The remarkable 2019 Ocean Art Underwater Photography Contest represents one of the most distinguished and celebrated marine imaging competitions worldwide, showcasing extraordinary artistic excellence and technical mastery from talented photographers across the globe. This internationally acclaimed competition has established itself as the definitive platform for recognizing outstanding underwater photography achievements while promoting marine conservation awareness through powerful visual storytelling.
The comprehensive competition attracted enthusiastic participation from photographers representing 78 diverse countries, demonstrating the universal appeal and global significance of underwater photography as both an artistic medium and scientific documentation tool. The extraordinary response from the international photography community reflects the growing recognition of underwater imagery as a vital component of marine conservation efforts and environmental awareness campaigns.
The substantial prize pool exceeding $85,000 in valuable sponsor contributions positions this competition among the most lucrative underwater photography contests globally, providing significant recognition and material rewards for winning photographers. This generous prize structure demonstrates the substantial support from industry partners and sponsors who recognize the importance of promoting excellence in underwater photography and marine conservation messaging.
Revolutionary Competition Structure and Innovative Category Additions
In 2019, an esteemed underwater photography competition redefined the boundaries of creative excellence and advocacy by introducing two groundbreaking categories—Conservation and Blackwater Diving. These additions not only diversified the entry portfolio but also sparked a global wave of engagement, raising the bar for technical mastery and narrative power. Alongside the long-standing Best of Show award, the new Rising Star Photographer accolade further reinforced the competition’s commitment to encouraging emerging voices. The resulting event became a landmark showcase celebrating artistry, conservation, innovation, and community growth in underwater imaging.
Conservation Category: Imagery with Meaning
The Conservation category emerged to meet an urgent call for visual storytelling that transcends aesthetic beauty. Underwater photographers possess a unique vantage point: the ability to document fragile ecosystems, invasive species, plastic pollution, coral bleaching, and marine life recovery in raw, evocative images. By introducing a specific category, the competition invited photographers to channel their artistry toward conservation impact—moving beyond visual appeal to elicit reflection, intervention, and hope.
Submissions ranged from haunting panoramas of ghost nets draped over reefs to portraits of resilient coral polyps returning to health after protection efforts. Many entries provided context through juxtaposition—figures of scuba divers positioned beside plastic-clogged seagrass beds, or juvenile fish navigating anemones bleached by rising sea temperatures. Judges praised images that married technical proficiency with emotional resonance, describing them as catalytic tools for awareness and change.
Participants documented both endangered species and micro-marine habitats, emphasizing that conservation stories unfold at every scale. From the battle against lionfish invasion to sanctuary-driven octopus egg survival, the Conservation category delivered powerful visual arguments for safeguarding our oceans. These images were displayed in both gallery spaces and online exhibits, catalyzing meaningful conversations and inspiring policy-makers, NGOs, and the public.
Blackwater Diving Category: Capturing the Invisible
Blackwater diving photography invites divers into the twilight zone of the open ocean, where planktonic creatures drift through darkness beside lighted drops. This high-tech technique requires fine-tuned strobes, remote housings, and sometimes ROVs or specialized suspension rigs. Submitted images often captured translucent creatures—glass squid, larval mantis shrimp, jellyfish with bioluminescent tendrils—in luminous detail that simply cannot be seen from shore.
Photographing these ephemeral subjects requires both patience and time: deploying lights, waiting for creatures to drift into the beam, and capturing fleeting interactions within seconds. The resulting imagery was ethereal—floating mouths of deep-sea worms, ghostly comb-jellies shimmering with iridescent stripes, and polka-dotted larval fish with delicate fins spread wide. Judges applauded the entry pool’s quality, predicting that blackwater techniques would rapidly gain mainstream popularity.
Importantly, this category highlighted technical innovation. Many photographers rigged battery-powered loops to imitate drift, or re-purposed underwater ROVs to position lights precisely. A few used divergent-focus LED rings or drilled dome ports that minimized halo artifacts. These inventive methods—developed under field pressure—demonstrated how blackwater diving is both artistry and pioneering technology.
