DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2025 is now open to underwater photographers and filmmakers worldwide. The contest offers more than $85,000 in prizes: from dive trips with leading resorts and liveaboards to the latest underwater photo and video gear. Ten categories cover stills and short films, and the overall “DPG Grand Master 2025” title goes to the top entry among the category winners. If you browse our roundups of best photography challenge prizes, this one should be on your radar.
The entry fee is $10 per image or video and submissions close on December 1, 2025. Winners are revealed on the official website and partner media shortly thereafter. As with all Underwater Competition Series events, 15% of entry proceeds are donated to marine conservation. For photographers focused on underwater photography contests, the scope and visibility make this a practical entry for the season.
Contents
The DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2025 Prizes
- Grand Prize – “DPG Grand Master 2025”.
The top entry among the category winners receives a premier dive-trip prize plus a leading equipment prize. - Category Awards (10 categories).
Travel prizes with top resorts/liveaboards and brand-new underwater imaging gear, contributing to a total prize pool worth more than $85,000. - Six Mentor Prizes.
Six winners receive a one-on-one, hour-long online portfolio review with a member of the jury. - Conservation Give-Back.
15% of entry proceeds support marine conservation initiatives.
The Categories of the DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2025
The DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2025 features ten categories:
Photo
- Unrestricted. Composites and advanced edits allowed within stated limits; adding content is forbidden.
- Traditional. Only global adjustments to brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness. No cropping, cloning, spot/backscatter removal, or dehaze.
- Macro. Close-up work (discover more macro photography contests).
- Wide Angle. Shot with a focal length of 35mm or less (full-frame equivalent).
- Over-Under. Split shots with at least 30% of the frame underwater. Must be single in-camera frames (no composites).
- Conservation. Environmental storytelling on marine or freshwater issues.
- Compact. Images made with compact, smartphone, or action cameras (no interchangeable-lens cameras).
- Cold Water. Images shot in water below 65°F (18°C).
- Portfolio. A single JPG layout of six images (long edge 6,000 px) on a neutral gray #666666 background.
Video
- Short Film. Up to 5 minutes at 1080p. At least 50% of footage must be underwater.
DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Deadline: December 1, 2025.
Entry fee: $10 per image or video.
15% of entry proceeds supports marine conservation.
How to Enter
- Create an account on the official site and select your category.
- Photo files: JPG/JPEG, sRGB, 2,000 px on the long edge, up to 5MB (Portfolio: one JPG of six images, long edge 6,000 px, gray #666666 background).
- Short Film: MP4/MPEG/MOV, Full HD (1080p), up to 5 minutes. Register and pay online, then submit via a file-hosting link as instructed.
- Each upload equals one entry and is charged at $10.
About the Jury
The jury includes chair Nicolas Remy and judges Jennifer Hayes, Álvaro Herrero (Mekan), Jill Heinerth, Aaron Wong and Kate Jonker. Their combined expertise spans natural history, exploration, commercial and editorial work, ensuring a balanced review of stills and video across all DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition categories.
Why Enter DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2025?
There is real upside for image-makers working in the water. The prize pool blends travel and gear, finalist and winner coverage appears across international media partners and the judging process includes RAW checks that protect the integrity of results. The mentor sessions add targeted feedback from established names. For a season plan that includes underwater photography contests, this event pairs well with others on our photography awards list if you are building a consistent body of work across macro, wide angle or conservation storytelling.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2025 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules (high-level)
- Entries close on December 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST (UTC−08:00).
- Photo entries must be shot underwater unless a category states otherwise; Short Film entries must include ≥50% underwater footage.
- Traditional: only global adjustments (brightness, contrast, color, sharpness). Unrestricted: broader edits and composites allowed within limits; no AI-generated content additions.
- Over-Under: split shots must be single in-camera frames; at least 30% underwater.
- RAW checks may be requested. Ethics are explicit: do not harm wildlife or habitats; no live bait; any chumming must be disclosed.
- No previously awarded work from major contests before September 1, 2025.
For full legal terms and image-use permissions, consult the official Rules & Guidelines on the competition website.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
