Award-winning photographer and turtle tour operator Charlotte Piho has been selected to represent the Oceania region in the Middle East.

Piho was nominated by her photography idol Craig Parry to sit alongside him at the Global Focus Project in Dubai in February next year.

And the nomination was successful.

The Internationally acclaimed photographer Parry, who owns a gallery, will be representing Oceania for the male division while Piho will represent females.

Piho had earlier said the Global Focus Project seeks to identify and select an outstanding male and female photographer from each of the six continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and Oceania.

 “This for me as a photographer would be a highlight of my career. There will be opportunities that will arise from having my work showcased in Dubai, so it’s very humbling.

“My work is currently also on billboards in New Zealand, and in exhibition at Britomart as a finalist for New Zealand photographer of the year. I will attend this on October 27.”

Piho said her nomination by Parry was seconded by acclaimed international photographers Silke Hullman from Germany, and Frank Meo from the United States.

The Global Focus Project nomination program is an initiative by Xposure International Photography & Film Festival, which aims to celebrate and recognise the talent and creativity of photographers worldwide.

Also, as a finalist in New Zealand’s Geographic Photographer of the Year competition, Piho said:

“From nearly 8000 entries, judges have assembled a gallery of 68 images that tell the story of an exceptional year in Aotearoa.” 

The green sea turtle photograph taken by Piho is seen blowing bubbles from its mouth.