The organizers of the Underwater Awards Australasia 2025—DPG, Underwater Australasia, and UW Images—are proud to announce the winners of the 2nd edition of the underwater imaging competition focused on the Australasian region. The winning entries were revealed on September 6th, 2025, at Go Diving Show ANZ in Sydney, Australia.
The competition called for passionate underwater shooters from around the world to submit their most captivating and compelling images and videos from the Australasian region. Shooters were invited to immerse themselves in the challenge of capturing the essence of this extraordinary realm, where every frame tells a story of the delicate balance and breathtaking beauty that characterises our oceans.
Entrants competed in nine categories for prizes worth more than A$70,000 in total, including dive trips with the world’s top resorts and liveaboards, as well as the latest underwater photo and video gear. The prestigious judging panel comprised photo judges Tobias Friedrich, Jayne Jenkins, Matty Smith, Tanya Houppermans, Scott Portelli and William Tan; and video judges Philip Hamilton and Ross Long.
The overall winner of the competition—the “Best of Show”—is James Ferrara, whose stunning leopard seal takes the top spot in the International Waters category. The other category winners are Vadim Belakhov (Sharks), Neil Vincent (Conservation), Talia Greis (Sydney), Marcia Riederer (Australian), Jake Wilton (Portfolio), Luciano Morales Corinaldesi (Smartphone/Action Cam), Imogen Manins (Tough TG), and Laura Gourgas (Reels Showcase).
The organizers would like to extend their congratulations to all the winners, runners-up and honorable mentions, as well as their thanks to everyone that entered the competition. The organizers would also like to express their immense gratitude to the contest’s esteemed judges and generous sponsors, without whom the competition would not have been possible. The exhibited metal prints of the winners and runners-up are available for purchase at the show, with the generous permission of the photographers. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the competition’s environmental partners Australian Marine Conservation Society and Take 3 for the Sea.
The winners will be published by supporting media partners worldwide. You can enjoy the winning images and videos below. (For detailed location information, equipment and settings, and photographers’ comments accompanying each of the winning entries, please view the announcement on DPG.)
Important note: Entries to the competition must have been shot in the Australasian region, with the exception of the categories “Sydney,” “Australian,” and “International Waters.” For the definition of “Australasia” for the purposes of the competition, please read the Rules & Guidelines.
PHOTO
Sharks
Any underwater image featuring a shark. Both underwater and split images are permitted.
Sydney
Any image captured in the waters of Metropolitan Sydney. This area is capped by Hornsby Shire and the Northern Beaches Council in the north and the Sutherland Shire in the south. It does not include areas in Greater Sydney like the Central Coast or Shellharbour. Both underwater and split images are permitted.
Conservation
Any image with a focus on marine or freshwater environment and conservation. The subject matter must address a marine or freshwater-related environmental issue, whether it be considered positive or negative. The goal of images in this category is to convey a real-world message.
Australian
Any image showcasing the beauty of Australian waters. Entries are allowed from all Australian states and internal territories. Submissions are not accepted from external territories such as Christmas Island, the Coral Sea Islands and the part of Antarctica claimed by Australia. Both underwater and split images are permitted.
International Waters
Any image shot anywhere around the world. Macro or wide angle, warm or cold water—all images captured by any camera are accepted. Both underwater and split images are permitted. Only exceptional, original images will stand a chance in this highly competitive category.
Tough TG
Any image captured with an OM System or Olympus Tough compact camera. All TG models (TG-1 through TG-7) can be used. Both underwater and split shots are permitted.
Portfolio
Any portfolio comprising six images. The portfolio may be made up of any six images (no more, no fewer), but entrants are encouraged to choose images either following a particular theme (e.g., species, location, color) or demonstrating a range of skills or interests (e.g., behaviors, environments, techniques). Both underwater and split images are permitted. For detailed instructions on submitting a portfolio entry, please see the competition Rules & Guidelines.
Smartphone/Action Cam
Any image captured with a smartphone or action camera. Both underwater and split shots are permitted, as is the use of dome ports and attachments such as wet lenses, and artificial lighting.
VIDEO
Reels Showcase
Any Instagram Reel of 90 seconds or less. At least 50% of the Instagram Reel must consist of underwater video clips. Be as creative as possible and use text, filters and audio to create a fun and entertaining multi-clip video. Note: Submission requires you to first create your Instagram Reel and share it with us, and then finish the submissions process by paying for your entry. For detailed instructions, please see the competition Rules and Guidelines.
