Underwater Photographer of the Year winners announced

Winners were chosen across 13 categories including portraiture, animal behaviour and marine conservation

Wednesday 27 February 2019 14:07

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Show all 45

1/45Underwater Photographer of the Year

Underwater Photographer of the Year

South Fakarava, French Polynesia

Winner: Behaviour and overall winner. "I worry that this image will refuel the public's imbalanced perception of sharks but as an image capturing behaviour it has drama, adrenaline, grace, beauty and finality. That's a very rare combination in one image." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Richard Barnden/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Reunion Island

Winner: Wide Angle. "The first moment I viewed this image I knew it would be a strong contender. For me it's the symmetry of the Humpback and the balance between the diver and calf. Everything about it is in perfect alignment. The shape of the tail in relation to the four corners of the frame, not to mention the position of the free diver and calf. Superb imagery at its very best. Many congratulations Francois." - Martin Edge (Judge)

François Baelen/UPY 2018

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Trieste Gulf, Italy

Winner: Macro. "Fabio’s use of long exposure and panning has turned a classic portrait of a Sepiola into an unforgettable one. The sharp and ghosted images of the bobtail squid balance pleasingly in the frame and combined with the outstretched tentacles give the feeling of the cephalopod lunging for its prey. An innovative and most deserving category winner." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Fabio Iardino/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Azores Islands

"It is hard to imagine what it must have been like to have experienced such a large scale natural spectacle as this but this image, perfectly composed and timed, gets close." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Mike Korostelev/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Scotland

Winner: British Waters Macro. "A mantra of mine is 'It's not what it is. It's where it is' and this long clawed Squat lobster is in a perfect position to make a memorable image. The author, instead of 'blasting' it with light, has gone in the opposite direction by restricting the strobe into a snooted spotlight in order to illuminate just the features of the lobster and the dainty sea loch anemones. It's an example of 'Isolation lighting' at its very best. A great deal of uw photographers invest their time in what they want to illuminate. This is an example which in my opinion illustrates features that they do not want to illuminate, hence the punchy black background and the soft delicate hues of dark sand, facial features topped off by the sea loch anemones." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Arthur Kingdon/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Winner: Marine Conservation. "The problems of plastic pollution and ghost fishing are both illustrated by this struggling loggerhead turtle. I am happy to learn this individual was lucky enough to survive this deathtrap thanks to the photographer" - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Eduardo Acevedo/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Sado Island, Japan

"What a chin, what a forehead, what a character. This picture has portrait written all over it, and such a fascinating species ideally suited to this close focus wide angle approach." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Fabrice Dudenhofer/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Stratoni, Greece

Winner: Portrait. "Superb impact from the very first moment it was presented. Perfect composition within the image frame and the understated colours. To top it off the authors comments above say it all... a Smiling Happy Angel's Face. One of my favourites from the entire competition." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Nicholas Samaras/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

South Fakarava, French Polynesia

Winner: Up & Coming. "Beautiful split shot with both a perfect under and over split. A very strong favourite with all the judges and one of the best examples I have seen of this type of image for some time. Just Superb!" - Martin Edge (Judge)

Taeyup Kim/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico

Winner: Black & White. "It must be 11 out of 10 for this groundbreaking image. Conception, interpretation and perseverance coupled with black and white’s ability to concentrate on the key elements. It gets better with each viewing." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Henley Spiers/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Farne Islands, UK

"Grey seals are a perennial favourite in UPY as one of the UK's star wildlife attractions. This upside-down portrait is quirky and cute and easily won the affections of the judging panel. Great to see an overseas photographer coming to the UK to show us how it's done!" - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Greg Lecoeur/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Ambon, Indonesia

Winner: Compact. "This image was a very popular choice between the panel. Ideal for a split rendition. What makes this a winner for me, not withstanding the double exposure is the sympathetic balance of light & colour connected between the top half and bottom of the image frame." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Enrico Somogyi/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Farne Islands, UK

Winner: British Waters Compact. "Does British diving get any better than a fun encounter with a grey seal pup? This youngster’s relaxed and curious face is captured perfectly by Martin, making us all want to be there too." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Martin Edser/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

