The Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 awards have unveiled a stunning collection of photographs that capture the beauty, complexity, and sometimes haunting reality of life beneath the waves. This year’s competition saw over 6,700 entries from 28 countries, with photographers from around the world showcasing their most breathtaking work. The contest not only highlights the artistic skill of these photographers but also reminds us of the importance of marine conservation and the fragile beauty of our oceans. Among the winners and commended entries, one image stood out: a poignant shot of a mother humpback whale and her newborn calf, taken by Spanish photographer Alvaro Herrero in French Polynesia. Herrero’s photo, which won the prestigious Underwater Photographer of the Year award, was praised by judges for its delicate yet powerful portrayal of the bond between mother and calf, symbolizing both the beauty and fragility of our oceans.
The competition’s winners and commended entries span a wide range of categories, each offering a unique glimpse into the underwater world. In the Portrait category, Kuwaiti photographer Abdulaziz Al Saleh captured a hilarious and unexpected moment: camels drinking water from an underwater perspective, using a fisheye lens to create a playful yet surreal image. Meanwhile, British photographer David Alpert took home the British Underwater Photographer of the Year award for his heartwarming photo of a curious grey seal off Lundy Island, a marine protected area since 1973. Alpert’s image captures the interactive and endearing nature of these creatures, highlighting the importance of preserving such habitats. Other standout portraits include a charming sea lion shot by Dutch photographer Joost van Uffelen, which placed third in the Wide Angle category, and an unforgettable photo of a sponge resembling a scream, taken by Italian photographer Pietro Cremone in Indonesia’s Bunaken Marine Park.
The Behaviour category revealed some of the most dramatic and dynamic moments from the underwater world. Japanese photographer Shunsuke Nakano won the Behaviour award with his photo titled “Face Off,” capturing two male Asian sheepshead wrasse jousting over spawning rights in Japan. The photo not only showcases the intricate details of these fish but also tells a story of territory and competition. In contrast, German veterinarian Ronja Arnold Commended in the UP & Coming category with her image of two grey sharks approaching her in near-perfect symmetry, creating a scene reminiscent of a science fiction movie. Arnold captured this moment while lying flat in an underwater cave at a depth of 30 meters, a testament to her patience and skill. Similarly, Spanish photographer Alvaro Herrero, who also won the overall competition, took a runner-up spot in the wide-angle category with a photo of a diver in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, emphasizing the importance of responsible diving practices to protect fragile ecosystems.
Wrecks and coral reefs were also prominent themes in this year’s competition. Swedish photographer Alex Dawson won the Wrecks category with his captivating shot of the Gulf Fleet No 31 wreck in Egypt, showcasing the swim-through passage beneath the wreck. Dawson’s photo not only highlights the beauty of these underwater structures but also the stories they hold of the past. British photographer Catherine Holmes, on the other hand, won the Coral Reefs category with her stunning image of schooling baitfish swirling among vibrant coral in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Holmes describes the location as a “magical destination” where the sheer biodiversity and beauty of the coral reefs almost overwhelm the senses. These photos remind us of the importance of preserving coral reefs, which are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
The UP & Coming category highlighted the work of emerging talent in underwater photography. Korean photographer Jeungyul Park won the category with a striking image taken in Cancun, Mexico, during the rainy summer season. Park worked with a local guide to capture the perfect shot, showcasing his creativity and dedication. Another notable entry in this category was a photo titled “Shower of Light” by Korean photographer Ruruka, which was highly commended for its exquisite composition. Ruruka’s image, taken in Cancun, is the result of hours of patience and captures the beauty of light filtering through the water. Similarly, American photographer Autumn Martin, who was commended in the UP & Coming category, took her first underwater photo in Bali, Indonesia, capturing a tiny nudibranch in perfect focus after days of perseverance.
Finally, the competition also highlighted the urgent need for marine conservation through its ‘Save Our Seas’ category. German photographer Robert Marc Lehmann won the Save Our Seas Foundation Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year award with a heartbreaking image of a captured tiger shark in Indonesia. Lehmann’s photo serves as a stark reminder of the millions of sharks killed each year, inspiring viewers to take action to protect these vital predators. Similarly, British photographer Henley Spiers captured a poignant image of a California sea lion pup in Mexico, its neck wrapped in a fishing line, which was later freed by a local NGO. These images underscore the impact of human activity on marine life and the importance of conservation efforts to protect our oceans. Through their work, these photographers remind us of the beauty and fragility of the underwater world, inspiring us to take action to preserve it for future generations.
