UPY 2026: Analysis of the winning photo from the Underwater Photographer of the Year competition

The Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition has revealed the grand winner of its 2026 edition. Australian photographer Matty Smith wins the title with Rockpool Rookies , a spectacular image showing two baby elephant seals discovering water in a rocky pool in the Falkland Islands.

Beyond the touching aspect of the scene, the photograph stands out for its highly advanced technical execution .

particularly through the use of an over-under composition (split shot) , a demanding technique in underwater photography.

A technically complex “split shot” photograph

The split shot technique involves capturing an image divided by the water's surface in order to simultaneously show:

• the aerial environment

• the underwater environment

  
  

This approach requires the use of an optical dome mounted on a watertight housing , allowing the waterline to be stabilized and optical distortion to be limited.

In Rockpool Rookies , the waterline precisely cuts across the image, revealing two distinct visual universes:

• Above: a dramatic sky illuminated by the light of the sunset

• Underwater: Two young seals swimming in clear, shallow water

This composition creates a strong visual contrast and reinforces the narrative of the image.

The technical challenges of underwater photography

Underwater photography is one of the most technically demanding genres of photography. Water alters the propagation of light and rapidly absorbs certain colors, especially reds and oranges.

To obtain a balanced image under these conditions, photographers generally use:

• an ultra-wide-angle lens (often between 14 mm and 16 mm)

• a small aperture (f/11 to f/16) to maximize depth of field

• a fast shutter speed to freeze movement

• a wide dome allowing for a stable waterline

One of the major challenges of a split shot remains the management of two different exposures : the light above the water is often much more intense than that below the surface.

Photographing the behavior of elephant seals

The subjects of the photograph are baby southern elephant seals , a species that frequents the coasts of the Falkland Islands.

After weaning, young seals must quickly learn to move around in the water. Before their first outings at sea, they often spend time in shallow rocky pools , where they practice swimming and diving.

Capturing this moment requires:

• knowledge of animal behavior

• a patience of observation

• a stable position in the water

• precise timing to take advantage of the best light

In Rockpool Rookies , the low light of the sunset adds an extra aesthetic dimension to the scene.

The Underwater Photographer of the Year competition

Created in the 1960s, the Underwater Photographer of the Year competition is now considered one of the most prestigious underwater photography competitions .

Each year, the competition gathers thousands of images from photographers around the world. The photos are evaluated according to several criteria:

• technical quality

• visual impact

• originality

• environmental message

Matty Smith's victory perfectly illustrates the balance between technical mastery and visual storytelling , two essential elements in nature photography.

FAQ – UPY Competition and Underwater Photography

What is the Underwater Photographer of the Year competition?

The Underwater Photographer of the Year competition is an international competition that annually awards the best underwater photographs taken by professional and amateur photographers.

What is a split shot photo?

A split shot is an image that simultaneously shows part of the scene above water and underwater , through the use of an optical dome and a waterproof housing.

Why is underwater photography complex?

Underwater photography is complex due to several factors: light absorption, color loss, optical distortion, and managing two different lighting environments.