The 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition marked one of the most highly anticipated global underwater photography events of its time. Designed to celebrate the talent and vision of underwater photographers, both amateur and professional, this international competition offered participants an opportunity to showcase their best work taken beneath the surface of the ocean. With over $80,000 in prizes available and a wide range of categories to enter, the competition attracted a diverse group of artists from around the world, eager to share their interpretations of life in the sea. Presented and judged by leading underwater photography experts, the competition established a high benchmark for photographic excellence, creative composition, and storytelling through marine imagery.
Purpose and Vision Behind the Competition
The primary aim of the Ocean Art Photo Competition was to bring awareness to marine environments through the power of visual art. By promoting the appreciation of ocean ecosystems, marine creatures, and the fragile beauty of aquatic life, the competition also carried an educational purpose. Organizers envisioned the event not just as a platform to reward skilled photographers but also as a means to ignite public interest in ocean conservation. Through carefully curated entries and categories tailored for both novice and experienced photographers, the contest promoted inclusivity and exploration of different underwater environments—from tropical reefs to temperate waters. The vision extended beyond the prizes to a broader cultural contribution: preserving and documenting the marine world through lenses that captured moments few get to witness in person.
Categories and Inclusivity of Camera Types
The 2013 competition was structured to cater to a wide variety of photographic styles and camera users. Twelve distinct categories allowed for nuanced expression and specialization. Some of the standout divisions included Wide-Angle, Macro, Marine Life Behavior, Cold/Temperate Water, Portrait, Nudibranchs, Supermacro, and Underwater Fashion. Recognizing the growing popularity of compact cameras and their evolving capabilities, the competition included three exclusive categories for compact camera users: Compact Wide-Angle, Compact Macro, and Compact Marine Life Behavior. This deliberate inclusion encouraged broader participation, leveling the playing field and celebrating artistry over equipment. By offering specific opportunities for different gear types and skill levels, the competition underscored that creativity, patience, and a good eye were as important as the camera itself.
A Panel of Distinguished Judges
The integrity and prestige of the 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition were reinforced by an esteemed panel of judges. Tony Wu, Martin Edge, Marty Snyderman, and Todd Winner brought decades of underwater photographic experience to the judging process. These judges are respected globally not only for their technical expertise and artistic sensibilities but also for their contributions to marine awareness through photography. Their involvement ensured that the winning selections reflected not just technical perfection but also emotional resonance, narrative strength, and originality. With backgrounds ranging from photojournalism to instructional writing, the panel represented a comprehensive understanding of underwater art, offering a critical and insightful evaluation of each submission.
Submission Guidelines and Rules
Photographers were encouraged to submit their entries regardless of where or when the images had been captured. This flexible policy allowed contestants to participate with previously shot work, granting them the freedom to select the strongest pieces from their portfolios. The entry process was designed to be streamlined and accessible, requiring minimal barriers to entry while maintaining professional standards. Entrants were expected to follow ethical guidelines, including not manipulating marine life or staging behaviors in ways that could harm the ecosystem. This ethical stance underscored the competition’s dedication to responsible marine photography and conservation. Submission categories came with detailed descriptions to help photographers understand what judges would be looking for, encouraging strategic and thoughtful entry decisions.
Prize Structure and Participant Incentives
What made the 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition truly unique was its unprecedented prize pool. Over $80,000 in prizes were up for grabs, ranging from high-end scuba diving trips to top-tier underwater photography gear. Perhaps most appealing to participants was the ability for winners to choose their prizes from a pool of offerings. This prize system catered to the diverse needs and preferences of photographers, allowing them to select rewards that aligned with their personal or professional goals. Winners gained more than just material recognition—they were celebrated in major photographic circles, featured in respected underwater photography publications, and exposed to international audiences. Beyond prestige and exposure, these prizes often enabled further exploration and artistic development, fueling future creative endeavors.
Spotlight on Platinum Sponsors
The success and credibility of the 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition were amplified by an impressive roster of platinum sponsors. MV FeBrina, a celebrated liveaboard dive vessel operating out of Papua New Guinea, offered winners a multi-resort dive expedition. WAOW Charters provided winners with luxury sailboat diving experiences across Indonesia’s best diving locations. Other sponsors such as SMY Ondina and Siren Fleet also contributed premier dive cruise experiences that allowed photographers to immerse themselves in remote, vibrant underwater realms. Oceanic contributed high-performance dive computers, underscoring the technical quality expected in professional underwater photography. Bluewater Photo and Bluewater Travel further enhanced the prize offerings with valuable gear and travel credits. The support from these platinum sponsors signaled strong industry confidence in the competition and significantly elevated the prestige of winning.
