Ocean Art celebrates the best underwater photography in $60,000 comp
The Ocean Art Underwater Photography Competition, widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement for underwater photographers, has revealed its winners for 2024.
With participation from over 90 countries, the competition had a prize pool valued at more than $60,000 USD in 2024.
From mesmerizing macro shots of marine birth to dramatic wide-angle scenes of cenotes and reefscapes, the winning photographs highlight the beauty, fragility, and diversity of underwater ecosystems while inspiring global conservation efforts.
The Best in Show ranking was awarded to Eduardo Labat for his image, “Dancing White Tips,” taken at Roca Partida, Revillagigedo, Mexico.
Labat’s photograph captured a synchronous ballet of white-tip reef sharks in black & white.
“It was our last dive of the day, in the afternoon with sunlight fading. At Roca Partida, most white tip sharks congregate in small groups at various ledges throughout the rock formation,” explains Labat.
“On this particular afternoon, a large aggregation of white tips started forming some distance from the rock. Dozens of sharks formed a tight group at an approximate depth of 25 feet. The sharks were not hunting or exhibiting aggressive behavior. After witnessing this rare event from the periphery of the formation, I slowly ascended to hover just above it. That is where I took this picture.”
“2024’s Ocean Art competition was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Nirupam Nigam, organiser of the contest and President of Bluewater Photo & Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide.
“The talent and vision displayed by our participants have set new benchmarks for underwater photography. It’s an honor to see the competition grow in scope and impact every year.”
Australian photographer Naomi Springett was recognised in the competition - taking out the Compact Macro and Compact Behaviour categories.
This year’s judging panel included Tony Wu, Marty Snyderman, and Mark Strickland, alongside Canon and Marelux Ambassador Ipah Uid Lynn, who joined as a new judge to bring fresh perspectives to the Underwater Digital Art and Underwater Fashion categories.
You can see all the category winners below, and more finalists on the Ocean Art website.
