The underwater world is a realm of breathtaking beauty, and for those who capture its mysteries, a new stage has arrived. The Underwater Photo Awards (UWPA), a premier international competition, officially launched on December 14, 2025. This contest is designed for every level of creator—from world-class professionals to dedicated mobile photographers—who value "depth" in their images, ideas, and meaning.
Participation is completely free of charge this year. Every photographer can upload up to 10 images before the submission deadline on January 11, 2026. The winners will be celebrated on February 21, 2026, on the main stage of the Moscow Dive Show, where the best photos will be showcased at the largest underwater photography exhibition in the region.
DIVEVOLK & Mobile Photography: A Specialized Category
DIVEVOLK is proud to support this competition as an official partner. Together with UWPA, a special "Mobile and Action Photography" category has been created. This ensures that whether you use a professional DSLR or a smartphone in a DIVEVOLK housing, your work has a dedicated space to shine among global talent. We believe that a real shot and a powerful idea matter more than how much your gear costs.
The underwater world is a realm of breathtaking beauty, and the Underwater Photo Awards (UWPA) 2025 is your chance to show your vision to the world. Participation is completely free of charge, and thanks to our partnership with UWPA, your creativity could win you the latest in underwater imaging technology.
Win Top-Tier Prizes in the Mobile Photography Category We believe that a powerful idea matters more than expensive gear. This year, we are rewarding the three best images in the "Mobile and Action Photography" category with professional kits to take your shooting to the next level:
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1st Place: Advanced Macro Kit ($1,115) – The ultimate tool for capturing the ocean's smallest wonders.
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2nd Place: Ocean Kit ($507) – A comprehensive setup for stunning reef and wide-angle shots.
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3rd Place: SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Housing ($499) – Our flagship full-touchscreen housing.
Special Prize for the "Art" Category Are you experimenting with unusual angles, light effects, or creative installations? If you enter the "Art" nomination, you have the chance to win a DIVEVOLK SL20 Underwater Dive Light ($139 value). This 2000-lumen light is perfect for bringing your artistic, non-standard visions to life beneath the waves.
Step-by-Step: How to Enter the UWPA 2025 Entering is simple, transparent, and can be done in just a few minutes.
Step-by-Step: How to Enter the UWPA 2025
Entering is simple, transparent, and can be done in just a few minutes. Follow this visual walkthrough to register and upload your masterpieces.
Step 1: Start Your Journey
Visit the official competition website at https://uwp-award.ru/. Click the "TAKE PART" button on the homepage to begin.
Step 2: Sign Up and Register
A login window will appear. If you are a new user, click the "Register Me!" link highlighted in the red box at the bottom.
Fill in the registration form with your name, email, and a password (at least 6 characters). Agree to the competition rules and privacy policy, then click "Register Me!".
Step 3: Verify Your Email
Check your inbox for a confirmation email from the UWPA team. Click the "Confirm email" button to verify your account. You will notice the DIVEVOLK logo right there as a proud partner of the event!
Once confirmed, you will see a success message and can proceed to upload your first photo.
Step 4: Language Selection
If the website opens in Russian (indicated as "ru"), you can easily switch to English ("en") using the dropdown menu in the top right corner of the header.
Step 5: Uploading Your Work
Navigate to your personal account dashboard. Select "Upload New" from the side menu. Before uploading, make sure your photos meet the technical requirements: JPEG format, 8-bit, sRGB, with EXIF data present and a minimum resolution of 2500 pixels on the long side.
To finalize an upload, complete the mandatory fields:
- Enter the Work Title.
- Select a Nomination (Be sure to choose "Mobile Photography"!).
- Add a Work Description, including the story and shooting location.
- Drag and drop your file into the designated area.
- Click the green "Upload" button.
Step 6: Manage and Track Submissions
Your dashboard will keep track of your progress. The "Uploaded" counter will update automatically. You can always view your entries in the "Already Uploaded" section.
In the "Already Uploaded" section, you can verify if your photo's EXIF data was accepted and check its current judging status. You can also delete and replace photos if you change your mind before the deadline.
Step 7: Complete Your Profile
Finally, navigate to the "Profile" section. It is essential to complete your contact information and social media links. This data is required for the organizers to contact you and verify your identity if you are selected as a winner!
Final Reminders: Fairness and Integrity
The UWPA maintains high standards for authenticity. Generative AI and neural networks are strictly prohibited. Photos of animals in captivity are also not allowed. All photographers retain full copyright of their work. If selected as a finalist, you will be asked to submit the original RAW files to guarantee a fair evaluation.
Whether you are capturing wide-angle reefscapes or the intricate details of macro life, your vision deserves to be seen. Don't miss your chance to be part of this international dialogue. Submit your work at uwp-award.ru by January 11, 2026!
Ready for your award-winning dive? Shop the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Kits today!
