The Ocean Art 2024 Photo Competition is one of the most prestigious international contests celebrating artistic excellence in ocean-themed photography. With over $60,000 in prizes sponsored by global leaders in travel, gear, and marine experiences, this competition attracts enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world. Whether you're capturing the elegance of marine wildlife, documenting conservation efforts, or expressing creative visions through digital art, Ocean Art offers a platform for every kind of visual storyteller.
The competition includes 14 distinct categories that reflect the diversity and richness of marine life and its habitats. These include traditional genres like wide-angle and macro photography, as well as more specific themes such as blackwater, nudibranchs, conservation, digital art, and fashion. Some of these are further divided into open categories and compact-camera categories, ensuring fair competition and representation across different camera types and photographer skill levels.
This is a digital contest, which means participation is open to anyone, regardless of their location or time of capture. Entries can be submitted from any date, and photographs taken in past years are also eligible as long as they adhere to the competition’s rules. The deadline for entry is November 30, 2024, by 11:59 PM PST. The cost to enter is $10 per image, with volume-based discounts such as receiving the 11th photo entry free when ten are submitted.
Instructions and Entry Guidelines
Photographers must submit entries through the official contest platform. The first step is to register or log in to your profile. You can then select how many images you wish to enter, pay the appropriate fees, and begin uploading. After submission, you may return to view uploads, make edits to titles and captions, or complete any unfinished uploads.
Each image may be submitted to multiple categories. However, a separate entry fee is required for each category, and no single photo can win in more than one category. This rule encourages strategic submissions and ensures a diverse representation of imagery in the winner pool.
Payment options include $10 per image, or bulk pricing such as $100 for 11 images or $200 for 22 images. This allows participants with larger portfolios to engage more affordably. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, but if technical difficulties arise, assistance is available via email.
Technical Specifications for Submission
To maintain consistency and allow for effective judging, the competition enforces specific file requirements. All images must be in JPEG format, with a minimum dimension of 2500 pixels on the longest edge. The maximum file size for any submission is 5MB, a standard that balances quality and upload feasibility across varied internet connections. Images exceeding this size should be compressed before submission.
Participants are encouraged to use the sRGB color space to ensure accurate color reproduction across all viewing devices. Watermarks are not permitted on submitted images, and any watermarked photograph will be disqualified. This maintains objectivity in judging and emphasizes the photographer’s work without distractions.
Photographers using scanned slides are welcome to participate, as long as the scans are clear and meet the resolution requirements. In the final judging round, selected finalists will be asked to provide their original RAW files and a high-resolution JPEG version. These files are used for verification and promotional purposes and are mandatory for final placement.
Rules and Ethical Considerations
The competition is committed to ethical standards and responsible storytelling. Judges evaluate submissions blindly, without access to the names or metadata identifying the photographer. This ensures fairness and impartiality throughout the judging process.
Photos must be taken in natural environments and feature live subjects. Captive animals or staged scenarios are not allowed, with the exception of specific categories where controlled settings are explicitly permitted. Any photo that appears to show distress, harassment, or manipulation of marine life is subject to disqualification. Respect for marine ecosystems is a core value of this competition.
Participants are required to disclose any significant post-processing techniques, particularly if the editing alters the context or visibility of key elements in the frame. While modern editing tools are allowed, authenticity remains crucial. Photographers are expected to capture moments genuinely, using post-processing only to enhance, not fabricate.
The use of generative AI tools that create new elements within the image is strictly forbidden in all categories except digital art and fashion. However, enhancement tools such as noise reduction, sharpening, and object masking are allowed, provided they do not introduce content that was not originally present in the scene.
Ethical Standards and Judging Integrity
The Ocean Art 2024 Photo Competition upholds a strong commitment to ethical practices in both photography and contest administration. The judging process is designed to be fair, unbiased, and rooted in photographic excellence rather than popularity or branding. To achieve this, all judges review images anonymously. No identifying information, titles, or metadata are visible during the evaluation process.
Judging is conducted by a panel of globally respected photographers and visual artists, each bringing decades of experience in the field of marine and artistic photography. These individuals are tasked with selecting winners based on composition, technical excellence, originality, emotional impact, and adherence to the theme of the category. While they operate with a shared scoring system, each judge brings a unique artistic lens, making the outcome a well-balanced reflection of diverse professional perspectives.
All photographers are eligible to compete regardless of skill level or professional background. Whether amateur or experienced, each entry is judged purely on the merit of the image. There is no restriction on the age of the image, meaning photographs taken at any time can be submitted, provided they meet the rules and technical requirements.