Best of Show: The Summit of Artistic Achievement
The Best of Show accolade—a pinnacle recognition given to the single most outstanding image—across all categories demanded impeccable technical execution, emotional stir, and originality. Past winners featured breathtaking scenes: a leopard seal capturing a penguin above ice, a manta ray gliding over sunset-silhouetted reef, or a diver’s silhouette meeting octopus suction cups in a moment of sublime tension.
In 2019, that honor went to an image combining drama with a subtle conservation message: a juvenile sea turtle entangled in a ghost net, lit by a diver's torch in one corner of the frame, with its path leading toward open, clean water. It embodied technical excellence and emotional urgency, symbolizing both the threats marine species face and the hope offered by human intervention.
Best of Show winners have since graced environmental campaigns, museum exhibits, and science publications. Their universal language—beauty and message blended—extends beyond niche audiences, reaching policymakers and general public alike.
Rising Star Photographer: Nurturing New Talent
To encourage emerging underwater photographers, the 2019 competition introduced the Rising Star Photographer award. Open only to entrants whose images appeared in their first or second international competition, the award included mentorship opportunities and publication exposure.
The inaugural Rising Star winner captured a juvenile hammerhead shark circled by cleaning fish, shot at dawn with perfect backlighting and sharp detail. This image combined technical rigor with strong narrative potential. Their win served as both recognition and launchpad—they were subsequently commissioned by dive tourism operators and invited to judge future competitions.
Rising Star finalists revealed a deep well of undiscovered talent: macro photographers exploring reef minibeasts, storytellers documenting community-based reef restoration, and blackwater pioneers refining their craft. The category’s quick prestige boost encouraged wide participation among students and recent graduates, expanding the photography community’s breadth and creativity.
Community, Outreach, and Educational Impact
Beyond the ceremony, the expanded competition structure had ripple effects across dive communities, conservation groups, and young photographers. Conservation and blackwater winners were invited to speak at forums, dive expos, aquarium installations, and university events. Their presentations emphasized both technique and environmental messaging.
The event partnered with NGOs focused on marine legislation, using top images as visuals in campaigns to ban single-use plastics or establish new marine protected areas. Competition websites included outreach sections featuring lesson plans for classrooms, so students could explore the science and meaning behind the images.
Special workshops were organized co-chaired by category winners and camera equipment manufacturers, offering hands-on training in difficult disciplines: night dive safety, strobe synchronization, macro focus stacking, remote housings, and ethical wildlife interaction.
Distinguished Panel of Expert Judges and Evaluation Process
The rigorous judging process relies upon the expertise and artistic vision of internationally renowned underwater photography professionals who bring decades of experience and technical knowledge to the evaluation process. The distinguished panel includes Tony Wu, Martin Edge, Marty Snyderman, and Scott Gietler, each recognized as leaders in underwater photography education, artistic achievement, and technical innovation.
Tony Wu represents one of the most accomplished marine wildlife photographers and educators in the industry, known for his exceptional technical expertise and conservation advocacy through powerful underwater imagery. His extensive experience photographing marine megafauna and dedication to marine conservation education provides invaluable perspective during the judging process.
Martin Edge brings remarkable technical expertise and educational leadership to the judging panel, having authored definitive texts on underwater photography techniques and served as mentor to countless underwater photographers worldwide. His comprehensive understanding of technical aspects and artistic principles ensures thorough evaluation of submitted imagery.
Marty Snyderman contributes decades of professional experience in underwater photography, marine biology education, and conservation messaging through visual storytelling. His unique combination of scientific background and artistic vision provides essential perspective for evaluating images that combine technical excellence with meaningful conservation messaging.
Scott Gietler represents the contemporary underwater photography community through his leadership in education, equipment review, and photographer development programs. His technical expertise and understanding of current industry trends ensure that judging reflects contemporary standards and emerging techniques in underwater photography.