Judges
Jayne Jenkins
Jayne Jenkins was born and raised in Wales, and learned to dive in the chilly waters along the rugged Welsh coastline before moving to Australia in 1973. She has been actively involved in many facets of the diving industry for over four decades. Jayne is a regular editorial contributor to Scuba Diver Australia and New Zealand, and her underwater images have won her many awards. A proud Fellow International of the Explorers Club, Jayne is one of only three Australians to be inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame. Jayne has been a judge for numerous photo competitions, including the Photo Competition for World Oceans Day organised by the United Nations.
Matty Smith
Matty Smith is based in Newcastle, Australia, having emigrated from the UK in 2007. He has over 25 years of photography experience, with 17 of those underwater. He is a speaker and writer on various photographic techniques, but his biggest passion is teaching photography workshops in person to emerging students. He has been published by the likes of the BBC’s Blue Planet II documentary, National Geographic, BBC Wildlife magazine, Ocean Geographic, and many others. Matty has over 30 international awards to his name. An ambassador for Nikon Australia, he is sponsored by Aquatica Digital and is an Ocean Geographic Master Photographer.
Philip Hamilton
Philip Hamilton is a filmmaker, photographer and author, best known for his passion and dedication to ocean conservation. He has over 30 years of diving and sailing experience and has documented most marine animals on the planet, from the blue whales to the smallest critters. Philip has amassed an extensive collection of video footage and stills, which he regularly donates to conservation programs, scientists, and NGOs. He published his first marine conservation book, Call of the Blue, in 2018, with the second edition released in 2024. His multi-award-winning debut film, Ocean Souls (2020), an unprecedented collaboration of over 100 filmmakers and 25 scientists, is an emotive documentary showcasing the largest diversity of cetaceans ever seen on film and highlighting new scientific discoveries. He also produced the feature film Collision (2022), an impactful documentary about vessel collisions with whales. Philip’s latest film, Remote Places, tackling the conservation issues and environmental threats the world’s most far-flung places are facing, will be released in 2025.
Ross Long
Ross Long is a multi-award-winning ocean, travel and lifestyle photographer and writer based in Byron Bay, Australia. Ross is a tenacious visionary with big ideas and a passionate artist and conservationist who truly loves his work. He is always creating, forever a student, and brimming with wanderlust. His purpose is to evoke emotion and inspire people to set out on their own adventures. He has worked with various tourist boards and high-profile brands, including Tourism Australia and GoPro.
Scott Portelli
Scott Portelli is a multi-award-winning wildlife, nature, aerial and underwater photographer. Scott has spent thousands of hours in remote locations across the globe filming and photographing nature, wildlife, and the underwater environment. Among his many accolades, he has received multiple awards at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (2016, 2022) and has twice been crowned overall winner of the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year (2021, 2024). His conservation and nature documentaries have been honored at various film awards and festivals, including Nature’s Best Photography: Windland Smith Rice International Awards (2018) and the Sienna International Photography Awards (2021). Scott is known for his wildlife and photography workshops, tours and lectures, showing enthusiasts and experts alike the best way to get the most out of their photography, especially in challenging locations.
Tanya Houppermans
Tanya Houppermans is an underwater photographer/videographer and shark naturalist who has won numerous international awards for her photography including the Grand Prize in the Big Picture Natural World Photography Competition, First Place in the Portrait Category in the Underwater Photographer of the Year Competition, and an unprecedented three First Place awards in the World Shootout “Sharks” category. Her images have appeared in publications around the world, including National Geographic. In 2023, Tanya was elected as a Fellow into the Explorers Club due to her discoveries in shark science. She is an ambassador for Isotta.
Tobias Friedrich
Tobias Friedrich first started taking pictures underwater with a DSLR in 2007. He is based in Wiesbaden, Germany, conveniently close to Frankfurt Airport, a major hub that facilitates his international travels for assignments around the globe. His images have been published in prestigious magazines and newspapers around the world, and numerous underwater photography competitions have honored his work, resulting in over 50 accolades, including 30 first-place awards. Notably, he was crowned “Underwater Photographer of the Year” in the prestigious UPY competition in 2018 and named “German Photographer of the Year” in the World Shootout contest in 2019.
William Tan
William Tan has been fascinated with the creatures of the sea since childhood. While studying at the Johns Hopkins University (USA), much of his spare time was spent gazing at the extensive marine collection of the nearby National Aquarium in Baltimore. A violinist with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, William earned his scuba diving certification in 1994. Thereafter, without his prized antique Italian violin, he travels extensively between concert seasons throughout the Pacific region photographing marine life for scientific institutions, camera and housing manufacturers, tourism organizations, dive magazines and resorts.
