Beneath the Waves: Celebrating the Champions of the 2024 Ocean Art Photography Contest

The Ocean Art Underwater Photography Competition has revealed its champions for 2024.

The recognition of “Best in Show” was given to Eduardo Labat for his photograph titled “Dancing White Tips,” captured at Roca Partida, Revillagigedo, Mexico. Labat’s image depicted a synchronized dance of white-tip reef sharks in monochrome.

As stated by Nirupam Nigam, the contest organizer and president of Bluewater Photo as well as editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide:

“This year’s Ocean Art competition was truly remarkable. The skill and creativity shown by our entrants have established new standards for underwater photography. These visuals not only earn accolades; they touch hearts and minds, reaching millions across the globe and reminding us of our collective duty to preserve the ocean’s splendor. It is a privilege to observe the competition’s growth in reach and significance each year.”

This year’s panel of judges comprised Tony Wu, Marty Snyderman, and Mark Strickland. Additionally, Ipah Uid Lynn joined as a new judge, contributing fresh insights to the Underwater Digital Art and Underwater Fashion categories.

In the various categories, Hwanhee Kim secured first place in Wide Angle; Adam Martin in Macro; Yoichi Sato in Marine Life Behavior; Stefano Cerbai in Portrait; James Emery in Coldwater; Borut Furlan in Nudibranch; Kyungshin Kim in Blackwater; Kimber Greenwood in Underwater Conservation; Union Kim in Underwater Digital Art; Eduardo Label in Black & White; Lucie Drlikova in Underwater Fashion; Marco Lausdei in Compact Wide Angle; and Naomi Springett in both the Compact Macro and Compact Behavior categories.

All the award-winning photos can be viewed at uwphotographyguide.com.