London: Spanish photographer Alvaro Herrero has been named Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 for his stunning image of a humpback whale and her newborn calf in French Polynesia. His photograph was chosen from over 6,750 entries for its emotional depth and striking composition.
The competition’s organizers praised Herrero’s image for capturing ‘Radiant Bond’ while showcasing the beauty and fragility of marine life.
Judge Peter Rowlands described the winning shot as a “delicate yet powerful study of a mother and calf’s bond,” emphasizing the progress in whale conservation, with humpback populations increasing worldwide.
The annual Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, established in 1965, celebrates photography beneath the surface of oceans, lakes, rivers, and even swimming pools. It features 13 categories that test photographers’ skills in macro, wide-angle, behavior, and wreck photography.
Other Winners and Honorable mentions
British photographer David Alpert won the title of British Underwater Photographer of the Year for his image The Curious Seal, taken at Lundy Island, a marine protected area since 1973. His photo challenges the misconception that British waters are murky and lifeless, highlighting the inquisitive nature of seals.
South Korean photographer Ruruka was named Up and Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year for his mesmerizing image Underwater Aurora, which features a diver in a cenote sinkhole in Mexico. Captured after a 24-hour journey during the rainy season, the image showcases bands of color formed by tannin-rich water.
Other notable winners include;
- Robert Marc Lehmann won the Save Our Seas Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year category with his image of a tiger shark in Indonesia.
- Shunsuke Nakano claimed the Action category prize for his dramatic shot of two male Asian sheepshead wrasse fighting.
- Abdulaziz Al Saleh won the Portrait category with an image of camels drinking water in Kuwait.
The competition continues to attract global talent, bringing attention to the beauty and biodiversity of underwater life while emphasizing the importance of marine conservation.
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