However, entries that depict animals in captivity or under duress, or that were captured using intrusive or unethical methods, may be disqualified. The competition promotes respect for all life forms and their habitats. Photos of environmental efforts are welcome under specific categories, but even these must show care and authenticity in their portrayal of subject matter.
File Integrity and Submission Protocol
Once images are submitted, they become part of a curated selection process that values clarity, originality, and ethical representation. To maintain the integrity of the contest, all finalists will be asked to provide their original RAW files for verification. This ensures that winning images are authentic and that their edits remain within acceptable bounds.
Additionally, finalists must provide a high-resolution JPEG version of their photograph to support media coverage and potential publication in competition-related promotions. This image should be suitable for digital display and print publication. Failing to provide either the RAW file or high-resolution JPEG may result in disqualification from the final round of judging.
Any manipulation of photographs must follow the guidelines set forth by the competition. Participants are expected to document any advanced post-processing techniques, particularly in cases where adjustments go beyond global edits. Judges assess not only the final image but also the transparency of its creation.
Those selected as winners will be notified before the public announcement and given a chance to confirm or clarify their post-processing techniques. The final list of winners will be announced in January 2025. At that time, the public will gain access to the winning photographs through the contest’s official platforms.
Acceptable Post-Processing Techniques
Editing is permitted and even expected in modern photography, but it must remain within defined boundaries. In categories that showcase realism, the goal is to preserve the essence of the original scene while enhancing its clarity or emotional effect. Allowed global changes include adjustments in brightness, contrast, white balance, sharpness, and overall tonal balance. These are considered standard refinements that enhance the presentation without altering the reality of the scene.
Selective or non-global adjustments are also allowed when made using masking tools, such as those available in Lightroom and other editing software. These can be used to highlight a subject or adjust lighting on specific parts of an image. However, these tools should not be used to add or remove objects or subjects from the photo. These allowances intend to help photographers elevate their captured moment, not fabricate a new one.
AI tools such as sharpening, denoising, and object masking are permitted, provided they do not introduce elements that were not present in the original photograph. These tools enhance image quality but do not create new content. On the other hand, the use of generative AI software, which can synthesize new textures, shapes, or subjects, is strictly prohibited in all but two categories.
Cropping is allowed to a limited degree. In most categories, moderate cropping is acceptable, but excessive cropping that degrades image quality may count against a submission. In categories such as supermacro, judges tend to favor minimal cropping to preserve resolution and detail.
Editing Restrictions and Disqualifying Practices
There are clear boundaries on what is not allowed. Composite images created through the blending of multiple exposures, focus stacking, or in-camera HDR techniques are disallowed. These practices alter the original scene by merging data from separate moments or frames, thus compromising the image’s authenticity. Similarly, removing or cloning subjects, adding artificial lighting effects, or pasting in fish, divers, or scenery will result in disqualification.
Excessive use of background manipulation is also prohibited. This includes blurring to simulate shallow depth of field, darkening to isolate subjects unnaturally, or vignetting to direct attention without a clear visual basis. Such techniques may distort the integrity of the photograph and are not aligned with the values of the competition.
In short, all enhancements should serve the story of the image without rewriting it. For the two artistic categories—digital art and fashion photography—these editing rules are lifted. Here, imagination and expression take precedence, and there are no restrictions on how the image is manipulated. These categories allow full creative freedom, including composite designs, heavy digital effects, and artistic surrealism.
For all other categories, transparency is vital. If your image includes advanced post-processing beyond the general adjustments, you must disclose these edits in the submission process. Finalists may also be asked to explain their process to judges to confirm compliance.
Overview of Photo Categories
Ocean Art 2024 offers a thoughtfully structured set of categories to recognize the broad diversity of creative, technical, and environmental perspectives in ocean-focused photography. The categories are designed to suit both amateur and professional photographers, as well as users of different types of camera equipment. To ensure fairness, categories are grouped based on subject type and camera capability, with additional room for artistic expression and environmental storytelling.
There are 14 total categories. The first group is open to all camera types, whether digital single-lens reflex, mirrorless, or compact. The second group is specific to compact cameras, which are defined as non-interchangeable lens systems, such as popular point-and-shoot models. The final group includes categories where creative digital manipulation is encouraged and not restricted by traditional editing rules.