St. Ives Harbour, Cornwall

Winner: British Waters Living Together. "Images tell stories but well thought out and executed ones speak volumes. This is such an example which feeds the eye with tales of the seaside on summer days, lively marine spectacles and excited human interaction." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Victoria Walker/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Isles of Scilly, UK

Winner: British Waters Wide Angle. "Photographers often feel competition shots must be packed with new tricks to win. At UPY we always appreciate classic technique when it raises the bar of what has been done before. Rob's full technicolour wide angle scenic reveals the richness of UK seas with an elegant simplicity that is incredibly challenging to pull off in British conditions." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Robert Bailey/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Malin Head, Ireland

Winner: Wrecks. "So simple yet so powerful; the additional lighting of the turret and the main diver perfectly positioned. This was a very strong category this year with a deserved winner and it's refreshing to read the acknowledgement to Leigh Bishop's pioneering work." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

René B. Andersen/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Lembeh, Indonesia

"The iconic silhouette of a seahorse is a graphically powerful picture. Here Zarina has raised that to another level with the addition of a red filter to her snooted strobe, reminiscent of a rim-lit animal at sunset." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Zarina Staller/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Muncar, Indonesia

"All the judges found this to be probably the most distressing image to view but its uncompromising message must be seen by as many people as possible." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

João Rodrigues/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Lembeh, Indonesia

"As a subject we have seen our fair share of these colourful characters but this one shone through and the eggs almost look as if they have been individually lit!" - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Igor Bogachenko/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Nottinghamshire

"Superb image with a perfect line across the split. Good exposure both above and below the water line and such an ideal subject to cap it all off. Excellent work." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Jack Perks/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Belgium

"This is an excellent example for this category. It takes a tried and trusted angle but completely lifts it by using the fabric. It becomes more than an image; a concept, a transition, a rebirth." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Martin Gerard/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Isles of Scilly, UK

"This image stood out on many levels. Composition, colour vibrancy and contrast combined with an unusual angle kept us coming back to it and helped it rise in the rankings with each viewing." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Malcolm Nimmo/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Indonesia

"Perfect control of angle, light and focus. This was always up there with all of the judges. A clear favourite just like Nick Park’s genius creations." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

ManBD/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Lembeh, Indonesia

"I've seen many images of eel and shrimp around Indonesia, however you have taken this two steps forward. 1) With your excellent idea to snoot the eye and 2) with your backlight on the shrimp. You can expect many photographers to practice your technique in the months to come. Congratulations for your vision. Very well thought out and executed." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Fu Liang/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Bristol, UK

"It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you do with it. The split may have been elusive but well worth the effort. This is a deceptively subtle excellent delivery." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Ian Michael Wade/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Vavau, Tonga

"I have witnessed this behaviour from the surface with its high velocity 'testosterone and tonnage' and I remember thinking how happy I was to be in the boat. To have the presence of mind to time this shot whilst one's senses are being bombarded is heroic in my view." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Scott Portelli/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Fakarva, French Polynesia

"What an amazing moment. From the expression on the face of the unicornfish fleeing for its life, to the hunting pack of sharks, especially the leader with its mouth snapping open that fan out diagonally across this composition. And that is without considering what a great challenge it is to shoot these images of split second action, in the dead of night, underwater." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Greg Lecoeur/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Red Sea, Egypt

"There is so much energy in this image. If you look at it long enough you can begin to see just a hint of movement of all the fish around the coral. The colours are realistic and this top down shot works well." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Emily Irving-Swift/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Moorea Lagoon, French Polynesia

"A jaw-dropping wide angle scene with sharks, rays and mountains. A winning combination in the Up & Coming category." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Remuna Beca/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Loch Long, Argyll and Bute

"This is a subtle image with light and detail that are a delight to explore. The sunset, trees and underwater scene combine to create a wonderful feeling of the place. We particularly like how the composition allows the line of the shore to be continued underwater by the seaweeds." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Mark Kirkland/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Stoney Cove, Leicestershire