Contributions from Premium Sponsors
Beyond the platinum level, a diverse group of premium sponsors offered exceptional travel and gear packages. Resorts such as Lissenung Island in Papua New Guinea, Bilikiki Cruises in the Solomon Islands, and Nautilus Swell in British Columbia offered unforgettable diving experiences to winning photographers. Premium gear sponsors included brands like Ikelite, offering lighting and housing systems; Sea & Sea, providing strobes; and GoPro, with their high-performance video cameras. These sponsors added richness and depth to the prize offerings, accommodating photographers with varied interests and equipment needs. By collaborating with well-respected travel and gear providers, the Ocean Art Photo Competition created an environment where participation translated into tangible opportunities for exploration, professional development, and recognition within the diving and photographic communities.
Encouraging Ethical Photography and Marine Conservation
Central to the competition’s ethos was a strong emphasis on ethical photography. Participants were encouraged not only to take technically sound and visually stunning photographs but also to engage in responsible practices while doing so. Touching marine life, manipulating scenes, or disrupting animal behavior were strictly prohibited. This commitment to conservation extended to the judging criteria, where images that reflected respectful interactions with marine environments were valued more highly. By setting these ethical boundaries, the competition contributed to a growing movement of conscious visual storytelling—where art and advocacy worked hand in hand. Winning entries often displayed not just photographic mastery but a deep understanding of marine life and its delicate balance, fostering a deeper connection between art, science, and environmental responsibility.
Media Exposure and Future Opportunities
Winners of the 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition received more than just material prizes. They earned a platform to showcase their work to a global audience of photography enthusiasts, conservationists, divers, and marine biologists. The selected images were featured in publications and exhibitions around the world, including coverage in leading diving magazines and social media channels. For many, it opened doors to future collaborations, exhibitions, and commissions. The competition helped establish new voices in underwater photography while reinforcing the reputations of seasoned professionals. With the announcement of plans for a 2014 competition already in motion, the event laid the groundwork for an ongoing tradition of recognizing and rewarding those who turn the mysteries of the underwater world into visual poetry.
The Evolution of Underwater Photography Competitions
Underwater photography competitions have grown exponentially in both popularity and impact over the past few decades. Initially viewed as niche contests for experienced divers with expensive camera gear, these events have evolved into inclusive global platforms for visual storytelling, marine conservation, and creative exploration. The 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition emerged during this era of transformation, acting as both a mirror and a driver of these shifts. While earlier contests were often judged primarily on technical perfection, modern competitions—including Ocean Art—expanded their criteria to embrace emotion, narrative depth, and ecological sensitivity. By creating a space for diverse photographic approaches, from macro artistry to wide-angle dramatic sceneries, Ocean Art helped redefine the boundaries of underwater photographic excellence.
Highlighting Diversity Through Categories
One of the strongest elements of the 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition was its comprehensive and strategically segmented category structure. The selection of categories reflected an awareness of the various ways photographers approach underwater environments. Wide-angle photography allowed participants to capture sprawling coral gardens, shoals of fish, and dramatic sun rays filtering through the ocean surface. Macro and supermacro categories highlighted the beauty of tiny and often overlooked marine organisms—nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, or colorful crustaceans. Behavior-focused categories encouraged photographers to observe and document unique actions such as mating rituals, predation, symbiosis, or camouflage. Meanwhile, Cold/Temperate Water and Novice dSLR categories opened opportunities for regional and skill-based inclusivity. By allowing photographers to express themselves across this spectrum, the competition emphasized that the ocean's beauty and complexity could not be fully captured in a single genre.
