The world of underwater photography is about to get even more exciting! Recognizing the incredible advancements and widespread popularity of smartphone underwater imaging, DIVEVOLK is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with the prestigious Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition. We are honored to be the official title sponsor for their brand-new Mobile Phone category for the UPY2026 contest!
This collaboration with UPY, a competition often hailed as the "Oscars" of underwater imaging, is a momentous step. It underscores DIVEVOLK's unwavering commitment to making high-quality underwater photography and videography accessible to everyone, utilizing the powerful cameras we all carry in our pockets. As a testament to our ongoing support for the talented underwater imaging community, DIVEVOLK was also delighted to sponsor prizes for several winning photographers in the UPY2025 competition.
The Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY): A Legacy of Excellence
For those new to it, the Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition is a globally renowned annual event that celebrates the pinnacle of underwater artistry. Based in the UK, it attracts thousands of breathtaking entries from photographers in every corner of the world. Judged by a panel of leading underwater photographers, UPY accolades are among the most coveted in the diving and photography communities, showcasing the beauty, mystery, and fragility of our planet's aquatic realms. You can explore its incredible legacy further at the UPY official website
The world of underwater photography is about to get even more exciting! Recognizing the incredible advancements and widespread popularity of smartphone underwater imaging, DIVEVOLK is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with the prestigious Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition. We are honored to be the official title sponsor for their brand-new Mobile Phone category for the UPY2026 contest!
This collaboration with UPY, a competition often hailed as the "Oscars" of underwater imaging, is a momentous step. It underscores DIVEVOLK's unwavering commitment to making high-quality underwater photography and videography accessible to everyone, utilizing the powerful cameras we all carry in our pockets. As a testament to our ongoing support for the talented underwater imaging community, DIVEVOLK was also delighted to sponsor prizes for several winning photographers in the UPY2025 competition.
The Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY): A Legacy of Excellence
For those new to it, the Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition is a globally renowned annual event that celebrates the pinnacle of underwater artistry. Based in the UK, it attracts thousands of breathtaking entries from photographers in every corner of the world. Judged by a panel of leading underwater photographers, UPY accolades are among the most coveted in the diving and photography communities, showcasing the beauty, mystery, and fragility of our planet's aquatic realms. You can explore its incredible legacy further at the UPY official website.
Introducing the DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone Category for UPY2026!
The introduction of the DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone Category for UPY2026 is a game-changer. It opens up this prestigious competition to an even wider pool of talent, recognizing that incredible images can be created with the advanced cameras found in today's smartphones.
Why a Mobile Category Now?
As Louis Chen from DIVEVOLK's Marketing & Sales Department explains, the timing is perfect:
"DIVEVOLK has always been dedicated to providing divers with innovative products, making underwater photography, safety, and entertainment more convenient and enjoyable. The advancement of smartphone photography systems has made capturing images increasingly easy and accessible, turning smartphones into everyday photographic tools for everyone. However, underwater photography has long been seen as a high-threshold activity by divers. UPY is widely recognized in the industry as the most influential and far-reaching representative of underwater photography competitions. By introducing a smartphone category, UPY lowers the entry barrier, allowing underwater smartphone photographers from around the world to submit their work for the selection of top-quality pieces. This not only highlights the potential of smartphone photography to divers but also makes underwater photography more accessible. It encourages more people to create and share underwater imagery, helping to spread awareness and understanding of the ocean and diving."
Dive In! Rules for the Inaugural DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone Category (UPY2026):
Designed for broad participation, here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility: Open to all photographers, amateur or pro!
- Equipment: You can use any brand of housing (including, of course, DIVEVOLK models like the SeaTouch 4 Max), or even no housing for very shallow shots if you dare! The crucial rule: the image must be captured using a mobile phone camera.
- Image Type: Your image must be taken underwater. Excitingly, split-level (over/under) shots are permitted!
- Entry Fee: For its first year in UPY2026, entry into the DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone category is absolutely FREE!
- Submission Limit: Each entrant can submit up to 5 images for this category in UPY2026.
- Judging Process: While RAW files are not required for initial submission, the integrity of entries is paramount. EXIF data will be checked, and shortlisted photographers will be required to provide their high-resolution original JPG or HEIC file for verification.
DIVEVOLK & UPY – A Partnership for Progress
Our patented SeaTouch technology, which allows full, unrestricted touchscreen access to your smartphone underwater, makes DIVEVOLK a natural partner for this new category. The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max housing truly unleashes your phone's capabilities. Imagine precisely tapping for photo and video focus, effortlessly adjusting all your camera parameters (ISO, shutter speed, white balance), and seamlessly using any third-party camera or editing apps you love – all while submerged. This level of control pushes your creative potential to the maximum, helping you get that award-winning shot!
