Second Place in the Macro category: Imogen Manins, Patterned Safe Haven, Rye Pier, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. All images the photographers, courtesy of the Underwater Photography Guide, shared with permissionIn the 2024 Ocean Art Contest, Circling Sharks and Squadrons of Rays Steal the ShowJanuary 23, 2025NaturePhotographyKate MothesMobula rays are often referred to as devil rays, but unlike their relatives, stingrays, they lack a stinger, making them a bit less nefarious than their name implies. When rays gather together into a group, its known as a squadron, and for photographers Brittany Ilardi and Eduardo Acevedo, the phenomenon inspired award-winning photos in the 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest presented by Underwater Photography Guide.Now in its 13th year, the competition saw record-breaking participation with entries submitted from more than 90 countries. From macro views like Imogen Manins capture of a fish camouflaged in coral to stunning black-and-white scenes like Eduardo Labats best-in-show sighting of circling white-tip sharks, the winning images showcase the beauty, diversity, and vulnerability of underwater ecosystems.Honorable Mention in the Black-and-White category: Brittany Ilardi, Fevered, La Ventana Bay, La Ventana, Baja California Sur, MexicoAdditional commended images include portraits of nudibranchs in the Philippines, a swimming octopus in Spain, and diving seabirds in Scotlands northern isles. A category devoted to underwater conservation encourages us to think more carefully about what happens to single-use plastics when were finished with them or how discarded fishing equipment and ghost nets can harm wildlife. Other creative categories include digital, blackwater, behavior, and underwater fashion.The talent and vision displayed by our participants have set new benchmarks for underwater photography, says contest organizer Nirupam Nigam, who is also president of Bluewater Photo and editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide. These images do more than win awards; they captivate hearts and minds, reaching millions globally and reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the oceans beauty.Dive into the online winners gallery, and keep an eye on the competitions website for announcements about the open call for the 2025 edition.Fifth Place in the Portrait category: Ilaria Mariaguilia Rizzuto, Mr. Bo, Anilao, PhilippinesBest in Show winner and First Place in Black-and-White category: Eduardo Labat, Dancing White Tips, Roca Partida, Revillagigedo, MexicoThird Place in the Nudibranchs category: David Pleuvret, Hydatina, La jete, St-Pierre, La RunionSecond Place in the Cold Water category: Kat Zhou, Plunge, Shetland, ScotlandHonorable Mention in the Black-and-White category: Xaime Beiro, Below the Octopus, Louro (Galicia), SpainHonorable Mention in the Wide Angle category: Eduardo Acevedo, The Mobula Ball, Magdalena Bay, Baja California, MexicoFirst Place in the Portrait category: Stefano Cerbai, Exceptional Shipping, AustraliaHonorable Mention in the Underwater Conservation category: Olivier Clement, Ocean Litter, Indonesia, Raja AmpatHonorable Mention in the Nudibranchs category: Giancarlo Mazarese, Underwater Flowers, Philippines, Anilao, Koala ReefFirst Place in the Macro category: Adam Martin, Juvenile Batfish, Tulamben, Bali, IndonesiaNext article