Compact Camera Empowerment
In 2013, compact camera users were beginning to push the limits of what their gear could achieve, producing images that rivaled those taken with high-end dSLRs. The competition acknowledged this trend by dedicating three specific categories to compact users: Compact Wide-Angle, Compact Macro, and Compact Marine Life Behavior. These categories not only encouraged more hobbyists and enthusiasts to participate but also demonstrated that creativity and technique could transcend gear limitations. Compact cameras, often more agile and easier to maneuver in challenging underwater conditions, gave photographers an edge in specific scenarios—like shooting inside coral cavities or capturing fast-moving subjects. This shift in recognition helped fuel the democratization of underwater photography, sending a clear message that talent, patience, and understanding of the environment were what truly mattered.
Behind the Scenes: Judges and Evaluation Process
The 2013 judging panel—composed of Tony Wu, Martin Edge, Marty Snyderman, and Todd Winner—offered an extraordinary combination of experience, artistic insight, and technical knowledge. Each judge brought their perspective, shaped by years of work in underwater photography, education, publishing, and conservation. The evaluation process was designed to be rigorous and multifaceted. Judges reviewed each submission with attention to composition, lighting, exposure, focus, color accuracy, and originality. But beyond the technical, judges sought images that told a story, conveyed emotion, and showed respect for the marine world. The presence of multiple judges ensured a balanced approach, reducing the influence of any single aesthetic preference and enabling a more holistic selection of winners. Judges also considered the challenges associated with capturing certain images, acknowledging that a perfectly timed shot of an elusive or shy species required extraordinary skill and patience.
Creative Expression in Underwater Fashion and Model Photography
Among the most unique categories in the competition was the Underwater Model/Fashion category, which merged fine art and underwater imagery. This category encouraged photographers to experiment with human subjects beneath the surface, often resulting in ethereal, dreamlike visuals that stood apart from more traditional wildlife-focused categories. Models, dressed in flowing garments or costumes, created compositions reminiscent of underwater ballet or surrealist painting. Photographers had to master not only the technical aspects of exposure and focus in a challenging medium but also the directorial skills needed to communicate with a human subject in a submerged, silent setting. This category opened a doorway for conceptual artists and visual stylists to enter the underwater space, broadening the artistic scope of the competition and showing that the underwater realm could also be a canvas for human creativity.
Marine Life Behavior: A Window into Natural Rhythms
The Marine Life Behavior category was among the most technically and intellectually demanding. It required photographers to go beyond aesthetics to capture rare, fleeting, or complex moments in animal behavior. Whether documenting a cleaner shrimp servicing a moray eel, a mimic octopus impersonating another species, or the synchronized spawning of corals, entries in this category combined patience, knowledge of biology, and perfect timing. Many submissions reflected a deep connection between the photographer and the subject—a bond formed through hours, sometimes days, of observation. These photos often became tools of scientific storytelling, aiding marine biologists and conservationists in visualizing phenomena that words alone could not convey. The judges paid special attention to authenticity in this category, rewarding images that captured the raw essence of marine life without disturbing it or manipulating its context.
Environmental Conditions and Challenges
Underwater photographers face a unique set of physical and environmental challenges that set their discipline apart from terrestrial photography. Light behaves differently underwater—colors fade with depth, and images can quickly lose sharpness due to suspended particles or backscatter. Divers must navigate currents, buoyancy, limited dive time, and the behavior of marine animals, all while focusing on camera settings and composition. These challenges make the achievements of the 2013 competition's participants all the more remarkable. Some of the winning photographs were taken in murky waters or low-visibility environments, yet still managed to capture stunning clarity and emotion. Others were shot in extreme conditions, like ice diving or at significant depths. The resilience, creativity, and problem-solving displayed by these photographers are a testament to the rigor of the medium and the dedication of its practitioners.
Spotlight on Prize-Sponsored Liveaboards
Many of the grand prizes in the 2013 competition came in the form of liveaboard dive trips—multi-day excursions aboard boats that provide full-service diving experiences in some of the most remote and pristine oceanic regions. Sponsors such as MV FeBrina, SMY Ondina, and S/Y Indo Siren offered trips to destinations like Papua New Guinea, Komodo, Raja Ampat, and the Solomon Islands. These trips provided winners with rare opportunities to dive multiple sites per day, access locations unreachable by day boats, and spend uninterrupted time in rich marine environments. For underwater photographers, these expeditions represented not only a reward but also an extension of their craft—offering new subjects, conditions, and inspiration. The exposure to new biodiversity and underwater landscapes often had a transformative effect on a photographer’s style and ambition, leading to even more sophisticated and compelling work in the future.