The UPY judging panel also recognizes the exciting potential. Peter Rowlands, esteemed UPY judge, shared his thoughts on the DIVEVOLK sponsorship (as seen on the UPY Facebook page ):
"Ever since shooting panoramas became available I personally have been a fan of the cameras in mobile phones. I think this technique creates unique images, especially in limited visibility, and add to that the high quality still images and 4k video footage possible from a very a small package and I find this hugely appealing. As a result I am delighted that DIVEVOLK are sponsoring this new category in 2026; their housings are game changing and they enable the full potential of these cameras to be achieved so I am really looking forward to seeing the images in this category in 2026."
Prizes to Be Won!
The DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone Category will feature fantastic cash prizes for the top three photographers:
- Winner: £500 GBP
- Runner Up: £300 GBP
- Third Place: £200 GBP
Additionally, other commended photographers in this category will receive points that contribute towards the overall competition prize pool – meaning even more chances to be recognized!
Get Your Smartphones Ready for UPY2026!
This is a call to all underwater explorers with a smartphone! Start thinking about those winning shots. Entries for UPY2026, including the exciting new DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone category, are scheduled to open in September 2025.
We strongly encourage all prospective entrants to keep a close eye on these official websites for exact submission dates, full category rules, inspiration, and further details:
- Underwater Photographer of the Year Official Website: underwaterphotographeroftheyear.com
- DIVEVOLK Official Website: www.divevolkdiving.com
For more information about DIVEVOLK's role and the category, you can also visit our dedicated sponsor page on the UPY site: DIVEVOLK UPY Sponsor Page.
Want to see what's possible with DIVEVOLK? Check out our user gallery or follow #ShotOnDIVEVOLK. For tips on improving your underwater smartphone photography, visit our blog . Consider learning more about marine ecosystems from resources like The Smithsonian Ocean Portal or get inspired by conservation efforts at SeaLegacy.
A New Chapter in Underwater Imaging
We at DIVEVOLK are incredibly excited to see the creativity that will emerge from the UPY2026 DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone category. This partnership is about celebrating innovation, accessibility, and the shared passion for our underwater world. Get ready to dive in and show the world what your smartphone can do!
About Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY)
The Underwater Photographer of the Year competition is an annual event celebrating the art of underwater photography. Based in the UK, it attracts entries from around the world across various categories and is judged by a panel of leading underwater photographers. Its accolades are highly respected within the diving and photography communities.
About DIVEVOLK
Years ago, an unexpected opportunity allowed the founders of DIVEVOLK to experience the vibrant underwater world, sparking a quest for the most convenient way to capture and share its beauty. Realizing that while nearly everyone carried a smartphone, its use underwater was severely limited, DIVEVOLK was founded with a mission to develop an unprecedented underwater touchscreen smartphone housing. This innovation empowers people to effortlessly showcase the wonders beneath the waves. The company's introduction of underwater touchscreen technology has unlocked the potential for powerful smartphone operating systems to be used for underwater photography, entertainment, communication, and research, presenting endless possibilities. Building on this core technology, DIVEVOLK further developed the SeaLink underwater smartphone data transmission system. This system aims to enable smartphones to connect to the internet even in deep water, simplifying underwater communication and live streaming, making these capabilities more accessible to everyone. These advancements by DIVEVOLK have significantly reshaped how people dive. Driven by a deep love for the ocean, the company continues to forge new paths in exploration and innovation. Explore our full story here.
Media Contact:
Louis Chen
Marketing & Sales Dept, DIVEVOLK
collaboration@divevolk.com
https://www.divevolkdiving.com
.
Introducing the DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone Category for UPY2026!
The introduction of the DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone Category for UPY2026 is a game-changer. It opens up this prestigious competition to an even wider pool of talent, recognizing that incredible images can be created with the advanced cameras found in today's smartphones.
Why a Mobile Category Now?
As Louis Chen from DIVEVOLK's Marketing & Sales Department explains, the timing is perfect:
"DIVEVOLK has always been dedicated to providing divers with innovative products, making underwater photography, safety, and entertainment more convenient and enjoyable. The advancement of smartphone photography systems has made capturing images increasingly easy and accessible, turning smartphones into everyday photographic tools for everyone. However, underwater photography has long been seen as a high-threshold activity by divers. UPY is widely recognized in the industry as the most influential and far-reaching representative of underwater photography competitions. By introducing a smartphone category, UPY lowers the entry barrier, allowing underwater smartphone photographers from around the world to submit their work for the selection of top-quality pieces. This not only highlights the potential of smartphone photography to divers but also makes underwater photography more accessible. It encourages more people to create and share underwater imagery, helping to spread awareness and understanding of the ocean and diving."
Dive In! Rules for the Inaugural DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone Category (UPY2026):
Designed for broad participation, here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility: Open to all photographers, amateur or pro!
