You have until January 5 to submit your photos to the international Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021 competition.

Each year, the UPY draws hundreds of photographers from around the world and thousands of photos enter the competition. Last year, French photographer Greg Lecœur won this prestigious award (the 2020 edition rankings). Since 1965, this annual competition in Great Britain has celebrated photography beneath the surface of oceans, lakes, rivers, and even swimming pools. 13 categories are offered to photographers: macro, wide angle, animal behavior, wreck, environmental protection, British waters… The jury is composed of three renowned underwater photographers: Peter Rowlands, Martin Edge, and Alex Mustard.

A competition adapted to the pandemic

Like all news this year, Covid-19 is adding its grain of salt to this competition. The jury president, Alex Mustard, spoke on the subject: « No one needs a reminder, 2020 was a unique year, but we are pleased to confirm that UPY 2021 will indeed take place with, nevertheless, some changes. We know that international travel has been limited but many photographers have shot locally or have been able to dive into their archives to find hidden treasures. We have therefore launched a new award « My Backyard » to highlight photos taken close to home, wherever that may be. » Another notable change, this year no gifts will be given to the winning photographers: « We know winning awards is a major motivation for participating and we are proud to have handed out so many in the past, and we will do so again in the future, adds Alex Mustard, however, the diving industry has been hit hard by the events of 2020 and to support them we feel it’s not appropriate to ask them to provide prizes. » You have until January 5, 2021 to submit your images to the UPY 2021 contest.

>>> Visit the contest site to participate <<<

Opening photo 2nd macro prize UPY 2020: « Eyes », Japan. © Keigo Kawamura / UPY2020