The Role of Technology in Underwater Photography
Technological advancements in the early 2010s played a crucial role in empowering photographers and enabling the stunning images showcased in the 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition. Innovations in underwater housings allowed cameras to go deeper and function more securely. Strobe lights and video lights became more compact, more powerful, and capable of broader light diffusion, helping illuminate shadowed areas and highlight intricate details in marine life. High-resolution sensors in both compact and DSLR cameras allowed for crisper images and more flexibility in post-processing. Autofocus and manual white balance settings improved dramatically, giving photographers better control even in difficult lighting conditions. Many of the 2013 winners pushed their equipment to the limit, proving that mastery of both hardware and technique could result in images that were visually arresting and technically flawless.
Trip Reports and Photographer Experiences
Alongside the winning entries were often personal stories from photographers describing how the shots were captured. These narratives added context and depth to the images, revealing the behind-the-scenes efforts, close calls, and serendipitous moments that led to each photograph. In some cases, the winning image was the result of meticulous planning—understanding the tides, animal behavior, and light angles. In others, it was a split-second capture of a surprise encounter, such as a dolphin breach or a predator-prey interaction. These stories reflected not only technical skill but also passion, perseverance, and a sense of awe toward the ocean. The competition’s organizers often highlighted these testimonials to inspire future entrants and emphasize that the path to a great underwater photo was rarely easy, but always rewarding.
Compact Camera Category Achievements
Photographers entering the Compact Camera categories in 2013 showed exceptional skill and creativity, often producing results that rivaled those achieved with far more expensive gear. These entries emphasized careful positioning, a strong sense of composition, and innovative lighting solutions. One notable trend was the use of snoots and focus lights to isolate subjects and create dramatic effects. Some compact users employed add-on lenses and filters to increase macro capability or correct for color distortion, showing that with the right techniques, compact cameras could deliver truly professional results. The judges consistently praised the ingenuity and artistic vision displayed in these entries, further reinforcing the idea that compact gear was not a limitation, but a creative asset when used thoughtfully.
Conservation Through Imagery
Many of the images submitted to the 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition carried an implicit or explicit conservation message. From shots of ghost nets entangling coral to images of rare or endangered species, photographers used their lenses to document both the beauty and fragility of the underwater world. Some photographers focused on highlighting untouched ecosystems to raise awareness about areas under threat from climate change, overfishing, or pollution. Others chose to portray marine animals in vulnerable or intimate states to foster empathy and appreciation among viewers. These conservation-oriented photographs often became visual ambassadors for marine protection, appearing in exhibitions, reports, and media campaigns long after the competition ended. By promoting ethical practices and encouraging meaningful storytelling, the competition played a role in turning underwater photography into a tool for positive environmental change.
Inspiring the World: The Impact of the 2013 Ocean Art Competition
The 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition did more than just highlight exceptional underwater images—it sparked global conversation around ocean conservation, photography techniques, and the limitless beauty of marine life. This ripple effect extended far beyond the photography community. Conservationists, educators, artists, and ocean enthusiasts found new fuel in the visuals that emerged from the competition.
The power of photography lies in its immediacy. It creates an emotional bridge between subject and viewer, and in the case of ocean art, this connection is profound. Viewers who may never have set foot in the ocean could suddenly experience its vastness, vulnerability, and vibrant life through a single frame. This is one reason Ocean Art 2013 held such resonance—it invited people into a hidden world that felt both alien and achingly familiar.
Photojournalistic images from the competition, such as a turtle entangled in fishing line or a reef bleached by climate change, were especially powerful. They didn’t just capture beauty—they told stories. Some images raised awareness of the human footprint on the ocean. Others brought attention to endangered species or fragile ecosystems. Judges noted that many participants were as passionate about storytelling and advocacy as they were about composition or lighting.
Beyond conservation, the competition reshaped the perception of underwater photography. For many years, it had been seen as a niche skillset—accessible only to seasoned divers with expensive gear. Ocean Art 2013 helped change that. The rise of compact digital cameras and affordable waterproof housings meant more photographers could take their art below the surface. The competition embraced this democratization of underwater imaging by including categories for compact cameras alongside DSLR and mirrorless systems.
In a broader sense, the competition promoted a culture of exploration. It inspired people to travel, to learn about marine biology, to take up diving or freediving, and to understand that nature is best protected when it is first appreciated. Photographers from developing countries who might have lacked formal training or resources were now competing on a global platform. Their stories became part of the collective visual record of our oceans.
