loading Photo Contest loading ...
please wait - lots of graphics on this page!
Underwater Photography: Contest Monthly Winners

Underwater photo contest

Peoples' VotePeoples' Vote

Happy Moment - in the Red Sea with a Dugong south of Port Gahlib.
By Christian Schlamann
posted (3 days ago)
35 votes

Yellow Garden Eel
By Iyad Suleyman
posted (4 days ago)
24 votes

Blue-spotted Ray and Cleaner Wrasse. Gapang Beach, Pulau Weh.
By Doug Anderson
posted (3 days ago)
22 votes

Sailfish ready to hunt, Isla Mujeres Mexico Niconos V, 15 mm, ASA 400
By Alejandro Topete
posted (5 days ago)
21 votes

Cardinal Fish with Mouth Brood
By Tony Cherbas
posted (5 days ago)
20 votes

porcelain crab at Bunaken , Sulawesi
By Alan Johnson
posted (3 days ago)
20 votes

Blenny under the light.
By Francesco Pacienza
posted (5 days ago)
19 votes

Beautiful flavelina in Komodo.
By Greg Duncan
posted (6 days ago)
18 votes

close encounter with a big dogtooth tuna
By Andre Philip
posted (4 days ago)
18 votes

Jump into the sunlight ( Cenotes/ Mexico )
By Lucie Drlikova
posted (3 days ago)
18 votes
About Peoples' vote About Peoples' vote
hot forum threadsForums
forum latest Single exposure?
By Pacificklaus
Friday, May 24, 2013
forum latest Beautiful
By Paul Colley
00:33 CST Today (1 hour ago)
forum latest the lens
By Elena
Friday, May 24, 2013
forum latest Photo
By lisnic
Friday, May 24, 2013
forum latest wow
By indianfish
Friday, May 24, 2013

Entries by Category
Entries by Sea
Entries by Country
or enter search text

 forum
forum
Stats
Portfolios
Annual Medal Winners slide show
Annual Medal Winners
spam voting policy
photo contest RSS feed
rules
Our underwater photography contest is the longest running and most prestigious online. If you want to make a name for yourself this is THE place to do it.
Just look at some of the internationally acclaimed photographers who have launched their u/w photo careers here over the years.
Weekly HotShotsHotshot

Gleb Tolstov

week 20 winner
weekly hotshot click to zoom

It's easy to enter the contest just...
click here to upload your pics
Last month's HotShotsHotShots

Beate Seiler

monthly winner (April)
monthly hotshot click to zoom
Other HotShots...
Oscar Miralpeix (Third place), Paul Ng (Second place), Andre Philip, Dmitry Vinogradov, Alejandro Topete, Brice Bastier, Bruno Van Saen, David Gilchrist, David Stephens, David Watson, Doris Vierkötter, Gary Curtis, Gleb Tolstov, Hans-Gert Broeder, Henrik Gram Rasmussen, John Miller, Marc Damant, Marc Van Den Broeck, Marchione Giacomo, Matt Heath, Stéphane Primatesta, Stew Smith, Tom Radio, Valda Fraser,


Hotshot stats...
Why not get a Pro Account? You can upload twice as many images per day (than ordinary members) and they will be displayed twice the size!
126 Monthly Winners Found: Page 1  of  5
[1] 2 3 4 5 

Monthly Winners

This category shows the winning images from the monthly HotShots i.e. the Best of the Best!

This member has a pro account

Two guys at work by Beate Seiler
Two guys at work
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!
votes: 45
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: (Last month)
date posted category: Macro - not swimming
date posted location: Bali Sea Indonesia
view portfolio more shots by Beate Seiler
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 
Jeans by Dmitry Vinogradov
Jeans
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
At first glance a snapshot but then... it's also a well thought out and dramatic fashion shoot Not easy to balance above and below with flash (above?) in low light
votes: 24
vote

create a new forum thread to discuss this image discuss this image
date posted posted: Saturday, March 30, 2013
date posted category: Over/Under (shots half topside, half U/W)
date posted location: Indian Ocean Maldives
view portfolio more shots by Dmitry Vinogradov view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 
Resigned ... by Lucie Drlikova
Resigned ...
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
deceptively simple but well thought out. usually model shots are a tight crop and central placement so this is deliberate composition designed to be uneasy on the eye. look at the subtle red stilettos. note no pool tiles but proper neutral background
votes: 25
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
date posted posted: Monday, February 11, 2013
date posted category: Creative - Manipulated (Photoshopped)
date posted location: Czech Republic
view portfolio more shots by Lucie Drlikova
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 
diving at sunset by Sergiy Glushchenko
diving at sunset
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
The photo opportunities don't finish when you surface!
votes: 24
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Monday, January 28, 2013
date posted category: Topside (above water but marine related)
date posted location: Sea of Azov Ukraine
view portfolio more shots by Sergiy Glushchenko view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Crab Hang on Sea Urchin.. by Rebai Patrick
Crab Hang on Sea Urchin..
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
An artful macro shot that simply hops out of the crowd !
votes: 34
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Saturday, December 08, 2012
date posted category: Macro - Close-Up
date posted location: Sulu and Sulawesi Seas Indonesia
view portfolio more shots by Rebai Patrick
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Blastomussa spp. by Sergey Lisitsyn
Blastomussa spp.
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Looks simple but it is really not easy to prevent outburning of these extreme colours. Nice structures, nice colours and pleasing DOF.
votes: 28
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
date posted posted: Monday, November 05, 2012
date posted category: Macro - Close-Up
date posted location: South China Sea Philippines
view portfolio more shots by Sergey Lisitsyn
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

"Great Apparition" by Christian Vizl
"Great Apparition"
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2012 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Brilliant shark shot with superb light and the "splash in effect" gives the little extra. Very well done, Christian. Save the sharks !
votes: 46
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
date posted posted: Wednesday, October 10, 2012
date posted category: Sharks
date posted location: Pacific Mexico
view portfolio more shots by Christian Vizl
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Planet by Tony Cherbas
Planet
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Meeting of 2 universes. A shot that drives our fantasy : simple, spheric, genius...and well photographed !
votes: 39
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
date posted posted: Saturday, September 08, 2012
date posted category: Wide Angle - Close Focus
date posted location: Philippine Sea Guam
view portfolio more shots by Tony Cherbas
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Commensal shrimp with eggs and Anemonefish on backgraund by Iyad Suleyman
Commensal shrimp with eggs and Anemonefish on backgraund
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Patience, technique, lightning, composition and the eye for the ideal moment created this winning shot ! Iyad posted several strong photos to the contest in August, but this one has the "little extra" ! Great job, Iyad :-)
votes: 37
vote

create a new forum thread to discuss this image discuss this image
date posted posted: Wednesday, August 29, 2012
date posted category: Macro - swimming
date posted location: Banda Sea Indonesia
view portfolio more shots by Iyad Suleyman
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

"ROCKING HORSE" by Isabella Maffei
"ROCKING HORSE"
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Stunning lightning, clever usage of negative space, proper sharpness...and a difficult to exposure subject shooted in master-quality. Very well done, Isabella !
votes: 38
vote

create a new forum thread to discuss this image discuss this image
date posted posted: Sunday, July 29, 2012
date posted category: Macro - Close-Up
date posted location: Ligurian Sea Italy
view portfolio more shots by Isabella Maffei
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Stern of the Kittiwake - Grand Cayman Nikon 700, 10-17 f... by Elaine White
Stern of the Kittiwake - Grand Cayman
Nikon 700, 10-17 fisheye lens, f.22, 1/125, ISO 200, Natural light
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2012 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
I thought I already saw all possible shots and shooting angles of the Kittiwake.....but then our newcomer Elaine hops on the stage and surprised me with this well thought shot. And it's not that easy to impress me ! VERY well done, Elaine :-)
votes: 47
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Tuesday, June 26, 2012
date posted category: Wide Angle - Wrecks
date posted location: Cayman islands
view portfolio more shots by Elaine White view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 
Pescador Island view by Marcello Di Francesco
Pescador Island view
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
A shot with lots of details, pleasing colours and nice composition. This photo even makes non-swimmers falling in love with the underwater world - Very well done, Marcello !
votes: 35
vote

create a new forum thread to discuss this image discuss this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Thursday, May 17, 2012
date posted category: Wide Angle - Marine Life
date posted location: Philippine Sea Philippines
view portfolio more shots by Marcello Di Francesco
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 
Grand Cenote 374 Woman inside Grand Cenote in Tulum, Qui... by Christian Vizl
Grand Cenote 374
Woman inside Grand Cenote in Tulum, Quintana Roo, receiving the last rays of sun. Inspiring image transmitting the awe that this magnificent natural wonder produce on our souls...it`s crystal clear freshwater!
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2012 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Painting with light at its best, Christian ! And I love the pose of the model !
votes: 45
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
date posted posted: Friday, April 20, 2012
date posted category: Freshwater
date posted location: Mexico
view portfolio more shots by Christian Vizl
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

...trapped in ice by Veronika Matějková
...trapped in ice
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Winter, Autuum & Spring : 3 seasons in one underwater photo ! What looks simple on the first view shows a great piece of photography fine arts on the second. Great shot, Veronika....THIS one, I would hang on my wall :-)
votes: 29
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
date posted posted: Monday, March 12, 2012
date posted category: Freshwater
date posted location: Czech Republic
view portfolio more shots by Veronika Matějková
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

CHE BEL RIPARO by Salvatore Ianniello
CHE BEL RIPARO
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2012 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
A Nudi under her umbrella ;-) Unusual shot with vivid colours and with a composition that simply works perfect. Let the Nudi just crawl 1 mm. more upwards and that tubeworm would disappear in his tube - A perfect timing as well. Great Job, Salvatore !
votes: 68
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
date posted posted: Tuesday, February 07, 2012
date posted category: Macro - Nudibranchia
date posted location: Tyrrhenian Sea Italy
view portfolio more shots by Salvatore Ianniello view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Strong beauty in Mexican cavern by Martin Ferak
Strong beauty in Mexican cavern
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2012 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
well thought out and executed model shot Martin
votes: 66
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Sunday, January 22, 2012
date posted category: Wide Angle - Divers
date posted location: Mexico
view portfolio more shots by Martin Ferak view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

NOW YOU! Special poker game - realized in the pool at t... by Frank Schneider
NOW YOU!
Special poker game - realized in the pool at the Palm Garden Resort of click here in Phuket, Thailand.
Runner Up - worthy of note but not a medal winner - an equal 4th place if you like! Runner Up 2011
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
The most talked about, top voted image of the month! It's an object lesson in using models professionally. Deceptively simple - how would you get the cards to stick to the table? Hide the reg's? direct the action? Top Notch Frank!
votes: 117
vote

create a new forum thread to discuss this image discuss this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Friday, December 02, 2011
date posted category: Wide Angle - Divers
date posted location: Thailand
view portfolio more shots by Frank Schneider view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Red Sea wreck interior view by Nick Blake
Red Sea wreck interior view
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
a simple but effective study of a wreck interior that leads your eye around
votes: 20
vote

create a new forum thread to discuss this image discuss this image
date posted posted: Friday, November 11, 2011
date posted category: Wide Angle - Wrecks
date posted location: Red Sea Egypt
view portfolio more shots by Nick Blake view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

A swarm around a diver near the liberty-wreck in tulamben... by Christian Schlamann
A swarm around a diver near the liberty-wreck in tulamben/bali.
Gold Medal Gold Medal 2011
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
There were some great shots this month but this one got the most moderator votes by far...
votes: 89
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Thursday, October 20, 2011
date posted category: Wide Angle - Divers
date posted location: Java Sea Indonesia
view portfolio more shots by Christian Schlamann view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Goby on tunicate. Seraya, Bali by Doug Anderson
Goby on tunicate. Seraya, Bali
Gold Medal Gold Medal 2011
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
this shot breaks all the rules (small central subject) but does it with so much style it's brilliant!
votes: 76
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Friday, September 23, 2011
date posted category: Macro - not swimming
date posted location: Bali Sea Indonesia
view portfolio more shots by Doug Anderson view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

the wreck of SS Borghild , resting on nice sandy bottom o... by Harald Fauske
the wreck of SS Borghild , resting on nice sandy bottom on 150 feet.
Silver Medal Silver Medal 2011
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Super shot of great technical difficulty. Great feel of awe, I love the blurred diver showing it was a long exposure
votes: 36
vote

create a new forum thread to discuss this image discuss this image
date posted posted: Monday, August 01, 2011
date posted category: Temperate Waters
date posted location: Norwegian Sea Norway
view portfolio more shots by Harald Fauske
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

