“Sharks’ Skylight,” an image of blacktip reef sharks and seagulls photographed in French Polynesia by Renee Capozzola, the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021 and winner of the Wide Angle Category. (Photo: © Renee Capozzola/UPY2021)
Underwater photography takes patience, technical skill, and an adventurous spirit. This form of photography is practiced around the world and, every year, the best “under the sea” images are judged by the prestigious jurors of the Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition.
The Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021 competition has produced a stunning gallery of winning and commended images.
“Gothic Chamber” by Martin Broen, Runner Up in the Wide Angle Category. (Photo: © Martin Broen/UPY2021)
The judges chose from thousands of images in 14 categories.
The title of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021 goes to American photographer Renee Capozzola, whose image of reef sharks gliding under the surface of the sea in French Polynesia captivated the judges.
“While You Sleep” by Mark Kirkland. Winner of the My Backyard Award Category and British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021. (Photo: © Mark Kirkland/UPY2021)
British photographer Mark Kirkland won the category “My Backyard,” in addition to the title of British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021.
“Pink and Golden” by Steve Miller. Runner up in the My Backyard Category. (Photo: © Steve Miller/UPY2021)
“Pink Salmon Make Their Way Up River to Spawn” by Shane Gross. Third place in the My Backyard Category. (Photo: © Shane Gross/UPY2021)
“Pontohi Pigmy Seahorse” by Galice Hoarau. Winner of the Macro Category. (Photo: © Galice Hoarau/UPY2021)
“Larval Lionfish” by Steven Kovacs. Runner up in the Macro Category. (Photo: © Steven Kovacs/UPY2021)
“Dream Ship” by Chien-ting Hou. Third place in the Macro Category. (Photo: © Chien-ting Hou/UPY2021)
“The Cut” by Diana Fernie. Winner of the Black & White Category. (Photo: © Diana Fernie/UPY2021)
“Time Travel” by Martin Broen. Runner up in the Black & White Category. (Photo: © Martin Broen/UPY2021)
“Double Turtle” by Renata Romeo. Third place in the Black & White Category. (Photo: © Renata Romeo/UPY2021)
“Guardian Deity” by Ryohei Ito. Winner of the Portrait Category. (Photo: © Ryohei Ito/UPY2021)
“Japanese Manefish” by Keigo Kawamura. Runner up in the Portrait Category. (Photo: © Keigo Kawamura/UPY2021)
“French Angel” by Michael Gallagher. Third place in the Portrait Category. (Photo: © Michael Gallagher/UPY2021)
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