE 2023

The Jury Members of the FINALE 2023.
They took a great effort and much of their precious time to fairly evaluate all the amazing photos received. 

🙏🏻 🙏🏻 🙏🏻 MANY THANKS TO ALL OF THEM!

Round FINAL 2022 ,
closing 31 Dec.


🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻We thank our  Jury Members for their time and cooperation!

Round FINAL 2021 ,
closing 31 Dec.
<u><i>António João<br>BRANDÃO<br></u></i>PORTUGAL 🇵🇹

António João
BRANDÃO
PORTUGAL 🇵🇹

President of the club "Canyon Descent" (ECDC - Portugal)

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<u><i>Martin<br>EDSTRÖM<br></u></i>SWEDEN 🇸🇪

Martin
EDSTRÖM
SWEDEN 🇸🇪

Award-winning National Geographic Explorer

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<span class="notranslate"><u><i>Chris<br>HOWES<br></u></i>UK 🇬🇧</span>

Chris
HOWES
UK 🇬🇧

Owner of Wild Places Publishing and Wild Places Photography

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<u><i>Alexandra<br>BENGEL<br></u></i>GERMANY 🇩🇪

Alexandra
BENGEL
GERMANY 🇩🇪

15 years of experience in Cave photography

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<u><i>Laurent<br>BRUNODET<br></u></i>ITALY 🇮🇹

Laurent
BRUNODET
ITALY 🇮🇹

President AIC (Italian Canyoning Association) & Instructor of SNC (the National Canyoning School of AIC)

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<u><i>Jean-Francois<br>DELHOM<br></u></i>SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭

Jean-Francois
DELHOM
SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭

Author of notorious photobooks. Trained in art and philosophy.

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<u><i>Victor<br>FERRER<br></u></i>SPAIN 🇪🇸

Victor
FERRER
SPAIN 🇪🇸

Editor of the Mediterranean Caves publishing house since 2000

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<i><u>Yulia<br>IZMAYLOVA</u></i><br>UKRAINE 🇺🇦

Yulia
IZMAYLOVA

UKRAINE 🇺🇦

Winner 2020 Luca Memorial Contest

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<u><i>Rajendra<br>LAMA<br></u></i>NEPAL🇳🇵

Rajendra
LAMA
NEPAL🇳🇵

President Nepal Canyoning Association

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<u><i>Willy<br>MONTENEGRO GARCÍA<br></u></i>CHILE 🇨🇱

Willy
MONTENEGRO GARCÍA
CHILE 🇨🇱

Management Committee UIAA, President of Chilean Mountaineering Federation

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<u><i>Jean-François<br>PERNETTE<br></u></i>FRANCE 🇫🇷

Jean-François
PERNETTE
FRANCE 🇫🇷

Exploration speleologist since 1970, author & photographer

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<u><i>Irene<br>YEE<br></u></i>UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

Irene
YEE
UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

Adventure Photographer, @natgeoadventure contributor

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<u><i>Katsuji<br>YOSHIDA<br></u></i>JAPAN 🇯🇵

Katsuji
YOSHIDA
JAPAN 🇯🇵

Professional Cave Photographer, Caver, Cave Diver.

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<u><i>Rémi<br>FLAMENT<br></u></i>FRANCE 🇫🇷

Rémi
FLAMENT
FRANCE 🇫🇷

Fujifilm Ambassador & Cave Explorer

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<u><i>Pierre<br>HUMBLET<br></u></i>BELGIUM 🇧🇪

Pierre
HUMBLET
BELGIUM 🇧🇪

President of Court of Union Internationale des associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA)

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<span class="notranslate"><u><i>Jan<br>KUĆMIERZ<br></u></i>POLAND 🇵🇱</span>

Jan
KUĆMIERZ
POLAND 🇵🇱

Instructor of the Polish Speleology Federation

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<u><i>Ertuğrul<br>KULAKSIZOGLU<br></u></i>TURKEY 🇹🇷

Ertuğrul
KULAKSIZOGLU
TURKEY 🇹🇷

Professional Adventure Cinematographer and Photographer

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<u><i>Giovanni<br>MATTIELLO<br></u></i>ITALY 🇮🇹

Giovanni
MATTIELLO
ITALY 🇮🇹

Hiking guide and photographer from the Dolomites

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<u><i>Yunior<br>RONDON<br></u></i>VENEZUELA 🇻🇪