Workshops, talks, and exhibitions that followed the 2013 competition carried their legacy forward. In galleries and classrooms, Ocean Art images became tools of education. They were used to teach children about coral reefs, to engage students in marine science, or to enhance museum exhibits. The blend of artistry and science brought a fresh dynamic to traditional environmental discourse.
By the end of the competition’s media cycle, the message was clear: photography has the potential to inspire meaningful change. The images from Ocean Art 2013 weren’t just winning awards—they were winning hearts and minds across the globe.
Techniques Behind the Winning Shots
The Ocean Art competition has always drawn attention to photographic excellence. In 2013, the winning entries demonstrated a deep understanding of both technical mastery and creative vision. Whether captured with compact or professional gear, each image told a distinct story through the use of light, framing, motion, and timing.
One of the standout features of the 2013 entries was the diversity of shooting environments. Photographers braved cold-water kelp forests, tropical coral reefs, brackish estuaries, and even deep-sea wrecks. Each setting required its approach. For example, images taken in cold water often had to contend with low visibility, dim ambient light, and the need for drysuits. This challenged photographers to master strobe placement and camera stability.
Lighting was a crucial element across all entries. Natural light played a key role in wide-angle shots—especially those taken near the surface, where rays of sunlight filtered through the water, creating ethereal effects. But many images relied on strobes to illuminate subjects in deeper or darker settings. Skilled use of backlighting or side lighting helped emphasize textures on fish scales or the translucence of jellyfish.
Macro photography dominated several categories. This genre demanded patience, precise focus, and calm buoyancy control. Techniques like snooting (focusing light in a narrow beam) gave photographers the ability to isolate their subjects from background clutter. The best macro shots often featured intricate behaviors—nudibranchs feeding, crustaceans cleaning, or seahorses interacting. Timing, in these cases, was everything.
Post-processing was also a factor, though the competition emphasized authentic representation. Judges looked for images that enhanced contrast, color balance, and sharpness without overmanipulating the original capture. Subtle edits elevated images without compromising their integrity.
Camera equipment ranged widely. Some winning images came from high-end DSLRs with full-frame sensors and dual strobes. Others were taken with compact systems like the Olympus TG series or Canon G series. What stood out wasn’t the gear—it was the photographer’s vision, preparation, and adaptability. In underwater photography, success often depends less on tools and more on how well the shooter knows the environment and anticipates behavior.
Another theme in the 2013 entries was innovation. Some photographers experimented with slow shutter speeds to capture motion blur in schools of fish. Others used manual white balance for natural color rendering at depth. Double exposure and reflection techniques added artistic flair. Several entries even incorporated split shots (over-under images) showing both topside and underwater scenes in one frame. These required dome ports and careful exposure balancing between the two worlds.
The role of dive planning cannot be overstated. Many of the most compelling shots resulted from multiple dives to the same location, at different times of day, in various weather and tide conditions. Photographers noted animal behavior patterns, current directions, and visibility reports before making a dive. Their level of preparation paid off in images that felt serendipitous but were, in fact, the result of methodical effort.
Ocean Art 2013 reminded the world that underwater photography is a craft of patience and resilience. It’s not just about snapping pretty fish pictures—it’s about immersing oneself in an ever-changing environment, anticipating the moment, and capturing it with artistry and skill.
Emerging Trends in Underwater Photography
The 2013 Ocean Art Competition was a mirror reflecting the evolving trends in the world of underwater photography. As camera technology improved and more enthusiasts entered the field, new styles and subject matter began to dominate the visual landscape.
One of the most notable trends was the shift toward behavioral photography. Rather than simply capturing a fish or marine creature in isolation, photographers sought to document interactions—feeding, mating, hunting, or symbiosis. This shift added narrative depth to the images and required a more observational and patient approach.
Blackwater diving also gained momentum. This practice involves diving at night in the open ocean, often hundreds of feet from shore, to photograph larval-stage marine life. The results are surreal: otherworldly creatures suspended in the black void, glowing with bioluminescence or cloaked in translucent bodies. The technical challenge of shooting tiny, moving subjects in pitch darkness required specialized gear and techniques. Ocean Art 2013 saw some of the first mainstream recognition of this style.