- Equipment: You can use any brand of housing (including, of course, DIVEVOLK models like the SeaTouch 4 Max), or even no housing for very shallow shots if you dare! The crucial rule: the image must be captured using a mobile phone camera.
- Image Type: Your image must be taken underwater. Excitingly, split-level (over/under) shots are permitted!
- Entry Fee: For its first year in UPY2026, entry into the DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone category is absolutely FREE!
- Submission Limit: Each entrant can submit up to 5 images for this category in UPY2026.
- Judging Process: While RAW files are not required for initial submission, the integrity of entries is paramount. EXIF data will be checked, and shortlisted photographers will be required to provide their high-resolution original JPG or HEIC file for verification.
DIVEVOLK & UPY – A Partnership for Progress
Our patented SeaTouch technology, which allows full, unrestricted touchscreen access to your smartphone underwater, makes DIVEVOLK a natural partner for this new category. The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max housing truly unleashes your phone's capabilities. Imagine precisely tapping for photo and video focus, effortlessly adjusting all your camera parameters (ISO, shutter speed, white balance), and seamlessly using any third-party camera or editing apps you love – all while submerged. This level of control pushes your creative potential to the maximum, helping you get that award-winning shot!
The UPY judging panel also recognizes the exciting potential. Peter Rowlands, esteemed UPY judge, shared his thoughts on the DIVEVOLK sponsorship (as seen on the UPY Facebook page):
"Ever since shooting panoramas became available I personally have been a fan of the cameras in mobile phones. I think this technique creates unique images, especially in limited visibility, and add to that the high quality still images and 4k video footage possible from a very a small package and I find this hugely appealing. As a result I am delighted that DIVEVOLK are sponsoring this new category in 2026; their housings are game changing and they enable the full potential of these cameras to be achieved so I am really looking forward to seeing the images in this category in 2026."
Prizes to Be Won!
The DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone Category will feature fantastic cash prizes for the top three photographers:
- Winner: £500 GBP
- Runner Up: £300 GBP
- Third Place: £200 GBP
Additionally, other commended photographers in this category will receive points that contribute towards the overall competition prize pool – meaning even more chances to be recognized!
Get Your Smartphones Ready for UPY2026!
This is a call to all underwater explorers with a smartphone! Start thinking about those winning shots. Entries for UPY2026, including the exciting new DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone category, are scheduled to open in September 2025.
We strongly encourage all prospective entrants to keep a close eye on these official websites for exact submission dates, full category rules, inspiration, and further details:
- Underwater Photographer of the Year Official Website: underwaterphotographeroftheyear.com
- DIVEVOLK Official Website: www.divevolkdiving.com
For more information about DIVEVOLK's role and the category, you can also visit our dedicated sponsor page on the UPY site: DIVEVOLK UPY Sponsor Page.
Want to see what's possible with DIVEVOLK? Check out our user gallery or follow #ShotOnDIVEVOLK. For tips on improving your underwater smartphone photography, visit our blog . Consider learning more about marine ecosystems from resources like The Smithsonian Ocean Portal or get inspired by conservation efforts at SeaLegacy.
A New Chapter in Underwater Imaging
We at DIVEVOLK are incredibly excited to see the creativity that will emerge from the UPY2026 DIVEVOLK Mobile Phone category. This partnership is about celebrating innovation, accessibility, and the shared passion for our underwater world. Get ready to dive in and show the world what your smartphone can do!
About Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY)
The Underwater Photographer of the Year competition is an annual event celebrating the art of underwater photography. Based in the UK, it attracts entries from around the world across various categories and is judged by a panel of leading underwater photographers. Its accolades are highly respected within the diving and photography communities.
About DIVEVOLK
Years ago, an unexpected opportunity allowed the founders of DIVEVOLK to experience the vibrant underwater world, sparking a quest for the most convenient way to capture and share its beauty. Realizing that while nearly everyone carried a smartphone, its use underwater was severely limited, DIVEVOLK was founded with a mission to develop an unprecedented underwater touchscreen smartphone housing. This innovation empowers people to effortlessly showcase the wonders beneath the waves. The company's introduction of underwater touchscreen technology has unlocked the potential for powerful smartphone operating systems to be used for underwater photography, entertainment, communication, and research, presenting endless possibilities. Building on this core technology, DIVEVOLK further developed the SeaLink underwater smartphone data transmission system. This system aims to enable smartphones to connect to the internet even in deep water, simplifying underwater communication and live streaming, making these capabilities more accessible to everyone. These advancements by DIVEVOLK have significantly reshaped how people dive. Driven by a deep love for the ocean, the company continues to forge new paths in exploration and innovation. Explore our full story here.
Media Contact:
Louis Chen
Marketing & Sales Dept, DIVEVOLK
collaboration@divevolk.com
https://www.divevolkdiving.com
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