Yunior
RONDON
VENEZUELA 🇻🇪

Winner 2019 Luca Memorial Contest

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<u><i>Gustavo<br>VELA<br></u></i>MEXICO 🇲🇽

Gustavo
VELA
MEXICO 🇲🇽

Co-leader of the Sierra Negra Speleological Project

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<u><i>Andrea<br>FORNI<br></u></i>ITALY 🇮🇹

Andrea
FORNI
ITALY 🇮🇹

President and Founder of 'Vertical Water'

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<u><i>Alberto<br>AYORA<br></u></i>SPAIN 🇪🇸

Alberto
AYORA
SPAIN 🇪🇸

President of the Spanish Mountain and Climbing Federation (FEDME)

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<u><i>Phil<br>BENCE<br></u></i>FRANCE 🇫🇷

Phil
BENCE
FRANCE 🇫🇷

Director of Explos Film Festival in Ariège Pyrénées

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<u><i>Pietro<br>TORELLINI<br></u></i>ITALY 🇮🇹

Pietro
TORELLINI
ITALY 🇮🇹

Automotive Aftermarket Consultant

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<u><i>Thomas<br>WAIBEL<br></u></i>GERMANY 🇩🇪

Thomas
WAIBEL
GERMANY 🇩🇪

President of the Commission Internationale de Canyon - CIC

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<u><i>Juan Javier<br>BERDUGO<br></u></i>COLOMBIA 🇨🇴

Juan Javier
BERDUGO
COLOMBIA 🇨🇴

Colombian Association of Canyoning, Executive manager

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<u><i>Paolo<br>GIANNELLI<br></u></i>ITALY 🇮🇹

Paolo
GIANNELLI
ITALY 🇮🇹

Italian Canyoning Association, former Secretary

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<u><i>Ertuğrul<br>KULAKSIZOGLU<br></u></i>TURKEY 🇹🇷

Ertuğrul
KULAKSIZOGLU
TURKEY 🇹🇷

Professional Adventure Cinematographer and Photographer

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<u><i>Stéphane<br>LOZACMEUR<br></u></i>FRANCE 🇫🇷

Stéphane
LOZACMEUR
FRANCE 🇫🇷

Project Manager at PETZL Foundation

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<u><i>Savvas<br>PARAGKAMIAN<br></u></i>GREECE 🇬🇷

Savvas
PARAGKAMIAN
GREECE 🇬🇷

Certified instructor in canyoning

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<u><i>Nicola<br>REGGIORI<br></u></i> SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭

Nicola
REGGIORI
SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭

CANYONLAND Ticino RIC 2018 organization

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JURY BIOGRAPHY

JUAN JAVIER BERDUGO ARÓN (COLOMBIA)

JUAN JAVIER BERDUGO ARÓN (COLOMBIA)

More than 15 years in the mountain world as Aircraft Rescuer, Mountain Rescuer, and other specialties such as swift water and vertical water rescue. Wild environment Survival Instructor.
Canyoning lover for more than 14 years and since 9 years Canyoning Instructor in Colombia.
Teaching courses in other Latin American countries, contributing and supporting canyoning and mountaineering. Passionate Canyon Explorer throughout Latin America.
Photographer and audiovisual communicator for more than 15 years as, Film and Television Producer for more than 12 years. Director of Canyoning Documentaries, as "Caballeros del agua". Lover of the mountains and the Audiovisual World.

PAOLO GIANNELLI (ITALY)

PAOLO GIANNELLI (ITALY)

I have been practicing canyoning for 20 years, I enjoy trekking and ‘via ferrata’, and many years ago I also went caving.
I have scouted many canyons teaming up with canyoning instructors, accumulating a fair amount of expertise in its practice and equipment handling..
For 6 years I have been Secretary of Italian Canyoning Association (AIC), and currently in charge of the association IT. I am in computer science since more than 30 years.
For quite a long time I have been canyon photographer, first with film and currently with digital reflex. For many years I have also been a sports event photographer.
Currently the activity of photographer has remained as a passion that I often enjoy while canyoning.

STÉPHANE LOZACMEUR (FRANCE)

STÉPHANE LOZACMEUR (FRANCE)

I joined at Petzl Foundation in October 2017 as a Project Manager, after having worked for 5 years in the communication department of the company Petzl. I practice mountain sports and I am passionate about photography.

