Underwater Photographer of the Year: “Radiance” by Remuna Beca
Underwater photography carries a unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere that feels like entering a hidden realm.
This year’s 2025 reFocus Awards highlighted that magic, with underwater winners presenting images that feel more like visual poetry than simple snapshots. Their photos capture everything from dramatic power to delicate beauty, revealing scenes shaped by patience, bravery, and impeccable timing. Remuna Beca earned Underwater Photographer of the Year with Radiance, a stunning shot of a lone shark illuminated by cathedral-like sunbeams. The People’s Vote went to Juan Mora for Stillness, a serene portrait of a tiny seahorse holding onto a branch in the vast Pacific, proving that quiet moments can be the most powerful.
Silver: “Sailfish grabbing Sardine” by Joergen Rasmussen
Bronze: “Sea Puppy Gaze” by Remuna Beca
Bronze: “Ocean’s Eye” by Hadrien Foucher
People’s Vote Award: “Stillness” by Juan Mora
“Binary code” by Mizael Palomeque
“Ball of Mobula Rays” by Joergen Rasmussen
“Yara” by Matt Jacobs
“Whale Shark Shadow” by Joergen Rasmussen
“Fly with me” by Mizael Palomeque
“Killer Kiss” by Christina Ford
“Big Baby” by Brittany Ilardi
“Turtle Garden” by Gillian Shark
“Blanket Octopus in flight” by Joergen Rasmussen
“Below” by Brittany Ilardi
“Phenomenon” by Ryo Minemizu
“Down in Front” by Brett Freliche
“Curious Sea Lion” by Fritz Koller
“Close encounter” by Cecilia Gutierrez Navarro
“Open Wide” by Brett Lobwein
“Matriarch” by Brittany Ilardi
“The Orange Veil” by Juan M Guzman
“Through the Looking Glass” by Remuna Beca
“Thresher Portrait” by Juan M Guzman
“The Courtship Vortex” by Brittany Ilardi