Elephant Seal Pup Wins Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026

An image of two southern elephant seal pups, playfully navigating a rockpool on the Falkland Islands, has been crowned the winner of the Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) 2026 contest.

Australian photographer Matty Smith captured the winning shot, titled “Rockpool Rookies,” depicting the awkward but endearing attempts of young seals learning to swim after being left by their mothers. The image stood out among nearly 8,000 entries from around the globe, celebrating the beauty and fragility of marine life. This year’s contest, based in the UK, highlights underwater photography from across the world, though with a particular focus on British waters.

A Moment of Resilience Captured

Smith’s photograph isn’t merely aesthetically pleasing; it tells a story of resilience and recovery. As marine ecologist and judging panel chair Dr. Alex Mustard explained, elephant seals were once hunted to the brink of extinction for their oil-rich blubber, used in everything from lighting fuel to margarine. The remarkable recovery of the species over the last century serves as a hopeful example of the ocean’s capacity to heal, a message powerfully conveyed through Smith’s image. Smith himself described witnessing dozens of pups “clambering over one another in shallow rockpools, awkwardly learning to swim,” a scene he captured during a fleeting moment of vibrant sunset light.

Beyond the Pups: A Showcase of Marine Diversity

While “Rockpool Rookies” took the overall prize, the UPY 2026 contest showcased a stunning array of underwater photography across various categories. French photographer Cecile Gabillon Barats won the Wide Angle category with a captivating portrait of a sperm whale calf, capturing a rare close encounter with the marine mammal. The Macro category was claimed by SeongCheol Cho for his image, “Calm at the Heart of Turmoil,” depicting a commensal shrimp nestled within a spiraling whip coral. Other winning images included a haunting view of the guns of a Japanese Navy wreck, captured by Niclas Andersson, and a perfectly timed shot of clownfish eggs hatching, taken by Kazushige Horiguchi. These images collectively offer a glimpse into the diverse and often unseen world beneath the waves.

The Technical Skill Behind the Shot

Smith’s winning image wasn’t simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time. He employed a custom-built dome port to achieve a unique under-over perspective, expertly balancing the lighting on the pups’ fur with the setting sun. This technical skill, combined with his artistic vision, allowed him to capture a truly compelling image. The use of such specialized equipment highlights the dedication and ingenuity of underwater photographers, who often face challenging conditions to document marine life.

British Waters in Focus

The UPY contest also features dedicated categories for photographs taken in British waters, showcasing the rich marine biodiversity surrounding the UK. This year’s winners included Evan Johnston’s striking image of basking sharks, titled “A Meeting of Giants,” and Tom Ingram’s intimate portrait of an octopus guarding her eggs, “Mum.” Valerie Reid’s “Life Under the Pier” captured the vibrant ecosystem thriving beneath a coastal structure. These images underscore the importance of marine conservation efforts within the UK and beyond.

Conservation Concerns Highlighted

The contest wasn’t solely focused on aesthetic beauty; several images also addressed critical conservation issues. Khaichuin Sim’s photograph, “Innocence Meets Tradition,” depicts the controversial annual pilot whale hunt in the Faroe Islands, prompting reflection on the complex relationship between tradition and animal welfare. The image serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing marine ecosystems and the need for sustainable practices. The inclusion of such images demonstrates the UPY contest’s commitment to raising awareness about environmental concerns.

The Rising Stars of Underwater Photography

The UPY contest also recognizes emerging talent. Natalie Yarrow was named the Most Promising British Underwater Photographer 2026 for her image, “Crowded House,” depicting a colony of hinge-beak shrimps living within a barrel sponge in Bali, Indonesia. This recognition provides a platform for aspiring photographers to showcase their work and contribute to the field of underwater photography.

What’s Confirmed and What Remains Unclear

The confirmed details surrounding the UPY 2026 contest are straightforward: Matty Smith won the overall prize for “Rockpool Rookies,” the contest received nearly 8,000 entries, and the judging panel was chaired by Dr. Alex Mustard. The specific details of the Faroe Islands pilot whale hunt, as depicted in Khaichuin Sim’s photograph, are subject to ongoing debate and scrutiny. While the Faroese government defends the practice as a sustainable food source, international organizations continue to call for its end. The long-term impact of the hunt on pilot whale populations remains a subject of scientific investigation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Underwater Photography

The Underwater Photographer of the Year contest continues to play a vital role in celebrating marine biodiversity and promoting ocean conservation. The contest’s increasing popularity and the growing number of entries suggest a rising interest in underwater photography as a means of documenting and understanding the underwater world. The future of the contest likely involves continued innovation in photographic techniques, a greater emphasis on conservation themes, and a broader reach to engage audiences worldwide. The UPY website (https://underwaterphotographeroftheyear.com/) will likely announce details for the 2027 competition in the coming months, including submission guidelines and judging criteria. The ongoing evolution of underwater photography promises to reveal even more of the ocean’s hidden wonders and inspire greater efforts to protect this vital ecosystem.