Prizes
SPONSOR
One week on the new Ocean Souls Explorer
Ocean Souls Explorer is a newly-launched non-profit sustainable vessel dedicated to exploration, science and storytelling. The sailing catamaran is operated by the team behind Ocean Souls Films, a UK-based media production company that makes marine conservation films. Conceived as an open platform, the vessel enables scientists and non-governmental organizations to access remote locations and transform scientific discoveries into compelling stories and conversations. Ocean Souls Explorer’s first trips are in the Caribbean and off Costa Rica, Panama and Baja California. (Note: Prize trip timing to be agreed based on availability and route.)
SPONSOR
Doris smarthousing for Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras
The Doris team is composed of a group of engineers passionate about underwater photography and professionals specializing in the development of underwater imaging products. The team includes senior engineers with over 20 years of experience in digital camera control system development, specialists who have designed and manufactured underwater photography equipment for multiple internationally renowned brands, and photographers with more than two decades of underwater shooting experience. The Doris smarthousing is the product of well over a decade of work on digital camera control systems. The Doris smarthousing represents the future direction of underwater photography equipment—not merely waterproof housings, but an entire ecosystem of complementary products awaiting development.
7-night dive package for two guests at Walindi Dive Resort, Papua New Guinea
Walindi Resort is a small dive resort, situated on the shores of Kimbe Bay, Northern New Britain, Papua New Guinea. New Britain is the largest of Papua New Guinea’s Islands. Walindi’s accommodation consists of 12 self contained, comfortable bure style bungalows spread along the beach front, and surrounded by rainforest gardens. The bungalows are constructed of local materials and timbers, with thatched roofs. They are all fully screened, with private bathroom, a kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities, and ceiling fans. Laundry service daily is included in the tariff.
SPONSOR
7-night trip to the Southern Visayas aboard the Philippine Siren
Master Liveaboards was founded in 2004 as Worldwide Dive and Sail (WWDAS) with a simple aim, to push the boundaries of liveaboard diving. They designed, built, and operated their own vessels from day one. It started with the tiny Sampai Jumpa and quickly expanded into Siren Fleet, with liveaboard yachts dotted around Southeast Asia. Master Liveaboards now fully encompasses the Siren Fleet, and their vessels ply not only the waters of the Galápagos, but also Bikini Atoll, Solomon Islands, Truk Lagoon, Indonesia, Bikini Atoll, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Palau, the Egyptian Red Sea, and the Maldives. They continue to take divers to the best dive locations in the world aboard custom-built liveaboard boats that feature the very latest in both equipment and vessel specifications. The aim remains simple: to push dive industry standards and provide guests with an unsurpassed liveaboard diving experience.
SPONSOR
7-night package at Atlantis Puerto Galera or Atlantis Dumaguete, Philippines
With small dive groups, five-star service, a dedicated camera room in each resort, and top-class cuisine, Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards offer a great opportunity to dive Philippines’ premier destinations, Puerto Galera and Dumaguete, from their two beachfront dedicated dive resorts, as well as Apo Reef, Coron, Tubbataha, and Visayas Safari off their liveaboard Atlantis Azores. Dumaguete features dark volcanic sand, with rich macro life and excellent critter diving, while Puerto Galera boasts vivid reefs, incredible formations and rich marine life. Atlantis Azores offers divers the opportunity to explore remote locations, covering the best dive sites in a week.
SPONSOR
Fotocore GTM strobes (two)
Fotocore is specialized in designing and manufacturing underwater lighting equipment. The company is committed to providing high-end, precise, safe, and functional diving lights. New models are developed based on the feedback of professional divers and underwater photographers around the world, ensuring that all products are safe and user-friendly. All Fotocore products are rigorously tested up to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet). Fotocore’s mission is to provide the very best quality products and become the most trusted brand in the field of underwater photography equipment.
Established in 2016, QYSEA is committed to delivering high-quality R&D, manufacturing, and sales of underwater robots. It has broken industrial barriers to establish a leading market position with its innovative underwater drone technology. Most importantly, QYSEA is focused on bringing the public a greater ability to connect on with the underwater world along with its inhabitants and ecosystems, as well as to generate greater awareness on various ocean-related issues and topics. At QYSEA, we have a passion for discovery in all things nature. It is our life-long goal to drive innovation, help others develop greater ocean knowledge, rebuild the marine industry, and bring the 2.0 Age of Discovery to the world. Here at QYSEA, you will find a product that will fit your profession, hobby, sport, passion for the oceans!
