Winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024

In an epic showcase of talent and the mysterious beauty of the underwater realm Alex Dawson has just been crowned the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024! His breathtaking image "Whale Bones" has surged ahead of over 6500 global entries to claim the top spot. Imagine plunging into the icy depths beneath Greenland's ice sheet where Dawson's lens has captured a moment so haunting that it feels like entering another dimension.

This isn't just any photo; it's a journey into the heart of the ocean where the remnants of whaling whisper tales of a bygone era. The image of a free diver dwarfed by the enormity of whale bones isn't just visually stunning; it's a powerful commentary on humanity's relationship with the ocean's giants. 

Alex Mustard the chair of the judging panel praises the photograph for its ability to transport viewers to an otherworldly scene highlighting the diver's exploration as a bridge between our world and the mysteries that lie beneath.

Get ready to be mesmerized by a masterpiece that does more than capture your gaze; it invites you to ponder explore and feel the pulse of the underwater world. This is not just a win for Dawson; it's a triumph for underwater photography showcasing the incredible power of visual storytelling to unveil the unseen provoke thought and celebrate the art of diving deep. Welcome to a world where photography dives deep into the heart of the ocean's untold stories leaving us in awe and hungry for more.

The Incredible Story Behind "Star Attraction"

Jenny Stock took home the title of British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 with her captivating image "Star Attraction." Stock's photo was taken during a dusk dive in Loch Leven Scotland. As she descended into the depths she stumbled upon a colorful and vibrant scene of thousands of brittle stars.

Among them she spotted a purple sea urchin capturing a moment of pure excitement. The juxtaposition of the sea urchin and the dominant star in the background created a visually stunning composition.

Recognizing the Remarkable Work of Rafael Fernandez Caballero

Rafael Fernandez Caballero the former Photographer of the Year continued to impress with his entries in the Behavior and Portrait categories. His close-up shot of a gray whale's eye and an action shot of a Bryde's whale engulfing a bait ball were taken in Magdalena Bay Baja California Mexico.

Caballero's photographs showcase the precise moment of attack with the whale's ventral pleats capturing the prey and creating an unforgettable image. Through his work Caballero allows us to glimpse into the soulful eyes of these majestic creatures.

Introducing the Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year

Lisa Stengel from the United States has been named the Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024. Her winning image taken in Mexico depicts a mahimahi swiftly catching a sardine.

Stengel explains that she used her camera to follow the distinct sound of the mahi attacks which led to the perfect opportunity to capture this magical moment. Her photograph serves as a reminder of the wealth of life hidden beneath the ocean's surface.

Preserving Marine Life Through Photography

Nuno Sá a Portuguese photographer was honored with the Save Our Seas Foundation Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year 2024 award. Sá's photograph titled "Saving Goliath" portrays beachgoers working together to save a stranded sperm whale near Costa da Caparica close to Lisbon. The image captures a poignant scene as the whale struggles to return to the sea. Despite their efforts the whale's last moments unfold on the shore a reminder of the challenges faced by marine life in our changing world.

Unveiling the Beauty of the Depths

Talia Greis from Australia emerged victorious in the Macro category with her abstract portrait of a potbelly seahorse. Her photograph was taken in the murky waters near Bare Island Sydney. Greis skillfully captures the intricate details of the seahorse highlighting its unique features. The photograph transforms the seahorse into a mesmerizing work of art.

Exploring the Wonders of Underwater Wrecks

Martin Brown a photographer from the USA captured the title in the Wrecks category with his intriguing shot of two Chieftain tanks off the coast of Aqaba Jordan. These military vehicles are positioned on a coral reef mimicking a formation seen in battle. Broen's photograph unveils the beauty and mystery of these underwater wrecks.

Monochromatic Brilliance in the Black & White Category

Jasmine Skye Smith an American photographer won the Black & White category with her minimalist photograph of two synchronized swimmers in a pool in Perth Western Australia. The image captures the graceful movements of the swimmers accentuated by the absence of color. Smith's photograph presents a sense of simplicity and elegance.

Celebrating British Waters

An American photographer Kat Zhou won the British Waters Wide-Angle category with her captivating image of dive-bombing gannets in Shetland. The photograph beautifully captures the energy and power of these birds in flight with the bubble rings highlighting the dynamic nature of their movements.

Kirsty Andrews received recognition for her photograph titled "Living Together" which won the British Waters Living Together category. Her image features a blenny perfectly framed inside a glass bottle found on the seabed of the river Fal Cornwall. Andrews offers a glimpse into the resourcefulness of marine life as Blennies choose unique shelters such as discarded glass bottles.

Jonathan Bunker claimed victory in the British Waters Compact category with his compelling shot of a catshark amidst bootlace seaweed in Chesil Cove Dorset. The photograph showcases the diverse marine life found in British waters inviting viewers to delve into the underwater world.

Capturing the Beauty of Underwater Life

Enrico Somogyi an underwater photographer from Indonesia won the Compact category with his image of a nudibranch sea slug with an emperor shrimp perched on its head. The photograph was taken in Tulamben Bali and showcases these fascinating creatures' vibrant colors and intricate details.



The competition has outdone itself yet again turning the spotlight on the unsung heroes behind the lens. These aren't just photographers; they're underwater explorers capturing the spellbinding beauty of realms unseen by the average eye. From the mysterious depths of the ocean to the vibrant life in British waters their cameras reveal stories of awe beauty and the urgent call to protect our blue planet.

This year's showcase is more than a feast for the eyes; it's a wake-up call. Each photo a breathtaking glimpse into the underwater world serves as a poignant reminder of what's at stake. The mesmerizing colors the delicate balance of marine life and the silent stories of survival and loss beneath the waves urge us to act. It's a celebration of nature's artistry and a rallying cry for conservation.