To honor the underwater world and its richness
Every year since 2014, the Underwater Photographer of the Year honors the most beautiful underwater shots taken around the world. In 2022, the organization received 4euros200 shots from 71 countries; all divided into 14 categories (wide angle, macro, portrait, black & white, hope, Britisheuros). Here are the most beautiful underwater shots awarded by the competition in 2022.
All photos must be taken underwater; multiple levels are allowed as long as part of the photo is completely underwater. Photos for the "British" category must be taken in the UK. Save Our Seas Foundation" photos in the "Marine Conservation" category can be taken on and underwater. Photographers may submit up to 20 images in the 12 main contest categories and two additional categories.
A host of whale sharks for the winner of the contest
The Spaniard Rafael Fernandez Caballero wins the title of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022 with his photo "Dancing with the Giants of the Night". He is also the winner of the "Wide Angle" category.
Winner of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022 contest
"In the ocean, magic can always happen and that's what happened that night in the Maldives. A whale shark came to the light of our BlueForce One boat and we jumped into the water. Then another whale shark arrived. We were so happy when, a few hours later, some kind of madness happened and the whale sharks started to arrive in numbers. I was with Gador Muntaner, a shark researcher, who couldn't believe what we were seeing. We counted 11 whale sharks surrounding us. It was a unique moment that nobody there had ever thought possible. Magic happens every day in the ocean, but if we don't protect it, these moments will soon be a thing of the past."
The judges' opinion the latter recognized the incredible luck of the photographer to have been able to capture so many creatures at the same time and especially at night.
"It is said that Jacques Cousteau only saw 3 whale sharks in his life. There is something incredible about a photo that brings together five specimens." Alex Mustard.
Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022
British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022
Promising British photographer of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022
"In My Garden" of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022
"Save Our Seas Foundation's Marine Conservation Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022
The other winners by category
Wide angle
Macro
Behavior
Portrait
Black and white
Compact
Promising photographer
Grand Angle in British waters
Macro in British waters
Living together in British waters
Compact in British waters
