An enchanting pair of juvenile Southern elephant seal pups has been named the Best Underwater Photograph of the Year.
Captured by photographer Matty Smith, the lively duo was photographed shortly after being left ashore by their mother. Elephant seal mothers typically abandon their pups once they are weaned. Smith skillfully captured the moment when these young seals, known as “Rockpool Rookies,” navigated their first solo swimming lessons, playfully climbing over each other in the water.
To achieve this award-winning shot, Smith utilized a custom-built dome to achieve a unique under-over perspective, skillfully balancing the light on the pups’ fur with the setting sun.
This image stood out among nearly 8,000 submissions to claim the top prize. The panel of judges also recognized several other remarkable photographs in different categories.
One notable entry was Sam Blount’s “Lunging Leopard,” showcasing a leopard seal — a top predator in Antarctica — approaching with its jaws wide open. Blount vividly recalled the intense moment, describing it as a thrilling experience he will always remember.
Judge Tobias Friedrich praised Blount’s image, calling it one of the finest leopard seal shots he had seen. The composition, delicate lighting, and capturing such a dramatic moment were particularly impressive.
A gallery featuring all the category winners is available below. Share your favorite image with us in the comments section!
Sam shared: “The leopard seal had long been at the top of my wish list for encounters in Antarctica. This dive exceeded all my expectations with clear water, ideal lighting, and an engaging seal.
Leopard seals exhibit a range of dominance behaviors, and this one showcased them all, moving effortlessly around me. Witnessing its massive mouth and sharp teeth charging towards me was an unforgettable thrill.”
Andrea shared: “After patiently waiting for years, I finally dived into a cold Alpine lake near my home in northeastern Italy. The crystal-clear, deep-blue waters, fed by a spring, make it a hidden gem among the mountains. Although marine life is scarce, I spotted a freshwater crayfish among the aquatic vegetation.
Curiously, the crayfish swam towards me until it touched my wet lens. The image I had envisioned for years focused on the transition from green plant life to deep blue water, with the mountain peaks framed within Snell’s Window.”
Cecile shared: “During my role as a tour leader and photographer in Dominica, I had a magical encounter with a playful juvenile sperm whale. While in the water at a respectful distance from the mother and calf, I observed the mother preparing to dive for food, leaving her offspring at the surface.
Unexpectedly, the calf turned towards us, coming remarkably close, showing its emerging teeth and playfully rolling upside down. Reflecting on the experience, it almost felt like the calf was smiling and perhaps even winking mischievously at us!”
Tom shared: “2025 was truly the Year of the Octopus. These intelligent and captivating creatures brought joy not only to me but also to many UK divers.
I aimed to capture the final selfless act of a female octopus as she guards, cleans, and nurtures her eggs. During this period, which can last for months, she remains devoted to her offspring, foregoing her own needs. Sadly, after the eggs hatch, she will not survive.
During the bittersweet moments I spent with her, I aimed to convey the narrative of her final weeks by focusing on her face and highlighting her offspring in the background.”
SeongCheol shared: “While diving in Tulamben with my guide, Jaye, I encountered a commensal shrimp residing within a naturally spiraling whip coral, a sight I had longed to see. The deep, vibrant green of the coral provided a striking backdrop for the brightly colored shrimp nestled inside.
By introducing red and blue lighting against the green coral, I aimed to create a visually captivating scene with a sense of turbulence, while emphasizing the shrimp’s serene presence at