The winners of the international Lens Beyond Ocean (LBO) Photo Competition 2026 have been announced by the organisers of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE), which hosts the contest. The winning images were displayed at the expo, which took place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from 5 to 7 June 2026.
LBO Macro category winner: Stephanie Doniger, USA, for A Mother’s Eye, which shows a small, long-arm octopus taking shelter in a bottle to care for her eggs.
This year marked the 15th anniversary of the competition, and the 20th anniversary of MIDE. A long-time highlight of the expo, the photo competition, which has been developed and managed by the organisers of MIDE since its inception, attracted great enthusiasm and attention from visitors. It showcased a spellbinding collection of underwater imagery from talented photographers, both international and domestic. The award-winning works, which were exhibited throughout the dates of the expo, offered visitors a mesmerising visual experience of the underwater realm, through the unique perspectives and artistic expression of the photographers.
Winners list
This year’s winners were recognised for their exceptional creativity, technical skill and compelling visual storytelling in five categories. Their imagery displayed not only artistic excellence, but also deep insights into the marine world, which were inspiring and enthralling to divers and ocean lovers alike.
Macro Category: Stephanie Doniger, awarded a prize sponsored by Aldive Resort
Wide Angle Category: Khairom Mustaqim, awarded a prize sponsored by Temanyelam and Aryan Resort
Compact Camera Category: Mohd Asyraf Md Arif, awarded a prize sponsored by Silver Reef Dive Resort
Best of Malaysia by a Malaysian Category: Tay Liang Wei, awarded a prize sponsored by Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards
3-Minute Video Category: Amy Lawson, awarded a prize sponsored by The Buwan Dive Resort
Judging
Judges for this year’s competition included underwater photographers Roy Legi of Indonesia, Nurul Yazid of Malaysia and Chong Wan Yong of Malaysia.
Retrospective
To celebrate LBO’s 15th anniversary, the expo also presented a special gallery entitled Lens Beyond Ocean Through the Years. Featuring winning works from every year of the competition, from its first year up to 2025, the display showcased the growth and development of talent and creativity in underwater photography and videography over the years. ■
For more information, visit: lensbeyondocean.mide.com.my
