Ilaria Mariagiulia Rizzuto was born in Verona, Italy, and has always felt the sea as her true home. Although raised far from the coast, she grew up cultivating a deep fascination with water, practising various aquatic sports that strengthened her bond with the ocean.
In 2019 she became a certified scuba diver and soon after embraced freediving, discovering in the silence of the depths a place of belonging and inspiration.
Her journey into underwater photography began in 2021, guided by her partner and mentor, internationally acclaimed photographer Pietro Formis. With determination and curiosity, Ilaria quickly developed a distinctive style, combining strong technical skills with a sensitive narrative vision.
From her very first shots, she received recognition in major international competitions such as Ocean Art, Underwater Photographer of the Year, Mare, Asferico, VIEPA, Memorial Maria Luisa and World Nature Photography Awards among others.
In 2024 she was named Emerging Photographer of the Year at the prestigious Og. Picoty Awards, confirming her talent on the global stage.
Her images have been published in several national and international magazines, and in 2024 she was invited as co-presenter at PHIDEX Manila, Asia’s leading underwater photography and diving event. Beyond photography, she has collaborated on underwater film projects: in 2022 she worked as assistant camera operator on Divina, a documentary about Federica Pellegrini, and in 2024 she filmed the paralympic freediving world record under ice.
Ilaria is an ambassador for Marelux and Beuchat, brands that embody her passion for high-quality tools essential to exploring and documenting the underwater world. Since 2025, she has also expanded her photographic language to terrestrial wildlife, achieving recognition in this field as well.
For Ilaria, photography is more than art: it is a means of conservation and awareness. Through her images, she seeks to reveal the fragile complexity of ecosystems, whether in the ocean depths, the stillness of a forest, or the delicate movement of an insect — always guided by the same energy, respect, and love for life.
More from Ilaria: ilariamariagiulia.com and Instagram @ilariamariagiulia
Blue shark, Pico Island, Azores. A sleek blue shark (Prionace glauca) gliding through the Atlantic waters. Graceful and inquisitive, it is one of the most iconic pelagic predators. Encountered in the deep blue off the Azores.
Harlequin shrimp, Puerto Galera, Philippines. A delicate (Hymenocera elegans) feeding on a sea star. With its vivid patterns, it is among the most iconic subjects in macro photography.
African pompano, Blackwater dive, Anilao, Philippines.
Juvenile African pompano (Alectis ciliaris) with its elegant trailing filaments.
A rare encounter, drifting in the open ocean at night.
One of the most sought-after subjects in blackwater photography.
Clownfish in its anemone, Anilao, Philippines. A vibrant clownfish nestled among the protective tentacles of its host anemone. This iconic symbiosis offers both shelter and defense in the reef ecosystem. A classic yet timeless subject of tropical underwater photography.
Juvenile Carangid, Blackwater dive, Anilao, Philippines. A young carangid fish seeking shelter beside drifting debris. Blackwater dives reveal the fragile early stages of many pelagic species. A fleeting encounter with life suspended in the open ocean.
Leaf scorpionfish backlit, Anilao, Philippines. A leaf scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus) captured against the light. Its translucent body reveals intricate textures and details. A master of camouflage, blending perfectly into the reef environment.
Bottlenose dolphin, Strait of Gubal, Red Sea.
A graceful bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) gliding through the clear waters.
Known for intelligence and playfulness, dolphins are symbols of freedom in the ocean.
Encountered in the vibrant waters of the Red Sea’s Gubal Strait.
Jackfish tornado, Cabo Pulmo, Mexico.
A massive school of bigeye trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus) swirling in perfect unison.
This natural spectacle transforms the ocean into a living vortex of silver.
One of the most iconic scenes of Cabo Pulmo’s marine sanctuary.
Bull shark at El Vencedor wreck, Cabo Pulmo, Mexico. A powerful bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) patrolling the wreck of El Vencedor. Surrounded by dense schools of fish, it embodies the raw energy of the reef. A striking black-and-white scene from the heart of Cabo Pulmo’s marine reserve.
Alpha sea lion, Isla Espíritu Santo, La Paz, Mexico. A dominant male California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) patrolling his rocky domain. His strength and authority maintain order within the colony. A majestic guardian of the marine sanctuary of Espíritu.
Sea lions play-fighting, Isla Espíritu Santo, Mexico. Two California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) engaged in a spirited play-fight. Their interactions strengthen social bonds within the colony. Captured in the dynamic waters surrounding Isla Espíritu Santo.
Blenny in brain coral, Anilao, Philippines. A small blenny peeking out from the ridges of a brain coral. Illuminated with a narrow beam of light, the coral glows in vivid neon hues. A perfect example of the hidden beauty in Anilao’s reefs.
Male paper nautilus, Blackwater dive, Anilao, Philippines. A tiny male paper nautilus (Argonauta argo) drifting within the open ocean. Its delicate shell and golden hues stand out against the dark water. A rare and magical encounter of blackwater photography in Anilao.
Crown-of-thorns starfish, night dive, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. A striking crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) captured during a night dive. Its vivid spines glow under the dive lights, highlighting its formidable presence. Both beautiful and destructive, this species plays a dramatic role on coral reefs.
Giant manta ray, Revillagigedo (Socorro), Mexico. A majestic giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) soaring gracefully through the blue. Its vast wingspan and elegant presence dominate the waters of Socorro. An unforgettable encounter in the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago.
Crisaora isocella jellyfish with juvenile fish. A Crisaora isocella jellyfish split in half, revealing tiny juvenile fish seeking refuge. The delicate balance between fragility and protection unfolds in this unique scene. A striking example of symbiosis and survival in the open ocean.
Mantis shrimp, Mediterranean Sea. A mantis shrimp (Squilla mantis) captured with its striking eyes and raptorial claws. An impressive predator of the sandy seabed, known for its lightning-fast strikes. A rare close-up portrait from the Mediterranean depths.
Stargazer, Rijeka, Croatia. A well-camouflaged stargazer (Uranoscopus scaber) buried in the sand. Its upward-facing eyes and hidden mouth reveal a master ambush predator. An extraordinary night dive encounter in the northern Adriatic.
Red-mouthed goby, Rijeka, Croatia. Close-up of a red-mouthed goby (Gobius cruentatus), highlighting its vivid colors. The striking red patterns around its mouth stand out against the dark background. A rare Adriatic portrait showcasing this small yet captivating species.
Squat lobster in crinoid, Puerto Galera, Philippines. A tiny squat lobster (Allogalathea elegans) nestled among the arms of a crinoid. Its colours blend perfectly with its delicate host for camouflage. A classic macro encounter from the rich reefs of Puerto Galera.
You can find more of Ilaria’s fantastic photography on her website ilariamariagiulia.com and Instagram @ilariamariagiulia
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