Each image submitted must be categorized appropriately, and while multiple entries are allowed, participants must be mindful that images will be judged strictly within the context of their selected category. Submitting a photo in the wrong category may affect its chances of being judged fairly or winning.
Open Categories for All Camera Types
The following categories are open to images captured with any camera, including professional systems and compact models:
Wide-Angle
This category includes expansive views that encompass large scenes or subjects. These images generally show more than the human eye’s natural field of view and may include split shots that feature both above and below the surface. The emphasis is on composition, use of natural light, and engaging spatial perspectives. Stitched panoramas are not accepted in this category.
Macro
Macro photos focus on small subjects captured in fine detail. This usually means a 1:1 reproduction ratio or greater on the image sensor. Subjects are typically under six inches in size, and the use of macro lenses is common. These images highlight texture, color, and intricate features often missed by the naked eye.
Marine Life Behavior
This category is dedicated to action shots that capture animals in motion or interaction. These might include feeding, mating, schooling, territorial displays, or cleaning behaviors. The emphasis is on timing, focus, and a clear narrative that conveys the action unfolding within the frame.
Marine Life Portrait
Portrait-style images that reveal the character and expression of individual creatures are featured here. Whether full body or tightly framed around the face, these images are judged based on composition, clarity, and the photographer’s ability to showcase personality or emotion.
Cold or Temperate Water
Photographs taken in environments where average temperatures remain below 15°C (59°F) throughout most of the year fall under this category. Accepted regions include Northern Europe, New Zealand, California, the Pacific Northwest, Tasmania, and the Arctic or Antarctic. Warmer regions like the Mediterranean or southern Australia are excluded unless specifically listed. This category rewards images that reflect the unique lighting and ecological features of colder regions.
Nudibranchs
The subject of these photos must be a nudibranch or another member of the sea slug family. While the background and setting may vary, the nudibranch should be the dominant focal point. Judges look for striking detail, color, and originality in how these often minute subjects are presented.
Blackwater
Images in this category are taken during open-ocean night dives where subjects are captured against a black background. Typical subjects include larval fish, plankton, jellyfish, or pelagic creatures. Both blackwater and bonfire diving setups are accepted. The challenge lies in capturing small, translucent, fast-moving subjects in high detail and well-controlled lighting.
Black and White
Monochromatic imagery is judged based on how effectively the photographer uses light, shadow, and composition to create mood and depth. While images do not need to be captured in black and white in-camera, they must be converted appropriately in post-processing without violating editing rules. Contrast and tone become the focal tools in these works.
Conservation
This category includes visual stories that highlight the need to protect aquatic ecosystems. The theme can range from environmental degradation to restoration efforts or scenes that evoke emotional urgency around conservation. Unlike other categories, these photos do not need to be taken in natural water environments, but they must be related to the protection and health of marine or freshwater ecosystems.
Categories for Compact Cameras
The next set of categories is limited to photographs captured using compact cameras, which do not have interchangeable lenses. Common examples include the Canon G series, Sony RX-100 models, Olympus TG-6, and GoPro systems.
Compact Wide-Angle
This includes expansive images taken with a compact camera. Like the open wide-angle category, the subjects are large and often include scenic views or dynamic action scenes. Photographers are encouraged to push the limits of what compact equipment can achieve in terms of field of view, detail, and color rendering.
Compact Macro
Macro photos captured with a compact camera are eligible here. Subjects should be small and detailed, and the challenge lies in maximizing clarity and depth of field within the limits of point-and-shoot optics. Creative lighting and framing are often used to overcome the equipment’s inherent limitations.
Compact Behavior
This category is reserved for behavioral images taken with compact gear. These photos should tell a story involving movement or interaction, such as a creature feeding, nesting, or interacting with others. The photographer’s ability to observe, anticipate, and document such behaviors using a compact setup is central to success in this category.
Artistic and Stylized Categories
Two categories have been developed to encourage bold, creative visions that go beyond conventional photography. Here, editing limitations are lifted, and storytelling takes precedence over realism.
Digital Art
This category embraces full creative control, allowing the artist to manipulate images freely. Compositing, layering, color transformations, surreal environments, and abstract forms are encouraged. The subject matter can range from real marine animals to completely imagined scenes or symbolic representations.
Fashion
Photos entered here feature people as the primary subjects. Whether models, freedivers, or divers, these images are judged on styling, composition, and artistic impact. These can be captured in any water-based environment, including pools or controlled settings. Commercial and editorial-style photographs are welcome.
