We are excited to announce the launch of the ADEX Voice of the Ocean Photo+Video+Art Competition 2026!
Voice of the Ocean is the photo, video and art competition associated with the flagship Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) in Singapore, the largest and longest-running dive show in Asia. Held from April 10 to 12, 2026, ADEX Big Blue Legacy, the 32nd edition of Singapore Ocean Week, culminates in a captivating live judging event, with a prestigious jury choosing the winners and runners-up in the competition categories as well as the ADEX Photographer of the Year 2026.
Entrants are invited to submit their best work in the following categories: Animal Behavior, Blackwater, Conservation, Smartphone, Ocean Planet (Drone/Over-Under Photography), Underwater Arts (Underwater Model Photography/Artworks), Short Film, and Portfolio. The grand prize, a SEACAM housing worth US$10,000, will be awarded to the winner of the Portfolio category, who will be crowned ADEX Photographer of the Year 2026. Prizes will be awarded to winners and runners-up in the remaining categories.
Winners will be announced live at ADEX Big Blue Legacy, revealed on www.adex.asia and www.underwatercompetition.com, and published by supporting media partners worldwide shortly thereafter. The entry fee is US$10 for a single image or video and US$30 for a portfolio (six images). As with all Underwater Competition Series events, 15% of entry proceeds will be donated to marine conservation efforts.
Submissions are open from today till March 10, 2026. We can’t wait to see the amazing photos and films you submit!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Animal Behavior
|
| Any underwater image showing natural animal behavior. This includes (but is not limited to) feeding, hunting, fighting, courtship, mating, yawning, and activity at cleaning stations. |
Conservation
|
| Any image with a focus on marine or freshwater environment and conservation. The subject matter must address a marine or freshwater-related environmental issue, whether it be considered positive or negative. The goal of images in this category is to convey a real-world message. |
Blackwater
|
| Any image of a pelagic macro subject captured on a blackwater or bonfire dive. While blackwater images are generally taken at night and are characterized by a black background, images shot during the day, as long as the background is black, are also acceptable. |
Smartphone
|
| Any image captured with a smartphone. Both underwater and split shots are permitted, as is the use of dome ports and attachments such as wet lenses, and artificial lighting. |
Portfolio
|
| Any portfolio comprising six images. The portfolio may be made up of any six images (no more, no fewer), but entrants are encouraged to choose images either following a particular theme (e.g., species, location, color) or demonstrating a range of skills or interests (e.g., behaviors, environments, techniques). Both underwater and split images are permitted. |
Ocean Planet
|
| Images of two types are allowed in this category: drone images and over-under images. The former are photos captured with a drone that depicts our “ocean planet”, where the main subject is a natural water body (sea, lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, etc.). The latter are photos where the lower portion is underwater and the upper portion is above water, demonstrating the connection between land and water on our “ocean planet.” Over-unders (aka splits or half-and-halfs) must have been captured in a single frame in camera. |
Underwater Arts
|
| Images of two types are allowed in this category: underwater model images and artworks. The former are images of a model (or models) photographed underwater, whether in a natural water body such as the ocean or in a controlled environment like a swimming pool. The latter are any artistic works depicting or inspired by the ocean or other natural water body. Artworks may be created through two-dimensional media such as drawing, painting and printmaking, or mixed media; digital drawing and painting tools may also be used. Artworks must be photographed for submission. |
Short Film
|
| Any film, five minutes or less in duration, where at least 50 percent of the footage is shot underwater. The remaining footage may be captured on land or from the air, including via drones. |
|
|
| Detailed information about the categories, prizes, sponsors, and judges is available on the competition site. Before submitting your entries, please read the Rules & Guidelines, which set out submission requirements, ethics, photo and video entry specifications, and more. |
| DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: MARCH 10, 2026 |
| Note: The full panel of judges and the full list of prizes will be revealed in due course |
|
