Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025

UPY2025 is now open for entries.

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UPY2025 is now open for entries.

Please remember that we amended the competition rules in 2023 to protect photographers from AI generated images. We now require that camera EXIF is included in all entered JPGs (it will be by default, unless you remove it) and we will check RAW files of all shortlisted images. If you are shortlisted you must be available to send us your RAW file by 18 January 2025.

UPY still allows extensive post processing, including backscatter and object removal, panoramas, photogrammetry and creative post processing, as long as they are the work of the photographer and not generated by AI.

The results of the UPY2025 competition will be announced at an exclusive award ceremony in central London in February 2025.

Prizes:

Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 will be awarded to the overall winner of the Up & Coming Worldwide category.

'Save Our Seas Foundation' Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year 2025 will be awarded to the winning image in this category (which is free to enter). Open to both underwater and above water images.

Two additions for the 2025 iteration of the contest include a new category dedicated to coral reefs, with photographers invited to submit any style of underwater photography as long as it is linked to coral reefs. This year also sees PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) join the competition as a sponsor of the highly prized Up & Coming category which celebrates new talent. PADI’s Dave Murray said, ‘As the world’s largest purpose-driven diving organisation, PADI is committed to making the underwater world accessible for all and creating positive ocean change.

Eligibility:

All photos in the 12 main categories must be taken underwater (split-level images are permitted as long as a part of image is underwater). Photos for the British Categories (categories 10-12) must be taken in the waters of the UK.

Copyrights & Usage Rights:

The copyright of all images will remain with the photographer.

Theme:

Underwater