Underwater Photographer of the Year 2027

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• AI-generated images and AI-generated content within an image are forbidden. RAW files of all shortlisted images are requested to check for AI content such as sky or background replacement; original camera JPGs are accepted if no RAW exists, and the Mobile Phone category asks for original unedited files instead. The request comes on 10 January 2027. The rules give 17 January to send the files, but the Important dates page says "15 January 2027 - Deadline to send RAW and hi-res images for scrutiny", so plan for 15 January. If you will be offline then, the rules ask you to contact UPY before the 4 January close. Camera EXIF data must stay embedded in every entry. AI noise reduction is allowed. Anyone deliberately entering AI-generated images is banned from all future UPY contests and may be named publicly; the Use of AI page adds that UPY reserves the right to claim damages from entrants who blatantly break the rules to win prizes. hard

  “AI generated images and AI generated image content is strictly forbidden. [...] The UPY team will request RAW files for all shortlisted files, specifically to check for AI generated content (for example sky/background replacement). RAW files of shortlisted images will be requested by the judges on 10th January and must be submitted by 17th January. If you think you will be offline during these dates please contact UPY before the closing date of the contest.”

• No restrictions on post-processing (the rules allow cleaning backscatter, removing unwanted floating objects and digital manipulation by the photographer), but winning images are RAW-checked to ensure the final shot represents what was captured, unless the processing obviously creates an original artistic work. Cropping is allowed if the file still has enough resolution for exhibition prints. Photographers placing in the top 10 of a category are asked for higher-resolution files before the results; the Important dates page gives winners until 30 January 2027 to supply hi-res files, captions and shooting information. soft

  “For simplicity, there are no restrictions on post processing performed by the photographer. However, this is not a Photoshop contest and winning images are all RAW file checked to ensure the final shot represents the reality of what was captured. The exception to this is where post processing has been used obviously to create an original artistic work. [...] Cropping is permitted, but winning images must still have sufficient resolution for the production of our exhibition prints. Photographers placing in the top 10 in each category will be asked to provide higher resolution files before the results are announced.”

• Every photo in the 13 main categories must be taken underwater (split-level images count if part of the frame is underwater); the British Waters categories (11 to 13) must be shot in UK waters. The Save Our Seas Foundation category also takes above-water photos. hard

  “All photos in the 13 main categories must be taken underwater (split-level images are permitted as long as a part of image is underwater). Photos for the British Categories (categories 11-13) must be taken in the waters of the UK.”

• Each image may be entered in one category only, and still images grabbed from video are not eligible. The categories page (still headed UPY2026) adds that "colour and black & white versions of a shot are considered as separate images". hard

  “Do not enter the same image into more than one category. [...] Due to the requirement for EXIF data and a RAW file check, still images grabbed from a video are not eligible for submission.”

• Upload files with simple, English-character filenames such as wideangle1.jpg; the entry form renames files for anonymous judging. soft

  “Our bespoke entry form will rename your files so that judging remains anonymous. [...] Only simple, English character filenames are allowed. Please use simple names such as: wideangle1.jpg.”

• Photos must have been taken after 1 November 2023 (no more than three years old on the 1 November 2026 opening date). hard

  “Photos must not be more than three years old on the opening date of the competition (ie: must have been taken after 1st November 2023).”

• Images already awarded in major competitions or widely seen in print or on social media stay eligible but are much less likely to win; a podium image widely seen in the press (for example in other contest results) may be demoted to a lower award. soft

  “Any images that have been awarded in major competitions or widely seen in publication or social media remain eligible, but are much less likely to win favour with the judges.”

• Up & Coming (category 8) only: for photographers who have never won an underwater photography award, have not had work published (by 1 November 2026) and are not a brand ambassador for an underwater equipment manufacturer. Entrants decide this for themselves. Every other category is open to all. soft

  “Category 8 (Up & Coming) is open ONLY to photographers who have never won an underwater photography award, or had their work published (by 1st November 2026), or are a brand ambassador for an underwater equipment manufacturer. Please do not ask the competition organisers, you must decide if you fit the definition of Up & Coming, that aims to celebrate new talent.”

• Entrants must follow all international, national and local laws and guidelines; chummed or baited shots are allowed where the practice is legal. An image raising significant ethical concerns may be excluded after a discussion with the photographer. soft

  “Entrants are expected to observe the highest ethical standards in their approach to diving and protecting the marine environment. This includes following all international, national and local laws and guidelines. Chummed or baited shots are allowed where this practice is legal”

• Every photo must be the entrant's own work; copyright stays with the photographer. hard

  “All photos must be the work of the photographer entering.”

• All nationalities can enter every category. The two British titles (British Underwater Photographer of the Year, Most Promising British Underwater Photographer) need a British national, British passport holder or British resident, who ticks the box on the entry form. soft

  “To be eligible, you must be at least one of a British National, a British Passport holder or a British Resident.”

What you grant

Copyright stays with the photographer. Rule text: "UPY reserves the right to reproduce the best images royalty free, but only in connection with sharing the competition results and promoting the Underwater Photographer of the Year contest. Photos will always be used with credit to the photographer". Entrants in a sponsored category "should expect to have their images used for media campaigns relating to the competition by the sponsoring organisation." The rules add: "We hope, and you can expect, that many publications and our sponsors will showcase the results of this competition". The privacy policy says a winner's name "will be used in the copyright notice that we demand accompanies your image when-ever it is used either by UPY or by our global media partners."

Duration

Not stated; competition results and promotion of the contest

Exclusivity

none

Attribution

Required

Copyright retained by photographer

Yes