SAVVAS PARAGKAMIAN (GREECE)

SAVVAS PARAGKAMIAN (GREECE)

I have been fortunate to have started from very young age to explore caves and learn about cave life with my father. Since 2012, I have been a certified instructor (moniteur) in canyoning by the French Federation of Speleology. I have instructed more than 25 seminars for both speleology and canyoning for over 150 participants. My favorite activity is exploring new places which has led me to organize and join several expeditions to canyons and caves.

ALBERTO AYORA (Spain)

ALBERTO AYORA (Spain)

President of the Spanish Mountain and Climbing Federation (FEDME)

A lover of nature and the mountains from an early age, he has participated and led as a member of the High Mountain Military Group numerous international expeditions in the Pamirs, Altai, Himalayas, Greenland, Patagonia, Australia, New Zealand ...
Author of the books "Risk management in mountains and outdoor activities" and "Risk and leadership. How to organize and guide activities in the natural environment ”.
Colonel Alberto Ayora has been an intelligence analyst, Head of the Military Contingent and head of security for the European Community Monitoring Mission in the former Yugoslavia.

PHIL BENCE (France).

PHIL BENCE (France).

Director of Explos Film Festival in Ariège Pyrénées

A caver for more than 25 years.
I have participated in numerous expeditions and explorations in more than 40 different countries on 5 continents.
Expert in cave rescue and State-certified instructor. I participate in specialized technical training in France and abroad.
Ambassador and material tester for Petzl.
Photographer of the underground world since 2005, my images are regularly published and received prizes in various competitions.
I am also an expert rope access technician, documentary film maker and director of Explos Film Festival in Ariège Pyrénées (www.explos.fr ).

<span class="notranslate">MAREK AUDY (CZECH REPUBLIC)</span>

MAREK AUDY (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Caver & Professional 3D Photographer

Marek has been caving since childhood. Later he started to organize caving expeditions and discover a new underground world. More important was the research of sandstone caves in the Venezuelan Table Mountains. His hobby of photography also became his profession. For example, he documented with photographs the caving expedition that discovered the world's longest salt cave - 3N cave in the Persian Gulf.
In the last decade Marek has been taking stereoscopic photographs, made several 3D films and published several books about caves.
Facebook: facebook.com/marek.audy.35
Web: http://audy.speleo.cz

PEPE "BARRANCO" BENAVIDES (Mexico)

PEPE "BARRANCO" BENAVIDES (Mexico)

Co-founder of Canyons.MX

Canyoneer, graphic designer, entrepreneur, and nature tourism project consultant for 20 years, Pepe "Barranco" Benavides has driven and collaborated in the exploration, documentation, and equipping of canyons in Mexico. Currently, he works as a creative director and business advisor for companies primarily related to canyoning, serving as a co-founder of the canyons.mx project. Additionally, he is a member of the CNC committee (National Canyoning Congress Mexico since 2022) and an advisor for RIC MEXICO 2024 (International Canyoning Gathering / By FIC Canyoning).

Instagram: @pepe_barranc0
Facebook: facebook.com/DonPepeBarranco
Linktree: linktree.com/PepeBarranco

<span class="notranslate">ALEXANDRA BENGEL (GERMANY)</span>

ALEXANDRA BENGEL (GERMANY)

15 years of experience in Cave photography

My fascination for cave worlds began 20 years ago with the idea of trying something different. Those dark, dangerous and inhospitable places developed for me into a parallel universe, in which I could leave everyday life behind me and filled me with this unknown and exciting world could indulge. I made contacts at home and abroad relatively quickly. The obsession grew and so did the desire to take home more than memories. I was immediately enthusiastic about depicting the nature of the cave in the photo, in a way that no cave animal or researcher with his headlamp can see. Similar to a coral reef, whose colors can only be recognized with artificial light, I wanted to bring the cathedrals of the underground worlds out of their eternal darkness. And so, in about 15 years, a diverse experience of cave photography and an archive of cave pictures from different parts of the world developed, which were used in calendars and books.

Facebook: facebook.com/alexandra.bengel.1

<span class="notranslate">LAURENT BRUNODET (ITALY)</span>

LAURENT BRUNODET (ITALY)

President  AIC (Italian Canyoning Association) & Instructor of the SNC (the National Canyoning School of AIC)

I live the sport of canyoning twelve months a year. A mountaineer, I love water and ice. I passionately live canyoning in all its aspects, not disdaining ice caving, and I practice various sports. I have been collaborating with AIC for several years, the magnetic hub of canyoning in Italy.
I contribute as a technician in CNSAS (Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico - National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps), and in recent years, I have been deepening various legal aspects of our activity, encouraging a more conscious approach.

