Explore 15 Breathtaking Photos from the Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards

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The ocean, with its immense depths and vibrant ecosystems, continues to captivate both scientists and artists alike. Photographers have dedicated themselves to showcasing the underwater world since the inception of underwater photography in 1856. As technology advances, divers use their skills to create stunning visual narratives that reflect the beauty and fragility of marine life.

One notable initiative is The Ocean Photographer of the Year Contest, backed by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain. This competition aims to highlight both the marvels of our oceans and the critical messages conveyed by dedicated photographers working in this field.

This year, the contest attracted over 15,000 submissions, featuring a range of coastal, drone, and underwater images across seven categories, including wildlife, fine art, adventure, conservation impact, conservation hope, human connection, and young photographer. An overall champion is named—the Ocean Photographer of the Year—alongside category-specific winners and awards such as the Ocean Portfolio Award and the Female Fifty Fathom Award, which recognizes outstanding women in ocean photography.

The winners for 2024 were announced on September 12. The selected photographs depict a mix of breathtaking wildlife interactions, the profound relationships humans share with the sea, and urgent reminders of environmental challenges affecting marine ecosystems. These award-winning images will be showcased at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney starting November 28, with additional exhibitions planned for 2025.

Highlighted below are some of the remarkable winning images from this year’s contest along with finalists that impressed the judges.

Overall Winner, Rafael Fernández Caballero

Captured by Rafael Fernández Caballero, the striking image features a Bryde’s whale poised to consume a heart-shaped bait ball off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The bait ball formation often arises as a last defensive maneuver by smaller fish in the face of predators, swarming closely together for protection.

This photograph, illuminated by sunlight filtering through the water, portrays a fleeting moment of nature’s drama. Bryde’s whales typically reside within 50 feet of the surface, indulging in impressive daily meals that range from 1,320 to 1,450 pounds of food. Fernández Caballero reflected on the experience, saying, “The image captures perhaps the most special—and craziest—moment of my life. It fills me with joy having lived this moment—and to have captured the image.”

Female Fifty Fathoms Award Winner, Ipah Uid Lynn

Ipah Uid Lynn from Malaysia received the Female Fifty Fathoms Award for her body of work demonstrating the intricate beauty of marine life, exemplified by a vibrant image of a goby balancing on a delicate sea whip in the Philippines. This award distinguishes itself by recognizing a photographer based on peer nominations rather than a standard submission process.

Lynn expressed the significance of this accolade: “It’s a recognition that goes beyond personal achievement. It highlights the importance of storytelling through photography and the voices of women in this field.” The capture emphasizes the often-overlooked small creatures that contribute to the ocean’s rich biodiversity.

Portfolio Award Winner, Shane Gross

Canadian photographer Shane Gross achieved the Portfolio Award for his documentation of baby plainfin midshipman fish in British Columbia, still connected to their yolk sacs. During the breeding season, these fish migrate between deep-sea habitats and the intertidal zones, facing unique environmental challenges.

Gross notes how the male midshipman takes responsibility for nurturing the young, protecting them until they’re ready to venture into deeper waters. He emphasized the commitment of the male fish even in fluctuating conditions, stating, “The babies are guarded over by their father until they are big enough to swim … to ocean depths.”

Human Connection Winner, Zhang Xiang

In a poignant portrayal of human interaction with nature, Zhang Xiang captured a traditional fisherman gliding through surf at sunset in Fujian, China. This region represents a critical area for seafood production, accounting for a significant percentage of the global supply. The photograph’s beauty transcends mere aesthetics, shining a light on the economic importance of ocean life and tourism.

Xiang reflected on the duality of the landscape’s appeal, noting that the breathtaking scenery draws tourists, thereby benefiting local economies. He remarked, “The gorgeous sight attracts many tourists, bringing income to local people.”

Adventure Winner, Tobias Friedrich

A striking photograph by Tobias Friedrich showcases a scuba diver dwarfed by a shipwreck in the Bahamas. Initially aiming to photograph sharks, Friedrich stumbled upon this wreck due to adverse weather conditions, ultimately seizing a remarkable photographic opportunity.

The Grand Bahama area is home to numerous intentional shipwrecks, often established for dive training and ecological purposes. Friedrich captured the moment, stating, “We decided to dive on this wreck … which made it an excellent photographic opportunity.”