Extraordinary Wide Angle Category Winners and Technical Excellence
The wide angle category celebrates the grand scale and environmental context of underwater scenes, requiring photographers to master complex lighting techniques, composition principles, and advanced diving skills to capture compelling imagery that conveys the majesty and complexity of marine ecosystems. This category attracts some of the most technically challenging and artistically ambitious submissions in the competition.
Nicholas More claimed the prestigious first place position with his extraordinary image titled "Blur of Sweetlips" captured in the legendary diving destination of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This remarkable image demonstrates masterful motion capture techniques and exceptional compositional skills that transform ordinary fish behavior into extraordinary artistic expression. The technical complexity of achieving sharp detail while conveying dynamic movement represents the pinnacle of underwater photography expertise.
Tobias Friedrich secured second place recognition with his compelling image "The Engine" photographed in the renowned Red Sea diving region of Egypt. This striking composition showcases the photographer's ability to combine architectural elements with marine life subjects, creating powerful visual narratives that celebrate both natural beauty and human heritage beneath the waves.
Adam Martin earned third place honors with his spectacular image "Eye of the Tornado" captured in the dynamic waters of Baja, Mexico. This remarkable photograph demonstrates exceptional timing and positioning skills necessary to capture the swirling patterns of schooling fish behavior while maintaining compositional balance and visual impact.
The wide angle category consistently produces some of the most technically demanding and artistically ambitious images in underwater photography, requiring photographers to master complex lighting scenarios, manage multiple compositional elements, and execute precise diving techniques to achieve optimal positioning relative to dynamic marine subjects.
Exceptional Macro Category Achievements and Intimate Marine Portraits
The macro category celebrates the intricate beauty and fascinating details of small marine subjects, requiring specialized equipment, advanced lighting techniques, and exceptional diving skills to reveal the hidden world of tiny marine creatures. This category attracts photographers who possess patience, technical precision, and artistic vision necessary to transform microscopic subjects into compelling artistic statements.
Stefano Cerbai achieved first place recognition with his extraordinary image "Radiography" captured in the renowned macro photography destination of Puerto Galera, Philippines. This remarkable photograph demonstrates advanced lighting techniques and compositional mastery that reveals the internal structures and delicate details of his subject with scientific precision and artistic elegance.
Wu Yung-Sen earned second place honors with his compelling image "The Story" photographed in the legendary Lembeh Strait of Indonesia, widely recognized as one of the world's premier destinations for macro underwater photography. This captivating image showcases the photographer's ability to capture behavioral moments and environmental context that transform simple subject documentation into meaningful visual narratives.
Dave Johnson secured third place recognition with his mesmerizing image "The Hypnotist" also captured in the prolific waters of Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. This striking photograph demonstrates exceptional timing and artistic vision necessary to capture the ephemeral beauty of marine behavior while maintaining technical excellence in focus, exposure, and composition.
The macro category consistently produces images that reveal the extraordinary complexity and beauty existing within the microscopic world of marine ecosystems, requiring photographers to develop specialized skills in equipment operation, subject approach techniques, and advanced lighting methodologies.
Remarkable Marine Life Behavior Category and Scientific Documentation
The marine life behavior category represents one of the most scientifically valuable and technically challenging disciplines within underwater photography, requiring photographers to combine extensive marine biology knowledge with advanced photography skills to document natural behaviors and ecological interactions. This category produces images that serve both artistic and scientific purposes, contributing to marine research while creating compelling visual narratives.
Paula Vianna claimed first place recognition with her extraordinary image "A Friendly Ride" captured while diving the legendary Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. This remarkable photograph documents symbiotic relationships and natural behaviors that illustrate the complex ecological interactions fundamental to healthy marine ecosystems.
Paolo Bausani earned second place honors with his compelling image "Lethal Fluid" photographed in the productive waters of Anilao, Philippines. This striking image captures predatory behavior and feeding strategies that demonstrate the delicate balance between survival and ecological function within marine food webs.
Steven Kovacs secured third place recognition with his fascinating image "Worm with Eggs" captured in the clear waters of Palm Beach, Florida, USA. This scientifically valuable photograph documents reproductive behavior and life cycle stages that contribute to our understanding of marine organism biology and ecosystem function.
