Full Breakdown
Matty Smith Named Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026
3/1/2026, 12:09:58 PM
Winning Image: A Glimpse into Nature's Resilience
Australian photographer Matty Smith has been awarded the title of Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) 2026 for his captivating photograph titled “Rockpool Rookies.” The image, which features two southern elephant seal pups in a rockpool on the Falkland Islands, triumphed over nearly 8,000 entries from photographers worldwide. Smith described the moment he captured the photograph, stating, “I watched dozens clamber over one another in shallow rockpools, awkwardly learning to swim. On my very first evening, the sky ignited with colour and I captured a handful of frames before the light vanished. It was the defining moment of the long trip.”
Technical Accomplishments
Smith utilized a specially constructed dome for his camera to achieve a unique under-over perspective, effectively balancing the lighting on the pups’ fur with the sunset. Dr. Alex Mustard, chair of the judging panel, praised Smith's technical skill and the narrative conveyed through the image, highlighting the recovery of elephant seals from near extinction due to historical hunting practices. Mustard noted, “Their recovery over the last 100 years is a great example of resilience of the ocean.”
Category Winners and Notable Mentions
In addition to Smith's overall win, several other photographers were recognized in various categories. Kazushige Horiguchi from Japan won the Behavior category for his image of clownfish eggs hatching, while Cecile Gabillon Barats from France took home the Wide Angle category for her portrait of a sperm whale calf. Sam Blount from the United States was awarded the Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year for his dynamic shot of a leopard seal lunging toward the camera.
Broader Implications of the Contest
The UPY contest, based in the UK, aims to celebrate and promote underwater photography, showcasing the beauty and complexity of marine life. This year, the competition attracted submissions from 28 countries across 14 categories, including Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year, Macro, and Smartphone categories. The contest serves as a platform for raising awareness about marine conservation issues, as highlighted by Khaichuin Sim’s poignant image depicting the controversial pilot whale hunt in the Faroe Islands.
Criticism & Opposition
While the contest celebrates marine life, it also brings attention to ethical concerns surrounding practices like the pilot whale hunt. Critics argue that such traditions clash with modern conservation ethics, as illustrated by Sim’s photograph, which captures a young boy atop a slain whale amid blood-red waters. The Faroe Islands government defends the hunt as a regulated practice that provides a sustainable food source.
Conclusion
The Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026 contest not only highlights the artistic achievements of underwater photographers but also emphasizes the importance of marine conservation. Matty Smith's winning image serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human impact, showcasing the resilience of marine life in the face of historical challenges.