Conservation (Hope) Winner, Shane Gross

Shane Gross also received recognition for his image portraying a green sea turtle being released back into the ocean by a researcher after it was inadvertently caught in nets. The image signifies the importance of tagging for conservation efforts, which aids scientists in understanding various species better.

Gross commented on the enduring legacy of this particular turtle, stating, “She is now an ambassador for her species.” Green sea turtles, essential to marine ecosystems, are known for their herbivorous diet, further emphasizing their ecological role.

Conservation (Impact) Winner, Frederik Brogaard

Frederik Brogaard’s striking image of a fin whale awaiting processing at an Icelandic whaling plant raises critical questions about conservation vs. exploitation. The controversial decision by Iceland to allow fin whale hunting ignited public outcry, leading to changes in policy regarding whale protections.

Brogaard articulated his hopes for the image: “I hope this picture raises awareness and serves as an inspiration to keep the public pressure on. These whales are crucial in our fight against climate change.”

Young Ocean Photographer Winner, Jacob Guy

British photographer Jacob Guy captured the elusive algae octopus during a dive in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This fascinating creature reveals itself when illuminated by ultraviolet light, showcasing a vibrant fluorescence that contrasts with its adept camouflage.

Guy described the thrill of encountering the rare creature, highlighting its unique behavior and ability to traverse between land and water while hunting for crabs. He noted, “On my last dive of the trip, I got lucky and found one of these beautiful creatures on the hunt for a meal.”

Fine Art Winner, Henley Spiers

Henley Spiers’ captivating image of juvenile Munk’s devil rays swimming beneath a boat at night demonstrates the artist’s keen eye for beauty. The rays, attracted to the green light from Spiers’ boat, create an illusion of flight as they gracefully move through the water.

Describing the process, Spiers remarked, “Entranced by their glance, I used a two-second exposure to capture their movements, which felt like an aquatic ballet.”

Wildlife Winner, Manuel Castellanos Raboso

A vibrant image by Manuel Castellanos Raboso captures a sunlit mahi-mahi showcasing its catch amidst a feeding frenzy in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Known for their remarkable colors and speed, mahi-mahi play a crucial role in the local marine ecosystem.

Castellanos Raboso celebrated the energy of this encounter, explaining, “This scene captures the hunt and the energy of the Baja’s marine life.”

Finalist, Jake Wilton

Australian photographer Jake Wilton submitted a stunning shot of a rare leucistic green sea turtle in Papua New Guinea. Leucism results in a partial loss of pigmentation, creating unique white patches. Wilton highlighted the significance of such conservation efforts for the species.

He stated that witnessing this turtle showcases the success of conservation initiatives aimed at protecting their nesting habitats in the region.

Finalist, Filippo Borghi

Filippo Borghi’s image of a leopard seal in the Southern Ocean provides a glimpse into the life of one of Antarctica’s apex predators, known for its hunting prowess. The photograph encapsulates the raw beauty and danger present in fragile ecosystems.

“I held my breath, my heart racing with a mixture of awe and trepidation, as the seal approached,” Borghi recalled, illustrating the thrill of photographing such an extraordinary creature.

Finalist, Daisuke Kurashima

Daisuke Kurashima beautifully captured the unique environmental phenomenon observed around Iwo Jima’s hot springs, resulting in strikingly colorful waters. This vivid portrayal brings attention to the intricate interactions between underwater features and marine life.

Finalist, Edwar Herreño Parra

Edwar Herreño Parra’s image features a whale shark swimming beneath a research vessel, illustrating the importance of tracking and studying these endangered creatures. Whale sharks are often dubbed gentle giants due to their filter-feeding habits, emphasizing the delicate balance within marine ecosystems.

His experience highlighted a significant moment in efforts to understand and protect these magnificent animals.

Finalist, Kate Jonker

Kate Jonker’s encounter with a common octopus that skillfully blended into its environment showcases the incredible adaptability and intelligence of octopuses. By capturing this moment, she emphasizes the unique connections that can occur between humans and marine creatures.

Reflecting on the experience, Jonker mused that such interactions serve to remind us of our role as visitors in their world, fostering a sense of shared connection.

The 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year Contest continues to illuminate the breathtaking beauty and pressing challenges facing our oceans, encouraging both awareness and appreciation for the rich diversity of life beneath the waves.

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