Ocean Geographic & The Underwater Club Present

The Ocean Geographic Photographer Recognition Program

Applications close 31 October 2025

A new horizon awaits for underwater photographers ready to be seen, celebrated, and supported.

Overview

Ocean Geographic and The Underwater Club are proud to announce a prestigious new initiative — a biannual Underwater Photographer Recognition Program that honours the world’s most compelling ocean storytellers.

This is not just a photo contest. It’s a curated journey and an international platform designed to:

• Elevate emerging and established talent
• Foster professional growth and opportunities
• Spotlight photographers shaping the future of ocean conservation through imagery

Application Requirements

You are invited to submit a portfolio of your 10 best pictures captured in the past 5 years, each accompanied by:

• A caption (20–100 words) providing context and story
• A short personal introduction (min. 100 words)

This is your opportunity to share not just your pictures — but your voice, vision, and purpose.

Review & Designations

All submissions will be reviewed by the Ocean Geographic Advisory Editorial Board.
Successful applicants will be recognised with one of two designations:

• Ocean Geographic Photographer (OGP) — the epitome for excellence and impact
• Associate Ocean Geographic Photographer (AOGP) — honouring outstanding promise and potential

Benefits

Benefit	OG Photographer	Associate OG Photographer
Announcement in Ocean Geographic Magazine (70,000 readers)	✅ Name + 2 featured images	✅ Name only
Recognition listed on Ocean Geographic website	✅	✅
Right to use awarded status in bios, email signatures, and social media	✅	✅
Priority invitations to Ocean Geographic expeditions	✅	✅
Priority consideration for magazine submissions	✅	–
Exclusive OG Photographer Pin	✅	–
OG Photographer Alumni T‑shirt (year of induction)	✅	–
Free 3‑year digital subscription to Ocean Geographic Magazine	✅	✅

Symbols of Distinction

The OG Photographer Pin — An exclusive enamel pin, designed to be worn at exhibitions, dive events, and recognition ceremonies — a discreet symbol of excellence in underwater imagery.

The OG Alumni T‑Shirt — Reserved for OGPs, featuring the title and your year of induction (e.g., Ocean Geographic Photographer – Alumni 2025).

Who Can Apply?

• Must be a current member of The Underwater Club
• Must pass the seven core photography knowledge quizzes with 80%+ (no need to rewatch course content if you already have the skills — simply validate your knowledge)

You don’t need to be a public figure or influencer to succeed.
Portfolios are judged solely on merit: technical excellence, artistic vision, originality, and storytelling power.

As a benchmark, successful applications typically reflect the standard of pictures used in features published in Ocean Geographic or awarded in major underwater photography competitions.

Application Fee

The fee supports the dedicated review process by Ocean Geographic editors and board members.

• Early Bird: USD 200 (first 50 applicants)
• Standard Fee: USD 250

Timeline

• Applications open now
• Deadline: 31 October 2025

This is your chance to have your portfolio reviewed by world‑leading editors in underwater photography — and to take a meaningful step forward in your creative journey.

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🔗 Apply at: https://theunderwaterclub.com/ocean-geographic-photographer-recognition-program/