Born in Verona, Italy, Ilaria Mariagiulia Rizzuto has emerged as one of the most promising talents in underwater photography, despite growing up far from the ocean she now calls home. Her extraordinary journey from a landlocked city to the depths of the world's oceans has captivated the international photography community, earning her the prestigious title of Emerging Photographer of the Year at the 2024 Og. Picoty Awards.
Rizzuto's connection to water began early in life, even though she was raised away from the coast. She cultivated a deep fascination with aquatic environments through various water sports, which gradually strengthened her bond with the ocean. This passion led her to become a certified scuba diver in 2019, and she soon discovered freediving, finding in the silence of the underwater depths a profound sense of belonging and creative inspiration.
Her transition into underwater photography began in 2021 under the guidance of her partner and mentor, internationally acclaimed photographer Pietro Formis. With remarkable determination and natural curiosity, Rizzuto quickly developed a distinctive photographic style that seamlessly combines strong technical expertise with a sensitive narrative vision. Her unique approach to capturing marine life has set her apart in a competitive field.
Recognition came swiftly for the talented photographer. From her very first underwater shots, Rizzuto began receiving acclaim in major international photography competitions. Her work has been honored at prestigious events including Ocean Art, Underwater Photographer of the Year, Mare, Asferico, VIEPA, Memorial Maria Luisa, and the World Nature Photography Awards, among others. This consistent recognition across multiple platforms demonstrates the universal appeal and technical excellence of her work.
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone in Rizzuto's career when she was named Emerging Photographer of the Year at the esteemed Og. Picoty Awards, solidifying her reputation on the global stage. Her striking images have been featured in numerous national and international magazines, bringing her unique underwater perspectives to audiences worldwide. Additionally, she was invited as co-presenter at PHIDEX Manila, Asia's premier underwater photography and diving event, highlighting her growing influence in the field.
Beyond still photography, Rizzuto has expanded her expertise into underwater filmmaking, contributing to several notable projects. In 2022, she served as assistant camera operator on "Divina," a documentary about renowned swimmer Federica Pellegrini. Her filmmaking skills were further showcased in 2024 when she captured the Paralympic freediving world record attempt under ice, demonstrating her versatility and technical prowess in extreme underwater conditions.
Rizzuto's professional relationships reflect her commitment to quality equipment and ocean conservation. She serves as an ambassador for both Marelux and Beuchat, brands that align with her passion for high-quality tools essential for exploring and documenting the underwater world. These partnerships enable her to push the boundaries of underwater photography while maintaining the technical standards necessary for her demanding work.
In a significant evolution of her artistic journey, Rizzuto expanded her photographic focus to include terrestrial wildlife photography in 2025. This diversification has already yielded recognition, proving that her artistic vision and technical skills translate effectively across different environments and subjects.
Her impressive portfolio spans diverse marine environments and species. Her work includes stunning images of blue sharks gliding through Atlantic waters off Pico Island in the Azores, delicate harlequin shrimp feeding on sea stars in Puerto Galera, Philippines, and juvenile African pompano captured during blackwater dives in Anilao, Philippines. She has documented the iconic symbiosis between clownfish and anemones, the translucent beauty of leaf scorpionfish, and the graceful movements of bottlenose dolphins in the Red Sea's Strait of Gubal.
Rizzuto's work also captures some of the ocean's most spectacular phenomena, including the famous "jackfish tornado" at Cabo Pulmo, Mexico, where massive schools of bigeye trevally create swirling vortexes of silver. Her black-and-white images of bull sharks patrolling shipwrecks and playful California sea lions at Isla Espíritu Santo demonstrate her versatility in both color and monochrome photography.
Her technical expertise shines in macro photography, capturing intimate details of small creatures like blennies nestled in brain coral, tiny male paper nautilus drifting in open ocean, and the intricate patterns of mantis shrimp in the Mediterranean Sea. From the camouflaged stargazers buried in Croatian sands to the vibrant red-mouthed gobies of the northern Adriatic, her work reveals the hidden beauty of marine ecosystems.
For Rizzuto, photography transcends mere artistic expression—it serves as a powerful tool for conservation and environmental awareness. Through her compelling images, she seeks to reveal the fragile complexity of ecosystems, whether documenting life in ocean depths, forest stillness, or the delicate movements of insects. Her work is consistently guided by respect, love for life, and a deep understanding of the natural world's interconnectedness.
As her career continues to flourish, Rizzuto remains committed to using her art as a means of education and conservation advocacy. Her images not only capture the beauty of marine life but also highlight the importance of protecting these vulnerable ecosystems for future generations. With her expanding portfolio now including terrestrial wildlife and her continued success in international competitions, Ilaria Mariagiulia Rizzuto represents the future of nature photography, where technical excellence meets passionate environmental stewardship.