Another trend was the rise of over-under photography, where a single frame shows both the underwater world and the landscape or sky above. These images had storytelling appeal, especially when juxtaposing marine life with dramatic coastlines, sunset skies, or even signs of human activity. They demanded precision in exposure, especially when dealing with vastly different lighting conditions above and below water.
In terms of subject matter, there was increased attention on lesser-known species. Instead of focusing on iconic animals like sharks or dolphins, many photographers highlighted obscure nudibranchs, tiny pipefish, or camouflaged critters hiding in reef crevices. This shift reflected a growing appreciation for biodiversity and the intricacies of marine ecosystems.
Minimalist compositions also began to take center stage. Using negative space, soft backgrounds, and simple color palettes, these images emphasized elegance and form. A single jellyfish drifting in blue water, or a lone seahorse clinging to a coral sprig, could evoke powerful emotional responses through simplicity.
The impact of social media was another driver of change. By 2013, platforms like Instagram and Facebook had become hubs for sharing visual content. Underwater photographers started optimizing images for mobile viewing—favoring strong compositions, vibrant colors, and instantly eye-catching scenes. As a result, underwater imagery became more accessible and widely viewed than ever before.
Ethical photography also emerged as a defining trend. Competitions like Ocean Art emphasized responsible diving practices—no touching, chasing, or disturbing marine life. Entries that demonstrated respect for the environment were favored over those that prioritized spectacle at the expense of animal welfare.
Technology, of course, played a critical role. Compact cameras gained RAW shooting capabilities and manual controls. Mirrorless systems became more powerful and lightweight. Lenses, ports, and lighting accessories became more specialized and modular. These advancements allowed photographers to focus more on creativity and less on equipment limitations.
Finally, there was a growing convergence between art and science. Many photographers began collaborating with marine researchers, using their images to support citizen science projects or biodiversity surveys. This integration blurred the line between photography as art and photography as data—a trend that would continue in subsequent years.
Ocean Art 2013 marked a turning point. It was the year when underwater photography fully embraced its role not just as a visual pursuit, but as a cultural, environmental, and technological movement.
Continuing the Legacy: Ocean Art's Influence on Marine Photography
The 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition didn’t merely announce a list of winners—it redefined the global perception of underwater photography. The contest set a precedent that has influenced how marine photography competitions are organized, how photographers approach the medium, and how the world values these hidden underwater stories.
Many of the photographers who earned recognition in 2013 continued to push the boundaries of their craft. Some launched environmental campaigns based on the impact of their images, while others were invited to speak at international photography summits or collaborate with marine research institutes. Their success sparked a new wave of artistic exploration and ecological awareness.
The Ocean Art platform allowed emerging photographers to gain exposure alongside industry veterans. This diversity—both in experience and style—fueled creativity and encouraged mentorship. Photographers who were once amateurs found themselves publishing photo books, offering online courses, and influencing a new generation of underwater artists.
Additionally, the competition’s unique structure—offering awards in a wide array of categories—made it a learning resource. Each winning image told a story about lighting, composition, timing, and ecological knowledge. Aspiring photographers turned to these images as case studies, analyzing them not just for aesthetics but for technique and innovation.
Conservation organizations also began to take note. With the competition's growing visibility, they recognized the power of underwater imagery in influencing public opinion. Several winning photographs were later licensed for environmental campaigns or featured in international exhibitions aimed at marine conservation.
The ripple effect of Ocean Art 2013, therefore, reached far beyond the pages of photography journals. It shaped global conversations about ocean health, environmental stewardship, and the power of visual storytelling.
Behind the Lens: Techniques That Defined the 2013 Winners
The technical mastery on display in the 2013 Ocean Art Competition offered a glimpse into the evolving tools and techniques shaping the field of underwater photography. As digital photography matured, underwater artists gained access to equipment that allowed for more daring, detailed, and dynamic captures.
One standout technique was close-focus wide-angle photography, used to stunning effect in several winning entries. By using wide-angle lenses and positioning themselves very close to the subject, photographers were able to capture rich foreground detail while also including expansive backgrounds. This created a sense of scale and immersion, as if the viewer were floating in the water beside the subject.