7-night package at Lissenung Island Resort, Papua New Guinea
Lissenung Island Resort is a 20-minute boat ride from Kavieng, the capital of Papua New Guinea’s New Ireland province. The resort is situated on a small private island with a white sandy beach surrounded by colorful reefs. Eight oceanfront rooms in four duplex bungalows, furnished with hardwood floors and spacious verandahs, are spread out over the island. The main house, or “haus win”, offers comfortable chairs on a sandy floor, and it is here where cold drinks and delicious meals await guests. Fresh seafood such as fish, crabs and lobster feature high on a daily-changing menu. Special dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
SPONSOR
SUBLUE Navbow+ scooter with photographic platform
SUBLUE is the world’s first company to launch a portable underwater scooter. As an innovative enterprise dedicated to the independent research, development, manufacturing, and sales of underwater technology products, SUBLUE holds numerous patents for inventions and designs, establishing itself as the pioneer and leader in portable underwater scooter products. Over the years, SUBLUE has continuously pursued technological innovation and craftsmanship improvement, leading the industry in areas such as sealing and corrosion resistance, power control, underwater energy, and underwater propulsion. SUBLUE is committed to creating high-quality and reliable products, supported by a comprehensive quality management system. Significant investments are made in testing instruments, equipment, and facilities, ensuring that every product undergoes rigorous testing before leaving the factory to ensure it reaches consumers in optimal condition.
OM Digital Solutions announced the change of brand name from “Olympus” to “OM System” in October 2021. “OM” represents our origin and identity, embodying the attitude of always “challenging convention and creating new things.” It is also a declaration that we will continue to evolve and take on new challenges as a new company, while respecting the history and spirit of Olympus. OM Digital Solutions is driven by the desire to “challenge ourselves to create new products that did not exist in the world and bring joy to our customers.”
5-day, 4-night diving package with Aquatica Dive Resort, Timor-Leste
Aquatica Dive Resort is a PADI 5 Star dive resort located in Dili, Timor-Leste. Aquatica is an Australian owned and run business established in 2013. Owners Desmond and Jennifer, along with their team of dedicated, hard-working staff, ensure guests are looked after as they explore the natural beauty of the country. Part of the Coral Triangle, Timor-Leste has some of the best shore diving in the world, with more than 30 dive sites to choose from and many more yet to be explored and discovered.
SPONSOR
Backscatter Hybrid Flash package (strobe, batteries, charger and diffusers)
The world’s leading retailer of underwater imaging equipment, Backscatter has been serving underwater photographers and videographers of every skill level, from point-and-shoot to professional, for over 30 years. Headquartered in Monterey, California, Backscatter lives by the philosophy, “We dive, shoot and service everything we sell,” and has created some of the most essential gear used by underwater shooters, including the FLIP filter system for GoPro and the Mini Flash and Optical Snoot. The company also offers comprehensive gear reviews and other educational online content as well as specialized underwater photo and video trips. Every purchase from Backscatter always includes free lifetime tech support.
Inon Z-XXX soon-to-be-released strobe with accessories
Inon, a renowned underwater photography brand hailing from Japan, has carved a niche for itself in the realm of aquatic imaging with its unparalleled innovation and dedication to excellence. With roots deeply embedded in the rich maritime culture of Japan, Inon has emerged as a leading force in the underwater photography industry, captivating enthusiasts and professionals alike with its cutting-edge equipment and advanced technology. From compact cameras to sophisticated lighting systems and accessories, Inon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of underwater imaging has earned it a reputation for delivering exceptional quality and performance in the most challenging aquatic environments. With a legacy built on precision engineering and a relentless pursuit of perfection, Inon continues to inspire photographers worldwide to explore the depths and capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the underwater world.
SPONSOR
Kraken Sports KR-S40 strobe (two)
Kraken Sports originally started as a dive torch company with the aim of providing quality dive torches at great prices, with excellent customer service. The company now also produces imaging tools and photography products, including camera housings and strobes. Kraken Sports is located in London, Ontario, Canada.
SeaLife offers a wide array of popular digital underwater cameras, exciting LED lighing systems, and camera accessories. SeaLife was established in the early 1990s to offer a simple and fun way to capture undersea wildlife and underwater memories in an easy, uncomplicated way. Today, this is still the standard that SeaLife sets. SeaLife developed the world’s first commercially available underwater digital camera and is the only imaging and lighting brand that focuses entirely on diving, snorkeling and water sports. This specialized approach assures the highest degree of satisfaction with our extensive base of users. SeaLife is constantly evaluating their products to ensure that their equipment delivers the most consistent results, even in extreme and difficult conditions.
