The Sunce Association proudly announces the photography exhibition “Adriatic Treasures“, created as part of the photo competition of the ASPEH – Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas. The exhibition can be viewed at Club Zona (Jerina St. 1, 21000 Split) from 19 January to 9 February and brings together 16 photographs by 11 authors, including award-winning works by Marko Longin, Valentina Bunić, and Damir Zurub. These photographs reveal not only the aesthetic beauty of the Adriatic Sea, but also the fragility of its habitats and species.
From conest to exhibition: stories behind the lens
The exhibition is the result of a photo contest that ran from 30 June to 10 September 2025 and was open to all lovers of nature and photography. Participants could submit up to five photographs in two categories: “Adriatic wildlife“, focusing on the loggerhead sea turtle, ferruginous duck, and Kentish plover; and “Adriatic habitats“, highlighting Posidonia seagrass meadows, muddy and sandy seabeds that are not covered by the sea at low tide, and submerged or partially submerged sea caves.
The competition attracted 50 photographers from Croatia and Italy, while the selection of winners was entrusted to a three-member expert jury: Ante Gugić, an experienced cinematographer and owner of the Filmofil production company; Milan Šabić, a photojournalist and documentary photographer with international experience; and Jurica Galić Juka, a travel writer and award-winning photographer.
Ultimately, the photographs by Marko Longin, Valentina Bunić, and Damir Zurub captured the jury’s attention, offering a unique perspective on the beauty and vulnerability of the Adriatic.
– Valentina Bunić’s photograph leaves a strong impression through its skilful use of contrast between Posidonia meadows, sand, and an isolated boat, combined with a horizontal compositional division that creates visual balance and calm tones. A particularly intriguing detail is the perception of the boat resting on a natural bridge connecting two Posidonia meadows, adding narrative depth and layered meaning to the image. Marko Longin’s photograph offers an interesting viewpoint and perspective, emphasizing the connection between a marine organism and the Posidonia habitat, – commented Gugić, who has been documenting nature, people, and events through his lens for more than 15 years, always with the same enthusiasm and open perspective.
‘Photographs that go beyond mere documentation’
The jury agreed that all three winning photographs not only met the competition’s theme, but also demonstrated a highly thoughtful approach and a strong sense of composition.
– I believe the selected photographs go beyond mere documentation and offer visual storytelling, which for me is the most important aspect of good photography, – said Milan Šabić.
In addition to the three winning works, the jury selected 13 more photographs, forming the full exhibition that will be open to the public at Club Zona from 19 January to 9 February. The exhibition will also be presented to the international scientific and professional community at future ASPEH events.
– I would especially highlight the photograph by Nives Borčić, which masterfully contrasts a forest of dying Posidonia with a lush, healthy green forest in the background. Through what appears to be a simple image, she succeeds in conveying the long and complex history of Posidonia decline, leaving a powerful aesthetic and ecological impression, – Šabić emphasized.
A frame that inspires change
However, the photo contest was not merely an opportunity to win awards or recognition. Its primary aim was to inspire nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, professionals, and amateurs alike to observe and document the Adriatic, its species, and its habitats through the lens, thereby raising awareness of the importance of preserving marine biodiversity. Nature conservation organizations are among those that use photography as a powerful tool to attract attention, raise funds, and influence policy change.
– Through the ASPEH project, we strive to reduce pressure on ecosystems and develop joint strategies for protecting key species and habitats. Photography is a powerful means of connecting people with nature and increasing environmental awareness, – explains Vida Zrnčić, project manager at Sunce.
Although nature is accessible to us almost everywhere, it never poses for anyone, which makes nature photography a challenging pursuit.
– To photograph nature, you first need motivation, dedication, time, and appropriate equipment. A ‘winning’ photograph is one that stands out, is visually striking, and tells a clear story, – says Juka, drawing on his experience as a jury member at the world’s largest photography competition, 35AWARDS 2024, which featured around 110,000 photographers from 160 countries.
Gathering before the Swap fair
A special opportunity to meet the photographers, exhibition organizers, Sunce members, and Adriatic enthusiasts will take place on the first Tuesday of the month, 3 February. Ahead of the traditional Swap Fair at Club Zona (6:00–8:00 PM), visitors are invited to a casual gathering with light refreshments.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the exhibition in a relaxed atmosphere, socialize, learn more about Sunce’s work in nature conservation, and perhaps later take part in the exchange of items. More information on how to give old items a new life can be found in a related article.
– This exhibition is an opportunity to connect individuals who love the Adriatic and want to learn more about its habitats and species, while also contributing to a shared goal: preserving our natural heritage. Every species counts, and every habitat matters, – concluded Bruna Tomić, communications manager for the ASPEH project at Sunce.