I enjoy photography, and I see in LucaMemorial another great motivation to explore even more fantastic worlds.

Web:             www.aic-canyoning.it
Facebook:    facebook.com/AssociazioneItalianaCanyoning/
Instagram:    @associazioneitalianacanyoning

JEAN-FRANCOIS DELHOM (SWITZERLAND)

JEAN-FRANCOIS DELHOM (SWITZERLAND)

Author of notorious photobooks. Trained in art and philosophy.

Author of notorious photo-books: CANYONS PLANÈTE, ENTRE CIEL ET PIERRE..
I have traveled 22 regions on 4 continents to photograph some of the most beautiful canyoning sites in the world. I got five books out of it. What I expect from the human in these marvelous settings are not exploits but sensitivity.
I have just published a new book named GLACE. It consists of photographs of subglacial caving.

Web: www.photo-philo-delhom.com

VICTOR FERRER RICO (Spain)

VICTOR FERRER RICO (Spain)

Editor of the Mediterranean Caves publishing house since 2000

Speleologist since 1969. He has participated in explorations of numerous new caves and also canyons. Underground photographer. He has published more than 25 books, various Speleology magazines and videos on speleology themes. Winner of various Underground photography contests.
Favorite sports, Diving, High Mountain, Canyons, etc.

Instagram: @victor.ferrer.rico
Facebook: facebook.com/victor.ferrer.771

PETER GEDEI (Slovenia)

PETER GEDEI (Slovenia)

Cave photographer

After joining the local caving club and acquiring experience as a explorer of the underground for several years, he started to dedicate himself more and more to the cave photography in the early nineties. Through the years, he perfected the lighting technique and his creative approach and was awarded many times for his work with the highest prizes at domestic and international contests. He has become one of the world's best known cave photographers, who would take on the most demanding projects. He regularly publishes photographs in domestic and foreign printed media, presents stories about caves he visited, and has been active on social networks in recent years.

Instagram: @petergedei
Facebook: facebook.com/petergedei
Linktr.ee: linktr.ee/petergedei

DIEGO L. GONZALÉZ (COLOMBIA)

DIEGO L. GONZALÉZ (COLOMBIA)

Survival Consultant for Discovery Channel

Instructor SIWA (Survival Instructors World Association)
Instructor CONFESUR (South American Confederation of Survival and Preparation)
Survival Consultant for Discovery Channel (Naked and Afraid - Dual Survivor)
Speleocol Member (Colombian Speleological Association)
Member FEDEC (Federation of Eco parks, Ecotourism and Nature Tourism)
Auditor and Implementer in Management Systems for Adventure Tourism and Sustainability.

Instagram: @escuela.escapecolombia
Facebook: facebook.com/logan.gonzalez.7330/

RÉMI FLAMENT (France)

RÉMI FLAMENT (France)

Fujifilm Ambassador and Cave Explorer.

I have been a professional photographer since 2015. I represent underground photography at international events with Fujifilm where I am a brand ambassador.
My photographic work is mainly devoted to the underground world. I work with all the players in the basement in France and abroad. In the image, I support scientists, equipment manufacturers, industrialists, and cavities developed for tourism.
This work fascinates me and it's rich in learning and discovery of know-how.

ANDREA FORNI (Italy)

ANDREA FORNI (Italy)

President and Founder of 'Vertical Water'.

Born in 1978 in Milan, he lives in Airuno (LC).
Canyoning Instructor CAI & ASC, has experience in caving, free climbing, via ferrata, alpine skiing, canoeing, packraft and diving.
He has been practicing canyoning since 2000 and has covered more than 1500 gorges around the world.
President and founder of 'Vertical Water', he organized and participated with it in numerous expeditions: 2012 (Reunion), 2013 (Madeira, Mallorca, Sardinia), 2014 (Azores, Mallorca, Corsica), 2015 (Reunion, Tenerife, Sardinia), 2016 (Martinique, Dominica, Guadalupe, Crete).
Expedition leader in 2019 of the first full descent of Chamje Chola, Considered the K2 of canyoning,
In 2020 with the 'Vertical Water' team he explored the Mattenbach waterfalls in the Bernese Oberland (the second highest waterfalls in the world). In same year the Team explored the 'Cascate del Serio', the highest waterfalls in Italy.

