Now in its eighth year, the Underwater Photo Competition attracts blue planet photographers from all corners of the globe, who reveal the mysteries of the ocean in breathtaking photos.

Crab-eater seal moves through frozen water
'Best in Show' awarded to Greg Lecoeur for his crab-eater seal photo ©Underwater Photo Competition

The Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition, organised by the Underwater Photography Guide, has announced its 2019 winners. Over US$85,000 in prizes were awarded to photographers from across 16 different categories. The Best of Show and overall winner is a heart-stopping photo of a crab-eater seal swimming quickly through freezing waters under Antarctic ice by Greg Lecoeur. The winner of the Rising Star Photographer Award and a close runner-up for best of show, was Julie Casey with a jaw-dropping photo of six juvenile seahorses.

Six juvenile seahorses
'Rising Star Photographer' was awarded to Julie Casey for her seahorse image ©Underwater Photo Competition

Bluewater Photo and Travel owner and Underwater Photography Guide publisher, Scott Gietler commented, "I continue to be amazed by the wonderful images that today's underwater photographers are producing. The two new categories, Conservation and Blackwater, were true standout categories. Especially the Conservation category - the winning images produce powerful emotion, and will influence a new generation of ocean conservation."

See all images here .

Explore related stories

Young mixed race woman in exercise outfit relaxes and sunbathes on the top of Dois Irmaos mountain, with Ipanema beach and lagoon as the backdrop.
560120167

Activities

8 of the best free things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Dec 2, 2023 • 8 min read