The Ocean Photographer of the Year - 2026
Awarded to the single most compelling and/or beautiful image submitted throughout the competition. This photograph will connect with the judges in a way that no other submission does. The judging panel is not necessarily looking for technical proficiency, rather emotional connection: the ocean photograph of the year.
Julien Anton,
Winner
French underwater photographer Julien Anton has created a series of work dedicated to highlighting and protecting marine environments. With a background in high-level sport, he brings a disciplined and detail-oriented visual approach that produces refined imagery with impact. His images have been exhibited in France and Australia and have been part of international projects such as collaborations linked to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). He is an active proponent of increasing awareness of ocean conservation issues through collaboration with scientific and media organisations.