ANTÓNIO JOÃO BRANDÃO (PORTUGAL)

ANTÓNIO JOÃO BRANDÃO (PORTUGAL)

President of the club "Canyon Descent" (ECDC - Portugal)

PhD in Sports Sciences, by the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), with the title “Perception of risk and safety in Canyoning, the experience and confidence necessary to practice the sport”. Coordinator of the Master in Nature Sport.

Author of the Book - Canyoning Guide, Magic Mountains Canyoning Guide and Mountains Guide for Canyoning (2021). Newex International Ambassador since 2022.

Articles in indexed publications.

·Brandão, A., Monteiro, D., Pereira J., Coelho, E., Quaresma, L. (2018).
"Perceived Risk Questionnaire in Canyoners: content validity, cross-validation and transcultural invariance across Portugal and Spain"
"Development of a tool to analyze risk perception in Canyoning using a Delphi technique".

Instagram: @ajmj.brandao
Facebook: facebook.com/antonio.brandao.14

MARTIN EDSTRÖM (SWEDEN)

MARTIN EDSTRÖM (SWEDEN)

National Geographic Explorer Award Winner

Photographer Martin Edström goes beyond traditional media by using immersive tools like 360-video and interactive virtual reality to tell the important stories of our planet and the issues of human impact on our environment. Through numerous expeditions and exploration projects Martin has brought audiences inside the wild and forgotten corners of the world, working on assignment for outlets like National Geographic, New York Times and the Guardian.

Instagram: @martinedstrom
Facebook: facebook.com/martinivaredstrom

<span class="notranslate">CHRIS HOWES (UNITED KINGDOM)</span>

CHRIS HOWES (UNITED KINGDOM)

Owner of Wild Places Publishing and Wild Places Photography

Chris is a professional photographer and author, concentrating on caving and other outdoor sports, as well as nature and travel photography.

He has been taking cave photos for over fifty years and has written many articles and books on caves and natural history, including Images Below (a manual on cave photography), To Photograph Darkness (the history of underground photography) and The Spice of Life (biodiversity).

He is the owner of Wild Places Publishing and Wild Places Photography, both specialising in the underground, and was the editor of the UK caving magazine Descent from 1984 to 2022. He has received many awards in photography competitions over the years. He is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (UK) and Fellow of the National Speleological Society (USA), and is experienced with assessing the impact and quality of photographs through publishing his own and others images.

Web: www.wildplacesphotography.co.uk

PIERRE HUMBLET  (BELGIUM)

PIERRE HUMBLET (BELGIUM)

President of Court of Union Internationale des associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA)

Former president of UIAA, International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation.
Former president of UIAA Mountaineering Commission.
Attorney at Law: Lebeau et Humblet SRL senior partner, a law firm at Liège, Belgium.
Arbitrator with the Belgian Court for Arbitration in Sports.
Photography lover.
Collector of Belgian paintings (specialized 1850- 2000).

YULIA IZMAYLOVA</u></i> (UKRAINE)

YULIA IZMAYLOVA (UKRAINE)

Winner 2020 Luca Memorial Contest

I have been practicing speleology for 18 years.
I have participated in numerous cave exploration expeditions, notably exploring the world's deepest caves such as Krubera Voronya Cave (-2199 m), "Call of the Abyss" project, Illuzia–Snezhnaya-Mezhonnogo System (-1760 m), among others, and the National Geographic Expedition "Unexplored Caves of Kyrgyzstan." My second passion is canyoning.

Instagram: @yuliaizmaylova
Facebook: facebook.com/yulia.izmaylova.5

RAJENDRA LAMA (Nepal)

RAJENDRA LAMA (Nepal)

President Nepal Canyoning Association

Founder of Friends Adventure Team Pvt. Ltd (adventure company in Nepal). Currently President of the Nepal Canyoning Association (NCA) & Executive member of the Nepal Mountaineers Association (NMA).
He was instrumental in pioneering Canyoning in Nepal, as well organizing expeditions to explore Caves and Ice Caves in the Himalaya.
He holds various national and international awards:
- Awarded in 2008 by the Nepal Government, for saving the life of a girl in the Seti River Gorge.
- 2010 Landscape Category Winner in 6th Photography Competition of WCN (WildLife Conservation Nepal).
- Recognized in the 2015 Earthquake by the Tamang Sonam Lhosar - 2852 award, by Nepal Prime minister.

