Underwater photographers around the world are being invited to showcase their best work as PADI and Scuba Diving Magazine officially open submissions for the 22nd annual Through Your Lens Photo Contest.
Running from May 11 to June 15, 2026, the long-running competition celebrates the creativity, storytelling, and conservation impact of underwater photography, welcoming entries from photographers of all experience levels. From dramatic shark encounters and reefscapes to intricate macro subjects and smartphone captures, the contest has become one of the diving industry’s most recognised showcases for underwater imagery.
According to Lauren Eggert, Content & Creative Director for Scuba Diving magazine, the contest continues to uncover fresh perspectives from photographers across the globe.
“Through Your Lens has always been about discovering new talent and giving underwater photographers a place to share their perspective with the world,” Eggert said. “Every year, we’re introduced to photographers who capture the ocean in ways we’ve never seen before, and that’s what makes this contest so exciting.”
This year’s competition includes categories for Wide-Angle, Behavior, Macro, Smartphone/Compact Camera, and a newly highlighted Shark and Ray category. The addition supports the conservation work of the PADI AWARE Foundation and its Global Shark & Ray Census initiative, which focuses on gathering critical data and increasing awareness around vulnerable shark and ray species worldwide.
Entry to the contest is free, and photographers can submit up to five images in each category.
Eggert said underwater photography plays an important role in connecting people with the marine environment and encouraging conservation awareness.
“The most powerful underwater images create a connection between people and the ocean,” she explained. “Whether it’s a shark, a fever of rays, or a quiet moment on a reef, photography has the ability to inspire curiosity, empathy, and ultimately a desire to protect these environments for future generations.”
The judging panel once again features highly respected underwater photographers Brandon Cole, Kate Jonker, and Alex Mustard.
The grand prize winner will receive US$1,000 along with a weeklong liveaboard trip from Aggressor Adventures. First-place winners in each category will also receive liveaboard trips with Aggressor, All Star Liveaboards, or Explorer Ventures. Additional prizes include regulators from SCUBAPRO for second-place winners and dive computers from Shearwater Research for third-place finishers.
Previous winning images have included everything from a kelp forest scene captured in shallow water off Cape Town to a striking photograph of a Napoleon wrasse moving through bannerfish in the Maldives, alongside intimate macro portraits of marine life rarely seen in such detail.
“Twenty-two years in, and this contest still surprises us,” Eggert added. “The images people submit don’t just document the underwater world, they advocate for it. The new Shark and Ray category is a perfect example of that. These are animals that desperately need more champions, and photographers have a unique power to change how people see them, and ultimately, protect them.”
Winning images and honorable mentions will appear in the September/October 2026 Photo Issue of Scuba Diving magazine, with one image selected for the magazine cover.
Photographers interested in entering can find full contest details and submit their images via the official Through Your Lens Photo Contest page.
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