Photography Contests and Awards: Opportunities to Shine for Underwater Enthusiasts

 

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As an underwater photography hobbyist, entering photography contests can be a fantastic way to gain recognition for your skills and passion. Here, I've compiled a list of 15 photography contests that cater to a variety of photographic interests, including several specifically for underwater photographers. Each contest is unique in what it seeks from participants, so find the one that best suits your style and dive in! I have sorted these in relevance to their importance and prestige (my personal sort). I would love to hear about your personal favorites or ones that you feel I should have included.

Remember, you lose nothing by submitting photos for review, and stand to gain lots of visibility and prestige by winning any of these.

1. Underwater Photographer of the Year

About: This contest celebrates the beauty and intricacy of the underwater world. 
Focus: Underwater photography mastery. 
How to Submit: High-resolution images, submitted via the contest's website. 
Rules: No watermarks; international entries accepted. 
URL: Underwater Photographer of the Year

2. Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition

About: A prestigious competition aiming to find the world's best underwater photographers. 
Focus: Creativity in capturing aquatic life. 
How to Submit: JPEGs with a minimum of 1920 pixels on the longest side. 
Rules: No watermarks, promotes responsible marine wildlife interactions. 
URL: Ocean Art Competition

3. DEEP Indonesia Underwater Photo Competition

About: Showcases the stunning biodiversity of Indonesia's marine environments. 
Focus: Unique marine life and biodiversity. 
How to Submit: Images up to 10 MB, JPEG format. 
Rules: Watermarks not allowed, images must be from Indonesia. 
URL: DEEP Indonesia

4. Through Your Lens Underwater Photo Contest

About: Sponsored by Scuba Diving Magazine, this contest highlights the art of underwater photography. 
Focus: The beauty of the underwater realm. 
How to Submit: High-resolution, preferably without watermarks. 
Rules: Open worldwide to amateurs and professionals. 
URL: Through Your Lens

5. National Geographic Photo Contest

About: A globally recognized contest that seeks the most compelling nature, wildlife, and other photographic stories. 
Focus: High-quality storytelling. 
How to Submit: Large, high-resolution images without watermarks. 
Rules: Must adhere to ethical photography standards. 
URL: National Geographic Contests

6. Wildlife Photographer of the Year

About: Hosted by the Natural History Museum in London, this contest is revered in the nature photography community. 
Focus: Wildlife photography, including underwater. 
How to Submit: Specific yearly size requirements. 
Rules: No watermarks; stringent ethical standards. 
URL: Wildlife Photographer of the Year

7. Sony World Photography Awards

About: Celebrates the best of the photography world across various genres. 
Focus: Exceptional creativity and technique. 
How to Submit: Adheres to specific size and format guidelines; no watermarks. 
Rules: Open to all skill levels. 
URL: Sony World Photography Awards

8. The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

About: Focuses on wildlife photography that brings joy and laughter. 
Focus: Humorous aspects of wildlife, including underwater. 
How to Submit: High-quality images, no watermarks encouraged. 
Rules: Promotes ethical wildlife photography. 
URL: Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

9. Monochrome Awards

About: Dedicated to all forms of black and white photography, including underwater scenes. 
Focus: The impact of monochrome aesthetics. 
How to Submit: Black and white images only, high resolution, no watermarks. 
Rules: Open internationally. 
URL: Monochrome Awards

10. Outdoor Photographer of the Year

About: Showcases photography that encapsulates the spirit of outdoor adventures. 
Focus: Outdoor and adventure scenes, including underwater. 
How to Submit: High-resolution images, no watermarks. 
Rules: Focus on storytelling and environmental respect. 
URL: Outdoor Photographer of the Year

11. BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

About: Aims to celebrate and protect the natural world through the power of photography. 
Focus: Nature's beauty and diversity, emphasizing conservation. 
How to Submit: High-resolution, watermark-free images. 
Rules: Ethical standards are crucial. 
URL: BigPicture Competition

12. Audubon Photography Awards

About: Celebrates the beauty of birds and their environments. 
Focus: Avian photography, occasionally including aquatic settings. 
How to Submit: High-resolution images without watermarks. 
Rules: Bird-friendly practices are essential. 
URL: Audubon Photography Awards

13. The Nature Conservancy Photo Contest

About: Encourages photographers to depict the beauty and importance of nature conservation. 
Focus: Nature conservation, including underwater photography. 
How to Submit: High-quality images without watermarks. 
Rules: Promotes conservation awareness. 
URL: Nature Conservancy Photo Contest

14. Nature's Best Photography Awards

About: Well-respected in the field of nature photography, this contest showcases exceptional images from around the globe. 
Focus: The diversity of natural life. 
How to Submit: High-resolution, free from watermarks. 
Rules: Adheres to ethical photography standards. 
URL: Nature's Best Photography

15. Golden Turtle Photo Contest

About: Part of a festival that promotes environmental awareness and conservation through visual arts. 
Focus: Environmental themes and conservation, including underwater scenes. 
How to Submit: High-resolution, watermark-free images. 
Rules: Focuses on environmental conservation. 
URL: Golden Turtle Contest


For each of these contests, it's crucial to visit their websites to check for the most up-to-date information regarding deadlines, specific image requirements, and any fees associated with entry. This comprehensive guide should not only help you find the right contest to enter but also position you to potentially win and gain the recognition your underwater photography deserves. Dive in, capture the unknown, and let your photos tell the mesmerizing stories of the underwater world!

Stay tuned and "Follow" for upcoming blogs on underwater photography tips and tricks for more in-depth insights. Please leave your comments and suggestions. Enjoy your diving and shooting experience!


Allow me to assist you in your underwater photographic journey with my upcoming online training course, which I will be announcing soon. If you are keen on acquiring more knowledge about it, kindly email me at bob@robertherb.com. You can also visit my website (Robert Herb Photography) to view some of my exemplary work. 

I am eagerly anticipating your valuable feedback and suggestions. 

Sincerely, 

Bob Herb

photo
Robert Herb
Robert Herb Photography

+1 (714) 594-9262‬  |  +504 9784-0024  |  www.RobertHerb.com

Bob@robertherb.com  |  Roatan, HN or Aliso Viejo, CA (USA)


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