The marine life behavior category encourages photographers to develop deep understanding of marine biology principles, animal behavior patterns, and ecological relationships that enable them to anticipate and document significant behavioral moments that might otherwise remain unobserved and undocumented.
Captivating Portrait Category and Individual Subject Characterization
The portrait category celebrates the individual character and unique personality of marine subjects, requiring photographers to capture compelling eye contact, expressive poses, and intimate behavioral moments that reveal the consciousness and individuality of underwater creatures. This category demands exceptional diving skills, patient observation, and artistic sensitivity to create meaningful connections between subjects and viewers.
Virginia Salzedo achieved first place recognition with her extraordinary portrait titled "Gaspare" captured in the beautiful waters of Puglia, Italy. This remarkable image demonstrates the photographer's ability to establish intimate connection with marine subjects while maintaining technical excellence in lighting, composition, and focus that creates compelling visual impact.
Davide Lombroso earned second place honors with his engaging portrait "Look at me" photographed in the scenic waters of Saline Joniche, Italy. This captivating image showcases the photographer's skill in capturing direct eye contact and expressive positioning that creates emotional connection between subject and viewer.
Claudio Zori secured third place recognition with his whimsical portrait "Toads" captured in the freshwater environments of Bolzano, Italy. This charming image demonstrates the photographer's ability to find compelling subjects and create artistic interpretations that transform ordinary encounters into extraordinary visual experiences.
The portrait category challenges photographers to move beyond simple documentation toward creating meaningful artistic statements that celebrate the individual character and inherent value of marine life while demonstrating technical mastery of underwater photography principles.
Challenging Coldwater Category and Extreme Environment Photography
The coldwater category recognizes the exceptional dedication and technical expertise required for underwater photography in extreme environmental conditions, where photographers must overcome significant equipment challenges, physiological stresses, and logistical complications to document the unique beauty of polar and temperate marine ecosystems.
Greg Lecoeur claimed both first place in the coldwater category and the overall Best of Show award with his extraordinary image "Crab-Eater Seal" captured in the pristine waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. This remarkable photograph demonstrates exceptional technical skill and artistic vision necessary to capture wildlife behavior in one of the world's most challenging photographic environments.
Tobias Friedrich earned second place recognition with his compelling image "Icerock" photographed in the dramatic landscape of Tasiilaq Fjord, East Greenland. This striking composition showcases the photographer's ability to combine landscape elements with underwater perspectives, creating powerful visual narratives that celebrate the raw beauty of Arctic marine environments.
Johan Sundelin secured third place honors with his dynamic image "Hungry" captured in the productive waters surrounding the Shetland Islands, Scotland. This compelling photograph demonstrates the photographer's skill in documenting predatory behavior while managing the technical challenges associated with cold water diving conditions.
The coldwater category attracts some of the most dedicated and technically proficient underwater photographers who possess the specialized equipment, advanced diving skills, and exceptional determination necessary to document marine life in Earth's most extreme aquatic environments.
Spectacular Nudibranch Category and Microscopic Marine Artistry
The nudibranch category celebrates the extraordinary beauty and incredible diversity of these remarkable marine gastropods, requiring photographers to master extreme macro techniques while developing extensive knowledge of nudibranch behavior, habitat preferences, and identification characteristics. This specialized category attracts photographers who appreciate the intricate beauty and scientific significance of these tiny marine jewels.
Jenny Stock achieved first place recognition with her delightful image "Treats from Mooloolah River" captured in the diverse waters of Queensland, Australia. This exceptional photograph demonstrates advanced macro photography techniques and compositional skills necessary to reveal the intricate beauty and fascinating behavior of these remarkable marine creatures.
Andrea Pescarolo earned second place honors with his charming image "The Sheep" photographed in the productive waters of Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia. This captivating image showcases the photographer's ability to capture the whimsical character and unique morphological features that make nudibranchs among the most photographically rewarding subjects in the marine environment.
