Applications close 31st October 2025 for The Ocean Geographic Photographer Recognition Program

Published 4 weeks agoon October 16, 2025

A new horizon awaits for underwater photographers ready to be seen, celebrated, and supported.

Ocean Geographic and The Underwater Club are proud to announce the launch of a prestigious new initiative — a biannual Underwater Photographer Recognition Program that honours the world’s most compelling ocean storytellers.

This is not just a photo contest. It’s a curated journey and an international platform designed to:

Elevate emerging and established talent
Foster professional growth and opportunities
Spotlight photographers shaping the future of ocean conservation through imagery

Application Requirements

You are invited to submit a portfolio of your 10 best pictures captured in the past 5 years, each accompanied by:

A caption (20–100 words) providing context and story
A short personal introduction (min. 100 words)

This is your opportunity to share not just your pictures — but your voice, vision, and purpose.

All submissions will be reviewed by the Ocean Geographic Advisory Editorial Board.
Successful applicants will be recognised with one of two designations:

Ocean Geographic Photographer (OGP) — the epitome for excellence and impact

Associate Ocean Geographic Photographer (AOGP) — honouring outstanding promise and potential

International Recognition

Achieving OGP or AOGP status comes with visibility, distinction, and meaningful benefits.

Benefit	OG Photographer	Associate OG Photographer
Announcement in Ocean Geographic Magazine (70,000 readers)	✅ Name + 2 featured images	✅ Name only
Recognition listed on Ocean Geographic website	✅	✅
Right to use awarded status in bios, email signatures, and social media	✅	✅
Priority invitations to Ocean Geographic expeditions	✅	✅
Priority consideration for magazine submissions	✅	–
Exclusive OG Photographer Pin	✅	–
OG Photographer Alumni T-shirt (year of induction)	✅	–
Free 3-year digital subscription to Ocean Geographic Magazine	✅	✅

Symbols of Distinction

The OG Photographer Pin
An exclusive enamel pin, designed to be worn at exhibitions, dive events, and recognition ceremonies — a discreet symbol of excellence in underwater imagery.

The OG Alumni T-Shirt
Reserved for OGPs, featuring the title and your year of induction (e.g., Ocean Geographic Photographer – Alumni 2025).

Who Can Apply?

Must be a current member of The Underwater Club
Must pass the Seven core photography knowledge quizzes with 80%+ (no need to rewatch course content if you already have the skills — simply validate your knowledge)

You don’t need to be a public figure or influencer to succeed.
Portfolios are judged solely on merit: technical excellence, artistic vision, originality, and storytelling power.

As a benchmark, successful applications typically reflect the standard of pictures used in features published in Ocean Geographic or awarded in major underwater photography competitions.

Application Fee

The fee supports the dedicated review process by Ocean Geographic editors and board members.

Early Bird: USD 200 (first 50 applicants)
Standard Fee: USD 250

Timeline

Applications open now
Deadline: 31 October 2025

This is your chance to have your portfolio reviewed by world-leading editors in underwater photography — and to take a meaningful step forward in your creative journey.

Apply today and join the ranks of Ocean Geographic’s recognised photographers.

Apply at: https://theunderwaterclub.com/ocean-geographic-photographer-recognition-program/

Saeed Rashid

Saeed Rashid is Scubaverse.com's Underwater Photography Editor and a highly respected underwater photographer and educator. He works at Bournemouth University, where he teaches photography, journalism and media, helping students develop strong creative and technical skills. He’s also a diver and collaborates with leading diving brands such as Fourth Element and Suunto. In addition, he serves as one of the European Coordinators for the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society, supporting young people in marine science, exploration and conservation. Saeed runs Focus Visuals, offering underwater photography workshops to aspiring photographers and divers. He is also part of the team behind Underwater Photographer of the Year. Over the years his work has been featured in well-known diving and photography publications all over the world, and his images—often vibrant shots of marine life and underwater environments—are used to raise awareness about ocean conservation.