The ocean is a mystical place. No one knows what's deep down in it. What creatures live there, what lost civilizations are at the bottom of it. Some people are really scared of that unknown and unexplored ocean; however, it can be very beautiful and stunning. Not to mention that it's vital for our survival.
The Ocean Photography Awards are back on Bored Panda to show you the beauty of our oceans. Photographers from all over the world gathered up and submitted stunning photos that could be the winners of the 2021 contest. The Ocean Photography Awards have a mission of showing the importance of preserving marine life and environments. The awards are divided into six different categories, which each will have their own winners in addition to the overall champion.
More info: oceanphotographyawards.com | Instagram
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Conservation Photographer, Nicholas Samaras
"A seahorse clings to a face mask (in Stratoni, Greece)"
I feel bad for the seahorse, hope that people wont throw mask in ocean 😔
Here's what Oceanographic says on their website: "The Ocean Photography Awards™ is a celebration of our beautiful blue planet, as well as a platform to highlight the many plights it is facing. A total of eight awards, including the inaugural Female Fifty Fathoms Award, will be announced this year, with the overall winner, the Ocean Photographer of the Year, announced on September 16th."
Youth Photographer, Hannah Le Leu
"A green sea turtle hatchling cautiously surfaces for air, to a sky full of hungry birds in Heron Island, Australia."
I don't think most people can understand how immensely beautiful these turtles are. I'd go so far to say one of the most beautiful species in the world.
Exploration Photographer, Matty Smith
"A southern bobtail squid puts on a performance. Wollongong Harbour, Australia "
Such an alien looking creature! So beautiful. I had a google of them and they are very, very cute!
"The Ocean Photography Awards offers photographers the opportunity to win some truly unique and career-changing prizes. As well as cash prizes, equipment from generous ocean brands and social media exposure to millions of ocean photography enthusiasts, entrants also have the chance of securing a year-long residency as a member of the SeaLegacy Collective. The prizes on offer have a total value of more than £500,000, though some, in truth, are priceless." Click here to see the prizes in detail!
Community Choice Award, Michael Haluwana
"A pod of dolphins catches a wave. Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia"
Stefan Christmann
Seen several of these dudes photos, I really love what he does with penguins exposure. I love all of his works!
Oceanographic want to help save the ocean: "Oceanographic is a magazine that is both about and for the ocean. We donate 20% of annual profits to marine conservation charities, making us part of the fight for a healthier blue planet. Because part of our donation total is derived from magazine sales, that means our readers are part of the fight too. Become an Oceanographic reader, become an ocean conservationist!"
Adventure Photographer, Sebastien Pontoizeau
"A freediver duck dives to capture a photograph of a humpback whale."
Lmao imagine another guy taking a picture of the guy who took a picture of the guy who took a picture of a whale
"Oceanographic is partnered with some of the most committed and effective marine conservation charities working today, ensuring all donations are used purposefully in the pursuit of a better-protected ocean. Real change can only be fostered by empowering a variety of ocean communities, from divers to surfers, via yachters and kayakers. Oceanographic is delighted to be partnered with esteemed and diverse charities, including Project AWARE® and Blue Sphere Foundation."
Community Choice Award, Phil De Glanville
"Surfer Jack Robinson rides the famous break known as ‘The Right’, home to some of the heaviest waves in the world."
Adventure Photographer, Grant Thomas
"Playful grey seals – a species that has been protected in the UK for decades under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970. Farne Islands, United Kingdom"
Adventure Photographer, Martin Broen
"A diver descends into a cenote. Quintana Roo, Mexico"
Stefan Christmann
Adventure Photographer, Daisuke Kurashima
"A humpback whale dives into the blue, emitting a trail of bubbles as it descends. Okinawa, Japan"
I hope it remains safe. Otherwise we all know the fishy evil business of Japan related to dolphins and whales.
Stefan Christmann
Adventure Photographer, Tanya Houppermans
"An American crocodile glides through the water at sunset at Gardens of the Queen, Cuba, a protected marine reserve since 1996."
Adventure Photographer, Steve Woods
"Sea lions swarm a diver. Vancouver Island, Canada"
Boss, could not get my work done today, those seals kept pestering me all day !!! Tough day at the office !!!! lol
This made me feel uncomfortable, I don’t quite know why, I like sea lions, but they seem to be mobbing the diver.
I've been diving with them in Galapagos and off of La Paz, Mexico. They are truly like puppies and want to play. They'll imitate you so that if you turn, they'll turn... go up, they'll go up...etc. Sometimes they'll pull on a diver's fin. Still as cute as they are, they are wild animals and so it's not advised to put your fingers out or to go too close to one of their youngsters/babies.
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Alex Kydd
Stefan Christmann
🐧🐟Parent Penguins Parent Part-time, Partaking Portions of Fish Fillets during Feeding Forays. (They Take Turns.)🐠🐧
Matty Smith
Adventure Photographer, Ben Thouard
"A wave known as Teahupo’o, as seen from below. Tahiti, French Polynesia"
Collective Portfolio Award, Stefan Christmann
"Male emperor penguins huddling during polar night, to stay warm as a group."
The live version of "Happy Feet", Mr. Robin Williams spirit is there with them.
Adventure Photographer, Rodrigo Thome
"A shiver of hammerhead sharks."
Adventure Photographer, James Ferrara
"A sperm whale and sargassum seaweed. Roseau, Dominica"
Exploration Photographer, Steve Woods
"Coastal wolves play on a remote beach. British Columbia, Canada"
Young Ocean Photographer, Jack Mckee
"A juvenile flying fish, photographed from below. Lady Elliot Island, Australia"
Exploration Photographer, Steven Kovacs
"A rare deep water cusk eel larva. Florida, USA"
Community Choice Award, Fabrice Guerin
"A sea lion hunts mackerel off the coast of Baja (California Sur, Mexico)."
Galice Hoarau
Ocean Conservation Photographer, Henley Spiers
"An olive ridley turtle ensnared by fishing gear, far offshore in the Pacific Ocean.
Baja California Sur, Mexico."
Adventure Photographer, Scott Portelli
"A humpback whale calf crashes back into the ocean after a breach. Neiafu, Tonga "
Note: this post originally had 89 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