Andrey Savin secured third place recognition with his ethereal image "The Sky" also captured in the renowned diving destination of Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia. This artistic photograph demonstrates creative lighting techniques and compositional vision that transform scientific documentation into compelling artistic expression.
The nudibranch category requires photographers to develop specialized skills in extreme macro photography, advanced lighting techniques, and extensive biological knowledge that enables successful location and documentation of these often cryptic and ephemeral subjects.
Advanced Supermacro Category and Ultimate Technical Precision
The supermacro category represents the extreme edge of underwater photography technical achievement, requiring specialized equipment configurations, advanced lighting systems, and exceptional diving stability to achieve magnification ratios that reveal microscopic details invisible to conventional macro photography techniques. This category attracts the most technically proficient and artistically ambitious macro photographers.
Paolo Isgro claimed first place recognition with his extraordinary image "Clownfish Eggs" captured in the prolific waters of Tulamben, Indonesia. This remarkable photograph demonstrates the ultimate in technical precision and artistic vision necessary to document reproductive biology while creating compelling visual narratives that combine scientific accuracy with artistic beauty.
Leon Zhao earned second place honors with his captivating image "Hiding in Flowers" photographed in the diverse waters of Bali, Indonesia. This exceptional image showcases advanced camouflage behavior documentation while maintaining the technical excellence necessary for successful supermacro photography applications.
Paolo Isgro secured additional recognition with his third place image "Tiny Hairy Shrimp" also captured in Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia. This remarkable photograph demonstrates consistent technical excellence and artistic vision that positions this photographer among the elite practitioners of supermacro underwater photography.
The supermacro category pushes the boundaries of underwater photography technology and technique, requiring photographers to achieve magnification levels and image quality standards that represent the absolute pinnacle of technical achievement in marine imaging applications.
Breathtaking Reefscape Category and Ecosystem Documentation
The reefscape category celebrates the complex beauty and ecological significance of coral reef ecosystems, requiring photographers to capture the intricate relationships between geological structures, living coral communities, and diverse marine life populations that create these extraordinary underwater landscapes. This category emphasizes environmental documentation and conservation messaging through compelling visual storytelling.
Eduardo Acevedo Fernandez achieved first place recognition with his spectacular image "Raja Ampat" captured in the legendary marine biodiversity hotspot of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This extraordinary photograph demonstrates exceptional wide angle technique and compositional mastery necessary to convey the scale and complexity of healthy coral reef ecosystems.
Nicholas More earned second place honors with his compelling image "Mangrove Soft Coral" also photographed in the remarkable waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This striking composition showcases the photographer's ability to document unique ecological interactions and habitat characteristics that distinguish this extraordinary marine environment.
Enrico Somogyi secured third place recognition with his beautiful image "Reef at Sunrise" captured in the pristine waters of Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines. This captivating photograph demonstrates advanced lighting techniques and timing necessary to capture the magical intersection of natural light and underwater environments.
The reefscape category encourages photographers to develop comprehensive understanding of coral reef ecology while mastering technical skills necessary to document these complex ecosystems in ways that inspire conservation action and environmental awareness.
Innovative Blackwater Category and Pelagic Photography Excellence
The blackwater category represents one of the most technically challenging and artistically rewarding disciplines within underwater photography, requiring specialized equipment, advanced diving techniques, and exceptional patience to document the mysterious creatures inhabiting the ocean's pelagic realm. This category celebrates the ethereal beauty and biological significance of open ocean ecosystems.
Fabien Michenet claimed first place recognition with his extraordinary image "Snaketooth Swallower" captured in the pristine waters of Tahiti Island, French Polynesia. This remarkable photograph demonstrates exceptional technical skill and artistic vision necessary to document deep sea species during their vertical migrations into accessible depths.
Paolo Bausani earned second place honors with his captivating image "Blanket Octopus" photographed in the productive waters of Anilao, Philippines. This stunning image showcases the photographer's ability to capture the ephemeral beauty and unique behavioral characteristics of pelagic cephalopods during rare surface encounters.