Prize Selection and Distribution Process
One of the most distinctive features of Ocean Art 2024 is its extensive prize pool, which exceeds $60,000 in value. This reward system reflects the contest's prestige and the global network of partners supporting it, including travel organizations, equipment brands, and resort operators. Prizes range from luxurious liveaboard trips and photography workshops to premium camera gear and accessories.
After the judging process concludes and winners have been determined, prize selection begins. Winning participants will be invited to rank their top prize preferences based on a provided list. The allocation follows a structured order. The Best of Show winner is given priority in choosing their preferred prize and also receives bonus points that improve their ranking. Next, the first-place winners in each category select their prizes in the order of their total score, followed by second-place winners, and so on.
This method ensures that each winner has an opportunity to receive a prize they value, based on their preference list and the competitiveness of their category. However, it’s important to note that while first-place winners are guaranteed to receive a prize, not all runners-up are. Prizes are distributed until the pool is exhausted, and once selected, no substitution or cash alternatives are offered.
The prize pool may evolve depending on sponsor contributions or logistical changes, but all updates are communicated to participants in advance. Winners are notified of their placement and prize allocations privately before the public announcement is made. This process ensures a smooth rollout and allows for verification of details such as shipping information, passport documentation (for travel-related prizes), and file confirmations.
Judging and Category Scoring System
The judging process in Ocean Art 2024 combines artistic merit with technical precision. Judges evaluate each entry in the context of its category, applying consistent scoring criteria. The scoring system is built on several components, including creativity, difficulty of capture, composition, lighting, subject impact, and technical execution. No one component outweighs the others disproportionately, and balance across categories is maintained by considering the competitiveness and number of entries within each category.
While all categories are open to creative interpretation, the judges are also mindful of the intent and difficulty behind each image. For example, a high-quality macro shot of a rarely seen subject may carry significant weight, just as a dramatic behavioral image may stand out in a crowded category. Judges use their discretion and experience to award points, and each finalist's total score determines their placement within a category and their priority in the prize selection process.
Images submitted to multiple categories are judged separately in each, but a photo can only win in one category. If a photo is placed in more than one category, the category where it ranks higher will be the one in which it is ultimately awarded. This ensures fairness and encourages participants to submit unique photos for each entry.
The final decisions of the judging panel are not subject to appeal. Once the results are finalized, no changes are made to rankings or awards, ensuring the integrity of the competition and respect for the judges’ professional expertise.
Announcement Timeline and Post-Contest Communication
Winners of Ocean Art 2024 will be publicly announced in early to mid-January 2025. The announcement will include the full list of winning entries along with the photographer’s name, title of the work, and a brief caption if available. This announcement is distributed through multiple digital platforms and visual media outlets, allowing for global exposure of the winning photographs.
Following the announcement, prize logistics begin immediately. Winners are contacted with confirmation instructions and delivery timelines for their awards. For travel-based prizes, arrangements such as date selection and reservation coordination are handled directly between the winner and the sponsor. Winners are expected to comply with all terms and conditions set forth by the prize sponsors, including expiration dates, blackout periods, and availability restrictions.
Winners may also be asked to participate in interviews, feature profiles, or promotional materials designed to celebrate their achievement and promote future editions of the competition. However, photographers retain full ownership of their images. The organizers request only limited use of winning photos for promotional purposes related to the contest, and such uses are always credited.
Participants who did not win may receive feedback in the form of category insights or general trends observed by the judges. While individual critiques are not guaranteed due to volume, the goal is to offer transparency and value even to those who were not selected. In this way, Ocean Art aims to support the continued growth and improvement of all entrants.
Conclusion
The Ocean Art 2024 Photo Competition represents a celebration of creative vision, technical mastery, and ecological awareness. With a wide range of categories, an accessible digital format, and an ethical approach to judging, it serves as an international platform for photographers to share their passion and tell compelling stories of marine life and ecosystems. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a passionate amateur, this competition offers the opportunity to be recognized on a global stage while contributing to a deeper appreciation for the world’s aquatic environments.
The inclusive structure ensures that entries from all backgrounds and camera types are judged fairly, while the substantial prize pool adds further incentive for excellence. Most importantly, the competition fosters a global community united by shared values of creativity, conservation, and curiosity.
As the deadline approaches and entries continue to flow in, Ocean Art 2024 promises to be a landmark edition filled with breathtaking moments, unique perspectives, and timeless visual stories. All are encouraged to participate, not just for the reward, but for the chance to inspire and be inspired by a world seen through the lens of those who love it most.