The ocean holds endless mysteries, and each year, the Underwater Awards Australasia brings those wonders to light through extraordinary photography. The winners of the 2025 edition of the competition have now been announced, showcasing 24 breathtaking images that celebrate marine life, seascapes, and the artistry of underwater storytelling. Entrants competed across nine categories, ranging from wide-angle and macro photography to marine behavior, black-and-white imagery, and conservation themes. Each category pushed photographers to capture not only technical excellence but also the emotional depth and fragility of life below the surface.
Photo by: James Ferrara
The highlight of this year’s competition was the “Best of Show” award, which went to James Ferrara for his stunning first-place image in the International Waters category. His photograph stood out among an already exceptional field, earning him the grand prize and cementing his reputation as a leading underwater photographer. Ferrara’s winning work exemplifies the balance between scientific curiosity and creative expression, reminding us of the ocean’s power to inspire awe and responsibility.
Other winning entries offered equally striking perspectives—from the delicate details of coral polyps glowing in the night to the raw energy of large marine creatures in their natural element. These images not only highlight the skill and patience of the photographers but also underscore the urgent need to protect our oceans.
By bringing together talent from across Australasia and beyond, the competition continues to raise awareness of marine conservation while celebrating visual artistry. The 2025 winners prove that underwater photography is more than a technical challenge—it is a vital bridge between human imagination and the hidden world beneath the waves.
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#1. Overall Winner: "Wide Open" by James Ferrara, USA
#2. Sharks – Gold: "Sunbather in the Shallows" by Vadim Belakhov, Australia
#3. Sharks – Silver: "Oceanic Whitetip/Parata" by Sina Ritter, Germany
#4. Sharks – Bronze: "The Shy Hunter" by Megan Shea-Graff, United Kingdom
#5. Conservation – Gold: "Crocodile and Plastic Bottle" by Neil Vincent, Australia
#6. Conservation – Silver: "Hope" by Angelina Pilarinos, Australia
#7. Conservation – Bronze: "Unnatural Raft" by PJ Aristorenas, Philippines
#8. Sydney – Gold: "The Conductor" by Talia Greis, Australia
#9. Sydney – Silver: "The Exchange" by Daniel Sly, Australia
#10. Sydney – Bronze: "Tiny Cleaner" by William Gladstone, Australia
#11. Australian – Gold: "Minke Elegance" by Marcia Riederer, Australia
#12. Australian – Silver: "Entourage" by Laura Gourgas, Australia/France
#13. Australian – Bronze: "Freshwater Life" by Andrew Watson, Australia
#14. International Waters – Silver: "Japanese Jellyfish" by Luc Rooman, Belgium
#15. International Waters – Bronze: "Emerald Sanctuary" by Maryline Renault, Singapore
#16. Portfolio – Gold: "Ningaloo: A Living Tapestry" by Jake Wilton, Australia
#17. Portfolio – Silver: "Edge of Two Worlds" by Gabriel Guzman, Chile/Australia
#18. Portfolio – Bronze: "The Great Southern Reef" by Lewis Burnett, Australia
#19. Smartphone/Action Cam – Gold: "Green Turtle Stack" by Luciano Morales Corinaldesi, Argentina
#20. Smartphone/Action Cam – Silver: "Shaun the Sheep" by Sean Elliott, Australia
#21. Smartphone/Action Cam – Bronze: "Say Cheese" by Marco Luciani, Italy
#22. Tough TG – Gold: "Mosely’s Glistening Brood" by Imogen Manins, Australia
#23. Tough TG – Silver: "Emergence" by Emma Brown, Australia
#24. Tough TG – Bronze: "Slow and Steady Wins the Race" by Marco Luciani, Italy