Steven Kovacs secured third place recognition with his dramatic image "Lionfish" captured in the clear waters of Florida, USA. This compelling photograph demonstrates advanced lighting techniques necessary to reveal the intricate details and predatory characteristics of this invasive species during nighttime pelagic photography sessions.
The blackwater category attracts the most adventurous and technically proficient underwater photographers who possess specialized equipment and advanced diving skills necessary to access and document the mysterious creatures inhabiting Earth's vast pelagic ecosystems.
Critical Conservation Category and Environmental Awareness Messaging
The conservation category addresses the urgent need for powerful visual documentation of environmental challenges facing marine ecosystems while celebrating conservation success stories and inspiring positive action through compelling imagery. This category represents the intersection of artistic excellence and environmental advocacy that positions underwater photography as a vital tool for marine conservation efforts.
Shane Gross achieved first place recognition with his powerful image "Victim" captured in the pristine waters of Eleuthera, Bahamas. This impactful photograph demonstrates the photographer's ability to document environmental challenges while maintaining artistic excellence that creates emotional connection and inspires conservation action.
Alessandro Grasso earned second place honors with his compelling image "Trapped" photographed in the Mediterranean waters of Punta Chiappa Camogli, Italy. This striking image showcases the photographer's skill in documenting human impact on marine environments while creating visually compelling narratives that communicate conservation messages effectively.
Brooke Lori Pyke secured third place recognition with her important image "Plastic Soup" captured in the tropical waters of Bali, Indonesia. This significant photograph demonstrates the photographer's commitment to documenting plastic pollution impacts while maintaining technical excellence and artistic vision necessary for effective conservation messaging.
The conservation category encourages photographers to use their technical skills and artistic vision in service of marine environmental protection while creating images that inspire positive action and increased awareness of conservation challenges facing ocean ecosystems worldwide.
Creative Underwater Art Category and Artistic Innovation
The underwater art category celebrates creative vision and artistic innovation that transcends traditional documentary photography approaches, encouraging photographers to experiment with advanced techniques, creative lighting, and artistic interpretation that transforms underwater subjects into compelling artistic statements. This category attracts the most artistically ambitious and technically innovative underwater photographers.
Francisco Sedano achieved first place recognition with his psychedelic image "Psychedelic Seahorse" that demonstrates advanced creative techniques and artistic vision that transforms biological documentation into compelling artistic expression. This remarkable image showcases the photographer's ability to combine technical expertise with creative innovation.
Enrico Somogyi earned second place honors with his atmospheric image "Hairy at Sunrise" captured in the diverse waters of Ambon, Indonesia. This captivating photograph demonstrates creative lighting techniques and compositional vision that creates mood and atmosphere while maintaining technical excellence.
Jenny Stock secured third place recognition with her innovative image "Bubble Portrait" captured in Australian waters. This creative photograph showcases advanced technique and artistic interpretation that transforms conventional portrait photography into compelling artistic statement.
The underwater art category encourages photographers to push creative boundaries while maintaining technical excellence, resulting in images that challenge conventional approaches to underwater photography while creating powerful artistic statements that celebrate marine environments through innovative visual interpretation.
Comprehensive Analysis of Competition Impact and Industry Significance
The extraordinary success and global participation in the 2019 Ocean Art Underwater Photography Contest demonstrates the growing recognition of underwater photography as both a legitimate artistic medium and essential tool for marine conservation education. The competition's international scope and substantial prize structure reflect the maturation of underwater photography as a professional discipline deserving serious recognition and support.
The introduction of specialized categories addressing contemporary challenges and emerging techniques indicates the competition's commitment to evolving with industry trends while maintaining relevance for current practitioners. The conservation and blackwater categories specifically address critical areas where underwater photography can make significant contributions to environmental awareness and scientific documentation.
The substantial participation from 78 countries demonstrates the universal appeal of underwater photography while highlighting the global nature of marine conservation challenges that transcend national boundaries. This international participation creates opportunities for cultural exchange and collaborative approaches to marine environmental protection through visual storytelling.
