Hello, my name is Gergo Rugli. I’m a seascape and ocean photographer based in Sydney, Australia.
I grew up in landlocked Hungary, where my fascination with the ocean began through the stories my grandfather read to me – tales of dolphins, sharks, and distant seas. Even before I could fully speak, those stories captured my imagination and planted a lifelong connection to the ocean.
In my early years, I expressed my love for nature through drawing, and later, in my twenties, through an award-winning garden I designed and maintained. That little oasis opened my eyes to the beauty in the smallest details – flowers, insects, and all kinds of living creatures that often go unnoticed. That’s when I first picked up a camera, hoping to capture some of that beauty.
By my mid-thirties, I had built a successful and comfortable life through our family business. But despite everything, something was missing. In 2014, I visited Australia for the first time. On my last day, I swam at Bondi Beach. As I floated in the water with my eyes closed, letting the current move me, I felt a deep sense of peace – like I had finally found what I’d been searching for.
Back in Europe, the emptiness returned. I’d watch the sunset from my balcony each evening, my heart aching. Planes would pass overhead, and I’d imagine myself on one – flying towards Australia, towards the ocean. One evening, I stopped making excuses and made the decision to follow what I knew was right. I gave up everything familiar and trusted the current to take me where I was meant to be.
Starting over in Australia was far from easy. I left behind a stable life and began again from scratch. Photography became my anchor – it kept my focus sharp on the beauty and wonder of the world and helped me navigate the unknown.
Today, the ocean has become part of my life. Starting each morning in the ocean, watching the sunrise from the water, has become part of who I am. It fills me with energy and quiets my mind. Through my photography, I try to capture its beauty and share it with those who may never get the chance to see the ocean. With each image, I hope to pass on some of the energy, peace, and vitality the ocean gives me – while also raising awareness to help protect this fragile ecosystem and all the life it holds.