Facebook: facebook.com/rajendra.lama

WILLY MONTENEGRO GARCÍA  (Chile)

WILLY MONTENEGRO GARCÍA (Chile)

Management Committee UIAA, President of Chilean Mountaineering Federation

A mountaineer for 40 years, with ascents to the main peaks of Chile, and a photography enthusiast. 

· Management Committee UIAA - Continental Representative for Central & South America.
· President of the Chilean Mountaineering Federation.
· Delegate of the Panamerican Council of the IFSC for South America.
· President of the Panamerican Council of the ISF.

Happily married, father of four daughters, and proud grandfather of four grandchildren

Instagram: @willy_montenegro_garcia
Facebook: facebook.com/Willy.montenegro.garcia/ 

<span class="notranslate">JAN KUĆMIERZ (POLAND)</span>

JAN KUĆMIERZ (POLAND)

Instructor of the Polish Speleology Federation

Speleologist with 30 years of experience. He has participated in the exploration of the great Alpine cave systems, including the Lamprechtsofen Cave in Austria, which in 1998 became the deepest cave in the world. For more than 10 years, he has been involved in cave photography, in which he tries to capture the toil of caving and the extraordinary raw beauty of the most inaccessible caves. Winner of several awards in international photography competitions.

Instagram: @speleofoto.pl

ERTUGRUL KULAKSIZOGLU  (TURKEY)

ERTUGRUL KULAKSIZOGLU (TURKEY)

Professional Adventure Cinematographer and Photographer

Ertuğrul Kulaksızoğlu is a professional commercial, nature, adventure cinematographer and photographer.
He was born 1985 in Ankara. He graduated from TED Ankara College in 2003. In high school, he enjoyed being in nature with his school's scouting group. During his high school years, he discovered caving with Hacettepe University Cave Research Club. Between 2004-2010, he completed his university education at Ankara University, Radio, Cinema and Television department. He was one of the founders of the Ankara University Cave Research Society. The idea of combining image taking abilities with adventures flourished during university years. In addition to commercial photography and video shooting, he continues to take photos and videos of landscapes and adventures.

Instagram: @ekulak
Facebook: facebook.com/ErtugrulKulaksizogluPhoto

<span class="notranslate">GIOVANNI MATTIELLO (ITALY)</span>

GIOVANNI MATTIELLO (ITALY)

Hiking guide and photographer from the Dolomites

I'm a 25 years old outdoor enthusiast, hiking guide and photographer from the Dolomites.
I do a lot of activities: enduro mtb, ski touring, climbing, sunrises and sunsets on the top even in the wildest peaks.
Canyoning is the last sport I joined, just in 2021. The flow of the water is pure natural energy and there are always particular lights to caugh with the camera! It was love at first sight!

Instagram: @wild_mattiello
Facebook: facebook.com/100001972395116

<span class="notranslate">JEAN-FRANÇOIS PERNETTE (FRANCE)</span>

JEAN-FRANÇOIS PERNETTE (FRANCE)

Exploration speleologist since 1970, author & photographer

Head of expeditions in Papua New Guinea, Chilean Patagonia,
Larra-Pierre Saint Martin (BU 56).
Author of "The Abyss under the Jungle", "Rivers under the Stone",
"Discovering the chasms of PSM".
Rolex Laureate, National Geographic grantee, International Fellow The Explorer Club.

Instagram: @jeanfrancois.pernette
Facebook: facebook.com/passionexploration

RACHEL ROSS (United States)

RACHEL ROSS (United States)

Video creator and Canyon Guide

Creative director who specializes in the adventure space, as well as avid climber, canyoneer, runner, biker, painter, and have been fortunate enough to combine all of the above in different permutations to capture moments of adventure, joy, and creativity.

Have helped explore and have many first and second descents of desert canyons throughout the Southwest of North America. Rachel's also a published photographer and writer, contributing to magazines on topics of guiding, canyons, and outdoor exploration.