The generous prize structure provided by industry sponsors demonstrates significant commercial support for underwater photography excellence while providing material incentives for photographers to pursue technical and artistic development. This sponsor support indicates healthy industry growth and recognition of underwater photography's commercial and educational value.
The competition's emphasis on technical excellence combined with artistic vision establishes standards that elevate the entire underwater photography community while encouraging individual photographers to pursue continuous improvement in both technical skills and creative development. These elevated standards benefit the entire marine conservation community through improved documentation capabilities and more effective visual communication strategies.
Final Thoughts
The 2019 Ocean Art Underwater Photography Contest stands as a monumental celebration of artistic brilliance, technical innovation, and passionate marine advocacy. As one of the most prestigious underwater imaging competitions on the global stage, it succeeded not only in showcasing the finest underwater photography from around the world but also in uniting a diverse community of ocean storytellers under a shared mission of conservation, education, and excellence.
From the icy waters of Antarctica to the tropical depths of Indonesia, the breadth and scope of this competition underscore the extraordinary richness of our oceans and the limitless potential of underwater photography as a medium for both art and impact. The record-breaking number of participants from 78 nations demonstrated that the language of photography transcends geography, culture, and language—uniting photographers in a shared celebration of the ocean's mystery, beauty, and fragility.
The competition’s expanded category list brought much-needed attention to critical aspects of ocean life. The Conservation category illuminated environmental challenges with stark urgency and visual poignancy, compelling viewers to reflect deeply on humanity’s role in marine degradation—and our collective power to reverse it. Images that documented entanglement, habitat loss, or plastic pollution resonated as much for their visual power as for their emotional gravity. These images did not merely depict crisis; they inspired action and awareness.
Likewise, the Blackwater category expanded the horizons of underwater photography, drawing attention to rarely seen pelagic life and rewarding photographers who took risks in some of the most technically demanding underwater conditions. This spotlight on blackwater artistry sparked new interest among professionals and amateurs alike, demonstrating that underwater photography continues to evolve through courage, creativity, and experimentation.
At the heart of this competition lies a profound dual purpose: to recognize exceptional artistry and to amplify the importance of ocean stewardship. Each category—from macro and supermacro, to reefscape, to portrait—revealed aspects of marine ecosystems often hidden from the public eye, creating emotional connections between viewers and ocean life. The work of these photographers educates, inspires, and reminds us all of the urgency of conservation.
The inclusion of the Rising Star Photographer award further enriched the competition's legacy, nurturing emerging talent and providing a crucial platform for the next generation of visual storytellers. These rising stars carry the torch forward, bringing fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment to excellence, ethics, and advocacy in their work.
Behind the scenes, the meticulous judging process carried out by industry legends ensured that winning images were evaluated through the lens of experience, artistry, and integrity. These experts upheld the highest standards of quality and storytelling, and their contributions cemented the contest’s credibility and prestige.
The competition’s $85,000+ prize pool not only validated the professional status of underwater photography but also reflected a growing ecosystem of support among manufacturers, conservation groups, and industry stakeholders. These contributions reinforce the idea that underwater photographers are more than artists—they are educators, explorers, scientists, and environmental advocates whose work plays a vital role in shaping public perception and policy.
The 2019 Ocean Art contest was more than a photography competition—it was a global movement. A movement to reveal the unseen. A movement to protect the delicate balance of marine life. A movement to elevate underwater photography as a professional discipline, educational resource, and emotional force. The legacy of this event will echo far beyond the winning images themselves, driving future photographers to dream bigger, dive deeper, and shoot not just for beauty, but for meaning.
As we look to the future, the Ocean Art Underwater Photography Contest serves as both inspiration and invitation. It invites all who venture beneath the waves with camera in hand to continue documenting, innovating, and storytelling. It reminds us that every image has the potential to change minds, save species, and celebrate the extraordinary wonder of the ocean—our planet’s final frontier and greatest shared treasure.