OrcaTorch is a brand that specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality dive lights for underwater enthusiasts. The brand’s name, OrcaTorch, was inspired by the orca, a powerful and intelligent marine predator, and the torch, a symbol of light and illumination. Since its inception in 2024, OrcaTorch has been dedicated to innovation and quality. OrcaTorch invests heavily in research and development to create dive lights that are not only powerful and durable but also user-friendly and easy to operate. Today, OrcaTorch is recognized as one of the leading brands in the diving industry. Its products are used by professional divers and underwater photographers around the world. OrcaTorch continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with underwater lighting technology.
Isotta housing for the Insta360 Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2
Since 1967 Isotta’s family has marketed high-end equipment for underwater video, photography and lighting, starting its own production in 1980. In four decades of development, the company has always offered its customers cutting-edge signature red products that are fully manufactured in Italy. With extensive industry experience, we strive to build the highest-quality products to keep photographers around the world comfortable when shooting underwater and their cameras protected from the elements, empowering them to frame memorable moments in water.
Insta360 makes 360-degree cameras, action cameras, and editing software. The company began developing and manufacturing 360-degree cameras in 2015, and subsequently pioneered a new type of action camera that uses 360-degree video as a tool to create traditional flat framed content. In 2020, Insta360 entered a strategic partnership with Leica to produce the ONE R, and subsequent action cameras, including the Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2, have been co-engineered with Leica. Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, the company has also opened offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Berlin, and it hosts more than 500 employees globally.
2-day PADI Freediving course (including freediving fins to keep) with Abyss Scuba Diving, Sydney
Abyss Scuba Diving is Sydney’s most convenient PADI 5-star dive shop for those looking to explore the city’s best scuba diving. Abyss offers both boat dives and complimentary guided shore dives, as well as trips to different dive spots around New South Wales. On average, Abyss offers upwards of 50 diving activities monthly. Abyss also offers various freediving courses, including PADI Freediver, PADI Advanced Freediver, and PADI Mermaid. All our instructors are highly qualified, insured, and trained in emergency first response, oxygen administration, and rescue scenarios.
SPONSOR
One-year membership to The Underwater Club online underwater photography school and club
The Underwater Club is the first online underwater photography school and club, with members in 18 countries. The self-paced courses include 40 modules, 46 quizzes and over 16 hours of video-based tuition, covering beginner and advanced photographic skills. Monthly online meetings alternate between expert masterclasses and photo critiques sessions, where club members get feedback on their images. These continue on the private club forums, where resident photo pro Nicolas Remy is available to answer member questions, provide feedback on their images, and offer guidance for entering competitions.
One-year membership to The Underwater Club includes access to all previous webinar recordings as well as photo coach support on the club forums and during monthly live Q&A meetings
Fourth Element is dedicated to creating the highest performing equipment for your adventures, from scuba diving to freediving, snorkeling and swimming. Fourth Element understands the unique challenges divers face and their range of products is designed to meet the needs of divers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Fourth Element’s commitment to innovation ensures that you always have access to the latest advancements in diving equipment.
CineBags Port Bag Package (Jumbo Dome, Dome, and Macro Port Cases)
CineBags grew out of the need to have to the best possible camera and equipment bags designed by cameramen for working camera crews. All CineBags’ products are designed from a user’s point of view and by designers who are actually using them. CineBags products have been used all over the world, from the peaks of Mount Everest to the raging waters of the Bering Sea, from the Cape of South Africa to the shark-laden waters of the Bahamas.
Double Dive at Nguthungulli Julian Rocks with Sundive Byron Bay
Established in 1988, Sundive is the only dive center located in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Sundive has a 5 Star PADI rating, representing the company’s commitment to quality, safety and service. Their two custom rigid hull inflatable boats are some of the fastest in the Bay, perfect for the 10-minute ride out to the area’s dive and snorkeling sites. Sundive’s team consist of the most experienced and highly qualified instructors, guides and boat captains, ensuring that each and every trip is a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.
SPONSOR
Saga Dive Magic Tube Super Macro
Saga Dive has been making high-quality accessories for underwater photographers since 2006. They are particularly well known for their unique lenses for creating artistic effects, the Magic Ball and the Magic Tube. The company produces a range of wet lenses for macro photography, including +5, +10, +15, +20 and +25 diopters.
Saga Dive Magic Tube Super Macro
SPONSOR
1-hour online meeting with a shark scientist from the Oceania Chondrichthyan Society
Founded in 2005, the Oceania Chondrichthyan Society (OCS) is a joint venture between Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands to promote and facilitate education, conservation and scientific study of chondrichthyans, or cartilaginous fish. The name of the society was chosen to reflect the diversity of chondrichthyan species and the society’s area of focus—Oceania. OCS is working towards improved understanding, sustainable use, and conservation of sharks and rays in the Indo-Pacific region.