"Photographing pike underwater is one thing but finding your own underwater artistic stamp is quite another matter. With this particular image the author has done just that! By using a slow shutter speed of 1/8th sec and a panning technique from right to left gives the impression of movement whilst the pike is pin sharp." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Nicholas More/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Scotland

"Arthur’s image scores with both its foreground and background. The deadman’s fingers soft coral make an attractive foreground, enhanced by the crab sheltering within, and the striking sunbeams create beauty and atmosphere in the background. I also love the feeling of depth created by the legs of the jetty reaching up for the surface." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Arthur Kingdon/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Swange Pier, Dorset

"In recent UPY competitions UK macro images have lacked their overseas counterpart's flair and imagination but this magnificent shot raises the bar for everyone else to follow. World class from the UK at last." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Paul Pettitt/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Island Solta, Croatia

"Memorable photographs of people underwater are deceptively difficult and require both the photographer and model to be at the top of their game. The simplicity of the composition works to highlight the delicious details in the girl's pose." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Matej Bergoc/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Eden's Rock, Grand Cayman

"This is a timeless scene that communicates a detailed story. The cavern, the silversides sheltering, the tarpon hunting and the diver kneeling reverentially, taking it all in. It is a fabulous use of black and white to tell this story of shadows and light." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

Ken Kiefer/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Cabo Douglas, Galapagos Islands

"Sometimes it is the small detail which contributes so much. The white of the eye and the row of teeth in what could be construed as a smile convey mischief and menace in equal measures." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Bruce Sudweeks/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Abu Nuhas, Egypt

"Once again Tobias you have succeeded in capturing one of the most photographed wrecks in the Red Sea and photographing it in a completely different way. You push the boundaries of wreck photography and I congratulate you for your vision and forward thinking of new ideas." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Tobias Friedrich/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Anilao, Phillippines

"Perfect composition and framed against the stark black background. However it's the contrast of white on black which attracts the eye again and again every time this particular image popped up to greet us. The colour of the nudibranch was sufficiently bright enough to raise our senses again and again as it proceeded through the competition. The soft delicate treatment of the snooted flash is also very well managed." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Flavio Vailati/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Pleneau Bay, Antarctica

"This shot puts you right in the picture and records a special encounter in a very special place. Every element contributes and the lucky or intended curve of the split creates great spatial depth." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Jessica Farrer/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Farne Islands, UK

"Symmetry, graphic simplicity and for once in UK waters a black background which contributes to a positive outer worldly delivery. A mould breaker." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Kirsty Andrews/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Adams River, Canada

"I see and judge many images of the sockeye salmon but this is one of the best. The alignment of the two salmon not to mention the composition within the frame. The surgy peak of the action is in perfect symmetry with the window which provides the viewer with topside influences of the trees against a vivid blue sky. There is so much image depth in this example." - Martin Edge (Judge)

Yung-Sen Wu/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Los Gigantes, Tenerife

"Such a delicate image yet so full of emotion. There are times when there are no more words needed." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Acevedo/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Minamata, Japan

"UPY loves seahorse photos! Especially when they capture a fleeting behaviour, such as this. But we hadn't realised during judging that this was a new species of seahorse, nor did with know the incredible backstory behind this picture, we just loved the moment." - Alex Mustard (Judge)

K.Zhang/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Salento, Italy

"Whether or not you like fashion photography underwater you would be hard pressed to see a more beautiful combination of complimentary colours and a very elegant pose. A very well executed image." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Virginia Salzedo/UPY 2019

Underwater Photographer of the Year

Tulamben, Indonesia

"A portrait must leave you in no doubt. Simple lighting, illuminating all that is needed, captures this character." - Peter Rowlands (Judge)

Fu Liang/UPY 2019

Winners have been announced for the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019.

Judges have selected the best pictures across 13 categories including portraiture, animal behaviour and marine conservation.

The Independent has collected the best images from the competition in the gallery above.

The panel has released a yearbook containing all of the images from the competition along with information about underwater photography that is available to view for free here.

Join our new commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies