Rules & Guidelines
Complete competition rules, submission guidelines, and technical requirements for Underwater Macro Awards 2026
- Images must be original work taken underwater or at water's surface
- All camera types welcome (DSLR, mirrorless, compact)
- Winning images in major photo competitions (1st, 2nd, 3rd) cannot be submitted
- Images must focus on macro/close-up subjects
- Natural lighting or artificial lighting permitted
- Must be taken in natural marine environments
- Images have to be taken between January 1st 2024 and April 2026
- File format: High-quality JPEG only
- Image long side size of not less than 3000px 300dpi
- Maximum file size: 5MB per image
- Color profile: sRGB recommended
- Finalists will be required to submit a RAW file or untouched JPEG if not available
- No watermarks or logos on submitted images
- Do not remove metadata from your files. Images without EXIF data will be disqualified
- Max 33 images for the whole competition
- Each image can only be submitted to one category
- Entry fee required before submission (see pricing package)
- Spotter & Local guide in dedicated area get 3 entries for free
- Submissions must be made through official website only
- No email or postal submissions accepted
- Website launch: December 1st 2025
- Jury revealed: December 15th 2025
- Submission starts (Early Bird): January 19th, 2026
- Early Bird Extended: February 28th 2026
- Submission deadline: May 8th 2026 (extended)
- Raw request: June 12, 2026
- Winners Announcement: July 14th 2026
Image Editing Guidelines
- Minor exposure adjustments
- Color and white balance correction
- Contrast and brightness adjustments
- Saturation and vibrance (within natural limits)
- Backscatter removal, minor blemish or flaw removal, subtle background consolidation
- Cropping up to 20% of the original frame
- Multiple exposures of same scene or multiple inside camera only
- Moving, adding, or removing subjects/objects
- Composite images from different pictures
- Adding elements not originally in the scene
- Digital painting or illustration effects in post prod
- Focus stacking (multiple focus points of the same subject)
- The use of AI-based tools for adjustments is strictly prohibited
- AI-generated images are strictly prohibited in this competition
Ethic Code & Practice
The judge panel has full authority to determine if they have any manipulation or violation of ethical guidelines.
- All photos must be taken in a natural water environment. No pools, aquariums, or controlled environments
- Baiting or feeding animals is prohibited
- Any manipulation that alters natural behavior or appearance is prohibited
- NEVER move, touch, or stress subjects. Wait patiently for natural behavior
- NEVER touch coral, sponges, or marine structures. Maintain perfect buoyancy control
- NEVER remove animals from their habitat
- RESPECT protected areas and local regulations
Competition Categories
MacroRequirements: Magnification range between 1:1 and 1:4 ratio. Subject size typically 1-5cm for optimal framing
Super MacroRequirements: Magnification greater than 1:1 (typically 2:1 to 5:1). Subject features measured in millimeters
NudibranchsRequirements: Subject must be clearly identifiable as a nudibranch or sea slug species. Focus on intricate details
CrustaceansRequirements: Primary subject must be a crustacean (crab, shrimp, squat lobster, etc.). Behavioral shots are a must
Animal BehaviourRequirements: Behavioral moment must be primary focus. Double behaviour is a must with detailed caption
Creative LightingRequirements: Innovative use of lighting as primary focus. Technical description of lighting setup required
Rare CrittersRequirements: Subject must be scientifically documented as rare or uncommon with your story behind the capture
Blackwater & BonfireRequirements: Must be captured during night diving in open water or under bonfire. Technical excellence essential
Disqualification Rules
Violation of any stated competition rules
Plagiarism or submission of images not taken by participant
Use of prohibited editing techniques
Providing false information in submission forms
Multiple submissions of same image in different categories
Failure to pay entry fee within specified timeframe
Harassment of judges, organizers, or other participants
Submission of images taken in a non-natural environment
Use of any AI tools
Unethical or Unnatural Practices determined by the judge panel
Entry Packages
3 Photos: $15 USD
10 Photos: $35 USD
20 Photos: $55 USD
3 Photos: $18 USD
10 Photos: $45 USD
20 Photos: $65 USD
3 Photos FREE - No financial barriers, pure talent recognition!
Additional photos can be purchased at standard rates if needed.
If you need more photos after your initial purchase:
Early Bird:
- +10 Photos: $25 USD
- +20 Photos: $40 USD
Regular:
- +10 Photos: $30 USD
- +20 Photos: $45 USD
Extra pictures package can be purchased any time in the competition.
Payment Information
- • All prices in USD (United States Dollars) & EURO
- • Payment required before submission (except spotter)
- • All payments processed securely through Airwallex
- • All international credit cards accepted
- • An Airwallex transaction fee is charged on checkout
- • Entry fees are non-refundable
Rights & Usage
- • Photographers retain full copyright of their images
- • Competition organizers may use winning images for promotion
- • Full photographer credit always provided
- • Commercial usage requires a separate agreement
- • Winners may be featured in exhibitions and publications
Ready to Submit Your Best Work?
Now that you understand the rules, it's time to showcase your underwater macro photography skills