Lighting innovations also played a major role. Many photographers used strobes to isolate subjects against dark backgrounds, or to enhance color in environments where natural light was lacking. Dual strobes, snoots, and diffusers helped illuminate everything from the intricate textures of nudibranchs to the shimmering scales of schooling fish.
Post-processing emerged as another area of evolution. Photographers used editing software to refine colors, contrast, and sharpness—always to stay true to the underwater scene. The ethical boundary between enhancement and manipulation was respected, preserving the authenticity of the images.
Some of the most captivating entries were taken using macro photography. These images revealed the mesmerizing details of tiny subjects: the iridescent spots on a mantis shrimp, the translucent body of a juvenile fish, or the delicate arms of a feather star. Achieving clarity and composition at such a small scale required specialized lenses, steady hands, and intimate knowledge of marine behavior.
In other entries, split-level photography was used to great artistic effect, showing both the underwater world and the surface environment in a single frame. These images often included tropical skies, coastal silhouettes, or boats—providing a dramatic juxtaposition between above and below.
Altogether, the 2013 entries showcased a fusion of technology, patience, timing, and artistic intent. Each photograph was not only a visual marvel but also a technical feat that pushed the boundaries of what underwater photography could achieve.
Global Reach and Community Impact
The 2013 competition drew entries from photographers across more than 50 countries, confirming the truly global appeal of underwater photography. What united these artists was not just a love for diving or camera gear, but a deep connection to the ocean and a desire to share that connection with the world.
The cultural diversity among the entrants resulted in a visual mosaic of oceans across the globe. Coral reefs in Indonesia, kelp forests in California, ice-diving scenes in Russia, and mangrove roots in the Caribbean were all captured with equal reverence. This wide scope allowed viewers to appreciate the richness and vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems worldwide.
Community building was another key impact. The competition served as a hub for photographers to connect through online forums, workshops, and exhibitions. Friendships were formed, knowledge was exchanged, and collaborations were born. Some photographers teamed up for future expeditions, while others joined forces on documentary projects or research dives.
Furthermore, the competition served as an entry point for storytelling. Many photographers used their images to highlight ecological threats such as coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and overfishing. Paired with captions or essays, these photographs helped transform awareness into action.
For younger photographers or those from underrepresented regions, the Ocean Art competition provided both motivation and visibility. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and international features followed for some winners, creating pathways to careers that might have otherwise remained out of reach.
By fostering both artistry and advocacy, the competition built more than a photo archive—it built a movement.
Looking Ahead: The Evolution of Ocean Art
Since 2013, the Ocean Art Photo Competition has continued to evolve in scope, quality, and influence. What began as a passionate initiative to recognize excellence in underwater imagery has grown into a major international platform for storytelling, education, and conservation.
Technology continues to push the field forward. Mirrorless cameras, AI-assisted editing, and increasingly sophisticated lighting equipment allow photographers to capture images that would have been impossible a decade ago. Drones and submersibles are expanding the frontiers even further, offering views of deep-sea species and previously unexplored ecosystems.
At the same time, the themes of the competition have broadened. Recent years have included categories focused specifically on conservation, youth photography, and behavioral documentation. These reflect a growing emphasis on the role of photographers as both artists and witnesses to a rapidly changing ocean.
Educational outreach has also expanded. Ocean Art now partners with dive schools, marine biology institutions, and environmental nonprofits to host workshops and exhibitions. These programs help cultivate the next generation of underwater photographers and storytellers.
The competition’s legacy, therefore, is not static. It is a living, breathing effort—adapting to new tools, new challenges, and new voices.
Conclusion:
The 2013 Ocean Art Photo Competition stands as a pivotal moment in the history of underwater photography. It celebrated artistry, elevated global talent, and brought the mysteries of the deep into vivid focus for audiences around the world.
More than just a contest, it became a bridge between science and art, between silence and storytelling. Through thousands of submitted images and hundreds of awarded works, the competition revealed the ocean not just as a place—but as a living canvas full of movement, drama, and grace.
As the tides continue to rise and marine ecosystems face unprecedented pressures, the work of underwater photographers becomes ever more vital. Their images remind us of what is at stake, and what remains to be protected.
The Ocean Art legacy—from 2013 onward—proves that a single photograph can speak volumes. It can inspire, educate, and transform. And in the ever-expanding gallery of ocean imagery, 2013 will forever be remembered as a year when the underwater world shone with rare and radiant light.