This year, Scubaverse.com’s Underwater Photography Editor Nick Robertson-Brown is joined by Deputy Editor Caroline and previous winner and Scubaverse blogger, Sean Chinn, to choose a winner of our Photo of the Year award. The three judges had a tough job on their hands to pick an overall champion for 2021; the winners of the monthly contest provided 12 fantastic images to select from, including marine life big and small, images using advanced photo techniques, and examples of animal behaviour. But after much deliberation, and in reverse order….

Joint Runner-Up: Pink Clown by Michael G

Judges comments

Sean: “At first glance you sometimes dismiss clownfish in anemone shots due to the popularity of them and it’s less unique than other images. However, this image really struck me as the colours really popped and complemented each other. The patience to get the fish in the frame looking directly out like that is great timing also. The image is beautiful and I do love an anemone closed up providing that beautiful texture and also the composition means it’s like a vortex leading you into the subject. A beauty of a shot!!”

Caroline: “This image jumped out from the screen. The colours are incredible. You can feel the texture of the anemone just from looking at this image and the eye contact with nemo is perfect.”

Nick: “What a great example of the use of complimentary colours. I# The old adage – if you see red… shoot it – is demonstrated by this super image. Many of us have a shot like this, but this one, I am sure you will agree, is special. “

Joint Runner-Up: Fairy Palm Hydroid with Cumanotus nudibranch by Jack Der

Judges comments

Caroline: “I love this image. The tiny nudibranch in it’s tiny hydroid world. To show this nudibranch in it’s environment like this is unusual and eye-catching. The focus on the subject is perfect. The subtle pink against the black background. Everything comes together to make this a stand out shot”

Sean: “I love the composition of this shot. We can sometimes get so caught up with macro getting as close as possible to the subject to fill the frame. Therefore, neglecting the scene and habitat where species live. I love the fact it isn’t all about the nudibranch but at the same time it is perfectly in-focus and sharp along with the beautiful detail in the stem. Then the rest of the scene is like a firework going off really adding to the composition with the black background making all the colours pop. A cracking shot!!”

Nick: “A great use of black background and contrast. I just love the fine detail on the nudibranch and also on hydroid stem. A genuine fin-art image.”

Winner: Striped Marlin by Giacomo Antonio Rossi

Judges comments

Nick: “Just Wow! Yes you have to be there, but you have to be able to capture the underwater drama too and the photographer has excelled here. I love the flare of the sunlight shining on the tight conical bait ball and hunting marlin. This is a perfect example of wide-angle photography whilst shooting into the sun. What a great capture.”

Sean: “This image caught my attention the second I saw it. The more I looked at it the more I loved it as well. I just couldn’t look past this shot as the overall winner. I’m a sucker for a dappled light at golden hour shot as it is, so this shot really resonated with me. The perfect formation of the schooling fish is so clean with the timing of the shot key. The position of the sailfish for the composition really works as you feel in the moment of the hunt. Then there’s the textures of the surface with the stunning beams of light coming through. Perfect exposure allowing not too many shadows, while also not blowing out the highlights. A truly stunning image and worthy winner!!”

Caroline: “Of all the amazing 12 images we had to select from, this was the image that stood out right from the start. It is an image that makes me just wish I was there behind the camera myself. The light is just gorgeous. It show the subject hunting and the shape of the bait ball is perfect. The surface of the water just adds to the drama of this worthy winner.”

The prizes for the Scubaverse photo of the year competition are incredible! The 2021 winner walks away with:

7 Nights at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort, Indonesia

Bunaken Oasis redefines diving in Bunaken.  Positioned very much at the luxury end of the spectrum, Bunaken Oasis’ aim is to provide a 5-star luxury diving experience whilst keeping its ecological footprint to a minimum.

Find out more about Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort at www.bunakenoasis.com.

Suunto D5 Dive Computer

The Suunto D5 is designed to be so clear and easy-to-use that you can just enjoy and focus on exploring the wonderful underwater world.

Find out more about the Suunto D5 dive computer here.

Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera

Paralenz Vaquita is a small and powerful underwater camera with a simple mission: to enable you to seamlessly capture and share brilliant underwater videos.

Find out more about the Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera here.

Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator

The Dual Adj 62X scuba diver regulator is the smallest and most compact first stage ever made by Mares. That’s why it’s the perfect travel companion for divers all over the world.

Find out more about the Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator here.

Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof

The Titanium Chillproof has FIR reflective technology that reflects and retains the Far Infrared Heat Energy from our bodies back into our bodies subsequently causing a rise in temperature, increased blood flow and improved metabolic function – i.e. we will be warmer.

Find out more about the Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof here.

XDEEP Radical Mask

The XDEEP Radical frameless mask allows you to take in more of what is around you, enhancing both the dive experience and your situational awareness of you, your team and the environment.

Find out more about the XDEEP Radical Mask here.

Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch

The three white light settings make the ‘Varilux Zoom’ a fantastic multi-purpose dive torch.

Find out more about the Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch here.

Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag

The Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag is made from tough and enduring heavy-duty mesh PVC and the base is double lined for durability.

Find out more about the Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag here.

Pandora-Lab Multi Tool

Pandora Multi Tool is a diver’s ‘Swiss Army knife’ designed to ease field maintenance where and when it matters. It’s as small as a credit-card but has all the functions of a multi-tool, with virtually every essential tool cut into its solid frame.

Find out more about the Pandora-Lab Multi Tool here.

Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and runners-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2021. Thank you also to all our incredible sponsors. We hope to see plenty more of your images in 2022! Watch out for the list of prizes you might win in 2022…