Ocean Photographer of the Year: Stunning Images
- A breathtaking photograph of two minuscule amphipods, dubbed "ladybugs of the sea," has earned Yury Ivanov the prestigious Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 award.
- The winning image, captured by indonesia-based photographer Yury Ivanov at a dive site in Bali, showcases two amphipods, each measuring a mere three millimeters in height, perched delicately...
- Ivanov described the process as demanding,requiring "a lot of patience and precision to compose and light the shot properly."
Yury Ivanov Wins Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 with Stunning Amphipod Image
Table of Contents
A breathtaking photograph of two minuscule amphipods, dubbed “ladybugs of the sea,” has earned Yury Ivanov the prestigious Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 award.
Published September 18, 2025
The Winning Photograph
The winning image, captured by indonesia-based photographer Yury Ivanov at a dive site in Bali, showcases two amphipods, each measuring a mere three millimeters in height, perched delicately on a piece of coral. The photograph was announced on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, the competition’s organizers.
Ivanov described the process as demanding,requiring “a lot of patience and precision to compose and light the shot properly.”
About Amphipods: the “Ladybugs of the Sea”
Amphipods are a diverse group of small crustaceans found in marine environments worldwide. They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as both predators and scavengers, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as a food source for larger animals. Their size varies, but many species are incredibly small, making them challenging to photograph.
often referred to as “ladybugs of the sea” due to their rounded shape and vibrant colors, these creatures are captivating subjects for underwater photography. They inhabit a variety of environments, from shallow tide pools to the deep sea.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | typically 3-30 millimeters |
| Habitat | Marine environments worldwide |
| Diet | Algae, detritus, small invertebrates |
| Ecological Role | Predators, scavengers, nutrient cyclers |
Ocean Photographer of the Year Competition
The Ocean Photographer of the Year competition, organized by Oceanographic Magazine and sponsored by Blancpain, aims to celebrate the beauty and fragility of the world’s oceans. The competition receives entries from photographers around the globe, showcasing a diverse range of marine life and underwater landscapes.
The competition’s categories include Photo of the Year, Marine wildlife photographer of the Year, and Emerging Underwater Photographer of the Year. Winning photographs are selected based on their artistic merit, technical skill, and ability to convey a compelling message about ocean conservation.