Instagram: @rach4thesky
Facebook: facebook.com/rachel.ross.509

HERVÉ KRUMMENACHER (Switzerland)

HERVÉ KRUMMENACHER (Switzerland)

Winner 2018 Luca Memorial Contest

Passionate about adventure and travel. Diver, speleologist, canyoner, subglacial exploration, mountaineers. I am also involved in action and underwater photography.

YUNIOR RONDON (VENEZUELA)

YUNIOR RONDON (VENEZUELA)

Winner 2019 Luca Memorial Contest

Geographer by profession, consultant in rural-based tourism projects, explorer and evaluator of routes for tourism purposes with low environmental impact, trekking, biking, birding, among others.

Amateur photographer and novice in Canyoning, but with the desire to continue learning from the great family that is generated in this activity.

Instagram: @yr_rondony
Facebook: facebook.com/yunior.rondon.9

<span class="notranslate">GUSTAVO VELA (MEXICO)</span>

GUSTAVO VELA (MEXICO)

Co-leader of the Sierra Negra Speleological Project

I was born in Mexico City and for 27 years I have dedicated myself to caving, from exploration to photographic documentation. I have participated in countless expeditions in Mexico and in various countries such as Cuba, Abhazia, Chile, Iran, Spain, China among other places.
In Mexico I am co-leader of the Sierra Negra Speleological Project where together with several colleagues and friends we discovered a cave more than 1000 meters deep: Santito Cave.

<span class="notranslate">PREDRAG VUČKOVIĆ (SERBIA)</span>

PREDRAG VUČKOVIĆ (SERBIA)

Red Bull Extreme-Photographer

Predrag Vuckovic is known by the nickname Extreme Photographer which indicates the sphere of his interest, his narrow specialty are extreme sports, aerial photography, underwater photography, expeditions, extreme conditions and action photography.
Over time, he became recognizable in the world, and became a synonym for extraordinary photographs, which transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, and phenomenal moments into spectacular ones. Exclusivity, the uniqueness of the moment or an unusual frame were always constants in his works. The reason for Predrag’s success lies in the combination of his lifestyle, special skills and personal abilities with huge photographic experience.
Professional photographer and official Red Bull International photographer (for 18 years), Scuba diving Instructor, founder and owner of the Extreme Canyoning company!

Instagram: @predragvuckovic
Facebook: facebook.com/PredragVuckovicExtremePhotographer
Web: www.extreme-photographer.com

<span class="notranslate">IRENE YEE (UNITED STATES)</span>

IRENE YEE (UNITED STATES)

Rock Climbing & Adventure Photographer, @natgeoadventure contributor

Irene is a professional west coast based rock climbing and adventure photographer. She started rock climbing out of pure joy, picked up a camera soon after, and continues that journey on her instagram @ladylockoff. Her focus is to uplift women, BIPOC, and the LGBTQIA2S+ communities; choosing to highlight those pushing their own personal limits and finding inspiration in those with passion over muscle. She is internationally published, a @natgeoadventure contributor, and works with today's largest outdoor brands and non-profits.

Instagram: @ladylockoff
Facebook: facebook.com/ladylockoff
Web: www.ladylockoff.com

<span class="notranslate">KATSUJI YOSHIDA (JAPAN)</span>

KATSUJI YOSHIDA (JAPAN)

Professional Cave Photographer, Caver, Cave Diver.

This summer marks the 30th anniversary of my journey into the world of caving. Continuing to explore caves both in Japan and abroad, I have immersed myself in the world of cave diving in recent years.
In the realm of cave photography, a passion ignited by the desire to capture the allure of caves, I have proudly published several photo books, establishing myself as a seasoned professional in the field.
This photo contest serves as a fantastic platform for me to explore novel expressions and compositions presented by a diverse range of participants. Each encounter with these unique pieces adds to my excitement.

Instagram: @photographer_katsuji_yoshida
Facebook: facebook.com/katsuji.yoshida.77
Web: www.yoshidakatsuji.info
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/UNKOGOGO1

PIETRO TORELLINI (Italy)

PIETRO TORELLINI (Italy)

Former Official Photographer of AIC (Italian Canyoning Association)

Photographer since 1972. I have been practicing Canyoning for 25 years and, in search of high quality shots with my reflex camera, I went down in over 130 canyons.
For many years Official photographer of the Italian Canyoning Association (AIC), I collaborated with specialized magazines and contributed to several books on the subject.
I love any photographic genre, but photography in the canyons has given me the greatest satisfaction.