"After the Sunset at the Red Sea Reef" by Henry Jager
"After the Sunset at the Red Sea Reef"
Gold Medal Gold Medal 2011
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
The technical problem with over/unders is balancing light above/below - typically 2-3 stops different. Usually a battle in bright sunlight so genius to wait until dusk. I can't remember anyone else trying it. Great technical shot Henry!
votes: 52
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Saturday, July 23, 2011
date posted category: Over/Under (shots half topside, half U/W)
date posted location: Red Sea Egypt
view portfolio more shots by Henry Jager view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Patrol Boat 119 - I took this shot 13 minutes after this ... by Rico Besserdich
Patrol Boat 119 - I took this shot 13 minutes after this new shipwreck touched oceans ground. Lots of dirt & dust clouds....the ship's stern was totally covered by a sand cloud that time. Ambient light shot, converted to B/W.
Winner Monthly HotShots shortlistedShortlisted!

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
this not only breaks the record for shooting a wreck so soon after shooting it's also a super composition - but then you'd expect that from Rico!
votes: 71
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Tuesday, June 28, 2011
date posted category: Wide Angle - Wrecks
date posted location: Mediterranean Sea Turkey
view portfolio more shots by Rico Besserdich view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Freediving competition in swimming pool / Dahab by Horen Stalbe
Freediving competition in swimming pool / Dahab
Silver Medal Silver Medal 2011
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Now we don't get that many great swimming pool shots but this one is surreal! It breaks the golden rule about not shooting anything swimming away from you but it has such a strong disappearing point to balance it out. And look at that shadow.
votes: 18
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Wednesday, May 11, 2011
date posted category: Wide Angle - Divers
date posted location: Egypt
view portfolio more shots by Horen Stalbe view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

" O SOLE MIO " This scorpion fish trying to be the "Unde... by Roland Bach
" O SOLE MIO "
This scorpion fish trying to be the "Underwater - Pavarotti" smile
Runner Up - worthy of note but not a medal winner - an equal 4th place if you like! Runner Up 2011
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
a superb behavior shot Roland
votes: 68
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
date posted posted: Friday, April 08, 2011
date posted category: Wide Angle - Close Focus
date posted location: Balearic Sea Spain
view portfolio more shots by Roland Bach
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

Once in a lifetime chance! A mother Humpback Whale stops ... by Steven Anderson
Once in a lifetime chance! A mother Humpback Whale stops by for a visit while diving off Molokai off the coast of Maui. This was more stunning than the Hammerheads we saw. These beautiful mammals make a long journey to Hawaii to raise their calves.
Gold Medal Gold Medal 2011
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
Super mug shot of a huge Critter Steven
votes: 55
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
go to the dive site record where this shot was takenDive Site for this image
date posted posted: Monday, March 07, 2011
date posted category: Wide Angle - Marine Life
date posted location: Pacific United States
view portfolio more shots by Steven Anderson view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 

This member has a pro account

After Tramontana ( strong wind from north ) to much refle... by Roland Bach
After Tramontana ( strong wind from north ) to much reflections to use the strobe. But natural light makes the jelly ( pelagia noctiluca ) not ugly. smile
Runner Up - worthy of note but not a medal winner - an equal 4th place if you like! Runner Up 2011
Winner Monthly HotShots
Final RoundThrough to 2011 awards final round judging

editor's comments

Editor's Comment
classic sun behind the jelly shot Roland
votes: 52
vote

go to the forum thread for this entry forum thread for this image
date posted posted: Friday, February 18, 2011
date posted category: Wide Angle - Natural Light (no strobe)
date posted location: Balearic Sea Spain
view portfolio more shots by Roland Bach view portfolio
report inappropriate content to the webmaster report abuse 
126 Monthly Winners Found: Page 1  of  5
[1] 2 3 4 5 

top of page
all content ©1996/2013 UnderwaterPhotography.com
all images © their respective owners