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.
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.
Out of tens of thousands of breathtaking masterpieces submitted over the past 20 years, an international jury has undertaken the near-impossible task of narrowing the field to the Top 20 Finalists.
Now, the ultimate power shifts entirely to the public.
In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) in 2026, the acclaimed Lens Beyond Ocean (LBO) Underwater Photo & Video Competition returns for its 15th edition.
The Ocean Art Underwater Photography Competition, widely regarded as the world’s premier underwater photography contest, has announced its winners for 2025.
With thousands of entries submitted from photographers across more than 90 countries, this year’s competition highlights extraordinary moments from beneath the surface—from rare deep-sea encounters to powerful conservation stories.
The Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition remains the world’s most prestigious and respected underwater photography contest, offering over $60,000 in prizes. The competition attracts amateur to professional photographers across the globe.
Fourteen categories ensure all photo disciplines and cameras compete fairly, while the 50+ winning images create a portfolio of the best underwater photos of the year.
Ocean Art prizes are provided by some of the world’s top scuba diving resorts, liveaboard dive yachts, and underwater photo gear manufacturers.
The competition will culminate in an exhibition at Go Diving Show ANZ in September 2025—the second Australian edition of the hugely successful Go Diving Show in the UK.
The prestigious judging panel comprises photo judges Tobias Friedrich, Jayne Jenkins, Matty Smith, Tanya Houppermans, Scott Portelli and William Tan; and video judges Philip Hamilton and Ross Long.
The photo was taken in French Polynesia and triumphed over 6750 underwater pictures entered by underwater photographers from around the world.
“The mother is accompanying her calf to the surface, because the baby is still so small and clumsy,” explained Herrero. “The calf is releasing a few bubbles underwater showing it is still learning to hold its breath properly. For me, this photo really shows a mother’s love and communicates the beauty and fragility of life in our ocean.”
The Ocean Art Underwater Photography Competition, widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement for underwater photographers, has revealed its winners for 2024.
With record-breaking participation from over 90 countries, the competition set a new standard for creativity and technical excellence. From mesmerizing macro shots of marine birth to dramatic wide-angle scenes of cenotes and reefscapes, the winning photographs highlight the beauty, fragility, and diversity of underwater ecosystems while inspiring global conservation efforts.
Voice of the Ocean is the photo, video and art competition associated with the flagship Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) in Singapore, the largest and longest-running dive show in Asia.
Held from April 4 to 6, 2025, ADEX Ocean FesAval 2025 culminates in a capAvaAng live judging event, with a prestigious jury choosing the winners and runners-up in the competition categories as well as the “Best of Show” overall winner.
The World Shootout Photography Awards 2024 is rapidly approaching its deadline. Only two weeks remain until you submit your breathtaking underwater photographs.
Celebrating 19 years of excellence, this prestigious competition offers a unique opportunity to showcase your talent and compete for cash prizes and dreamy rewards.
Enter your stunning images in 9 challenging categories, captured between November 2nd, 2023, and November 1st, 2024.