THOMAS WAIBEL (Germany)

THOMAS WAIBEL (Germany)

President of the Commission Internationale de Canyon - CIC

Founder purelements® and Instructor at International Canyoning Acadamy - ICA.
Professional Canyoning Guide since 1999 and Instructor for CIC und ICA training Guides all around the globe. Canyoning and Caving are some of my outdoor sports passions where I have been dedicated workwise full time. The beauty, simplicity and uniqueness of nature in our sport is amazing. And having this captured in beautiful images is simply amazing.

NICOLA REGGIORI (SWITZERLAND)

NICOLA REGGIORI (SWITZERLAND)

One of the few canyoneers living in Ticino; the canyoning Eldorado. He has been practicing canyoning for 5 years, mostly in Ticino, but is mainly known as the Pioneer of Homecanyoning.
In fact, Nicola Reggiori is more popular under his alias “ReggioFromTicino”, which he used to produce his homecanyoning lessons on social media during the pandemic.
Additionally, “Reggio” was a member of the organization committee of the RIC (CHNO) that took place in Ticino in 2018: CANYONLAND.

DAVID MUNILLA (SPAIN)

DAVID MUNILLA (SPAIN)

He has published in all the mountain magazines in the world, being the first Spanish freelance photographer dedicated exclusively to this subject. He has countless articles and reports in national and foreign press. Author of several books on photography and mountains, he is also a photography teacher and mountain guide, facets that he combines by organizing photographic trips to mountain areas and remote places. He has been judge of several international photography competitions.

JUAN JAVIER BERDUGO ARÓN (COLOMBIA)

JUAN JAVIER BERDUGO ARÓN (COLOMBIA)

More than 15 years in the mountain world as Aircraft Rescuer, Mountain Rescuer, and other specialties such as swift water and vertical water rescue. Wild environment Survival Instructor.
Canyoning lover for more than 14 years and since 9 years Canyoning Instructor in Colombia.
Teaching courses in other Latin American countries, contributing and supporting canyoning and mountaineering. Passionate Canyon Explorer throughout Latin America.
Photographer and audiovisual communicator for more than 15 years as, Film and Television Producer for more than 12 years. Director of Canyoning Documentaries, as "Caballeros del agua". Lover of the mountains and the Audiovisual World.

PAOLO GIANNELLI (ITALY)

PAOLO GIANNELLI (ITALY)

I have been practicing canyoning for 20 years, I enjoy trekking and ‘via ferrata’, and many years ago I also went caving.
I have scouted many canyons teaming up with canyoning instructors, accumulating a fair amount of expertise in its practice and equipment handling..
For 6 years I have been Secretary of Italian Canyoning Association (AIC), and currently in charge of the association IT. I am in computer science since more than 30 years.
For quite a long time I have been canyon photographer, first with film and currently with digital reflex. For many years I have also been a sports event photographer.
Currently the activity of photographer has remained as a passion that I often enjoy while canyoning.

ERTUGRUL KULAKSIZOGLU  (TURKEY)

ERTUGRUL KULAKSIZOGLU (TURKEY)

Ertuğrul Kulaksızoğlu is a professional commercial, nature, adventure cinematographer and photographer.
He was born 1985 in Ankara. He graduated from TED Ankara College in 2003. In high school, he enjoyed being in nature with his school's scouting group. During his high school years, he discovered caving with Hacettepe University Cave Research Club. Between 2004-2010, he completed his university education at Ankara University, Radio, Cinema and Television department. He was one of the founders of the Ankara University Cave Research Society. The idea of combining image taking abilities with adventures flourished during university years. In addition to commercial photography and video shooting, he continues to take photos and videos of landscapes and adventures.

STÉPHANE LOZACMEUR (FRANCE)

STÉPHANE LOZACMEUR (FRANCE)

I joined at Petzl Foundation in October 2017 as a Project Manager, after having worked for 5 years in the communication department of the company Petzl. I practice mountain sports and I am passionate about photography.

SAVVAS PARAGKAMIAN (GREECE)

SAVVAS PARAGKAMIAN (GREECE)

I have been fortunate to have started from very young age to explore caves and learn about cave life with my father. Since 2012, I have been a certified instructor (moniteur) in canyoning by the French Federation of Speleology. I have instructed more than 25 seminars for both speleology and canyoning for over 150 participants. My favorite activity is exploring new places which has led me to organize and join several expeditions to canyons and caves.

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