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Ocean Geographic (OG) and The Underwater Club have unveiled a novel “Underwater Photographer Recognition Program” that aims to celebrate and elevate underwater shooters who are “shaping the future of ocean conservation through imagery.”

Photographers’ 10 best pictures captured over the past five years will be evaluated by the Ocean Geographic Advisory Editorial Board, and successful applicants will be recognized with one of two designations: Ocean Geographic Photographer (OGP) or Associate Ocean Geographic Photographer (AOGP). The former are considered “the epitome for excellence and impact” while the latter show “outstanding promise and potential.” Recognized photographers receive various benefits, such as being announced in Ocean Geographic magazine and priority invitations to OG expeditions.

Applicants must be current members of The Underwater Club and must have passed the Club’s “seven core photography knowledge quizzes.” The standard application fee is $250, while the first 50 applicants pay a discounted fee of $200. The deadline for applications is October 31st, 2025. For more information, check out the press release below.

 

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PRESS RELEASE

Announcing the Ocean Geographic Photographer Recognition Program

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 (from 01 November 2020), 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 www.theunderwaterclub.com/ocean-geographic-photographer-recognition-program