Ocean Geographic and The Underwater Club Announce Underwater Photographer Recognition Program

Ocean Geographic (OG) and The Underwater Club have unveiled a novel “Underwater Photographer Recognition Program” that goals to rejoice and elevate underwater shooters who’re “shaping the future of ocean conservation through imagery.”

Photographers’ 10 finest footage captured over the previous 5 years will likely be evaluated by the Ocean Geographic Advisory Editorial Board, and profitable candidates will likely be acknowledged with certainly one of two designations: Ocean Geographic Photographer (OGP) or Associate Ocean Geographic Photographer (AOGP). The former are thought-about “the epitome for excellence and impact” whereas the latter present “outstanding promise and potential.” Recognized photographers obtain numerous advantages, similar to being introduced in Ocean Geographic journal and precedence invites to OG expeditions.

Applicants have to be present members of The Underwater Club and should have handed the Club’s “seven core photography knowledge quizzes.” The customary software charge is $250, whereas the first 50 candidates pay a reduced charge of $200. The deadline for functions is October thirty first, 2025. For extra data, take a look at the press launch under.

 

PRESS RELEASE

Announcing the Ocean Geographic Photographer Recognition Program

A brand new horizon awaits for underwater photographers able to be seen, celebrated, and supported

Ocean Geographic and The Underwater Club are proud to announce the launch of a prestigious new initiative—a biannual Underwater Photographer Recognition Program that honours the world’s most compelling ocean storytellers.

This is not only a photograph contest. It’s a curated journey and a global platform designed to:

• Elevate rising and established expertise
• Foster skilled progress and alternatives
• Spotlight photographers shaping the way forward for ocean conservation by means of imagery

Application Requirements

You are invited to submit a portfolio of your 10 finest footage captured previously 5 years (from 01 November 2020), every accompanied by:

• A caption (20–100 phrases) offering context and story
• A brief private introduction (min. 100 phrases)

This is your alternative to share not simply your footage—however your voice, imaginative and prescient, and function.

All submissions will likely be reviewed by the Ocean Geographic Advisory Editorial Board.

Successful candidates will likely be recognised with certainly one of two designations:

• Ocean Geographic Photographer (OGP) – the epitome for excellence and influence
• Associate Ocean Geographic Photographer (AOGP) – honouring excellent promise and potential

International Recognition

Achieving OGP or AOGP standing comes with visibility, distinction, and significant advantages:

Symbols of Distinction

• The OG Photographer Pin
  
  An unique enamel pin, designed to be worn at exhibitions, dive occasions, and recognition ceremonies—a discreet image of excellence in underwater imagery.

• The OG Alumni T-Shirt
  
  Reserved for OGPs, that includes the title and your yr of induction (e.g., Ocean Geographic Photographer – Alumni 2025).

Who Can Apply?

• Must be a present member of The Underwater Club
• Must move the Seven core images information quizzes with 80%+ (no must rewatch course content material if you have already got the talents — merely validate your information)

You don’t must be a public determine or influencer to succeed.

Portfolios are judged solely on benefit: technical excellence, inventive imaginative and prescient, originality, and storytelling energy.

As a benchmark, profitable functions usually replicate the usual of images utilized in options printed in Ocean Geographic or awarded in main underwater images competitions.

Application Fee

The charge helps the devoted overview course of by Ocean Geographic editors and board members.

• Early Bird: USD 200 (first 50 candidates)
• Standard Fee: USD 250

Timeline

• Applications open now
• Deadline: 31 October 2025

This is your likelihood to have your portfolio reviewed by world-leading editors in underwater images—and to take a significant step ahead in your inventive journey.

Apply immediately and be part of the ranks of Ocean Geographic’s recognised photographers.

Apply at www.theunderwaterclub.com/ocean-geographic-photographer-recognition-program