Ocean Photographer of the Year
Banner Image Credit: Yuka Takahashi
Take a deep dive into an exhibition of the world’s best ocean photography -showcasing the breathtaking beauty, diversity and vulnerability of our marine ecosystems.
Housed within the ship’s Dry Dock – the heart of the charity’s conservation efforts – a more than fitting home to exhibit the world’s greatest marine photography. SS Great Britain is proud to be one of the first venues in Europe to play host to this internationally renowned exhibition, which showcases the beauty of our mighty oceans and its inhabitants whilst acting as an urgent call to arms to protect marine life and conserve our blue planet.
Comprising over 100 photographs, the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 collection features winning and finalist entries from all corners of the globe, including grand title winner Yury Ivanov who is based in Indonesia. His striking photograph of two amphipods – commonly referred to as “ladybugs of the sea”, and measuring just 3mm in length – resting on a coral captured the attention of the panel due to the vivid colour and symmetry on display, and in recognition of the patience and skill required to capture such an image.
Yury’s grand title-winning photo will be displayed under the “glass sea” of the SS Great Britain, as part of an exhibition. Running until 28 June, this rich display takes visitors on a journey from the historic Dry Dock to hidden habitats – revealing microscopic creatures and vast seascapes that have gone unseen from the human eye, until now.
Ocean Photographer of the Year is co-presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain.
The venue will also host special late-night openings and a programme of arts events to compliment the exhibition More info TBC.
The Categories
This exhibition presents a range of rare and compelling perspectives from the deep sea — moments only a few have been fortunate enough to witness. The categories explore themes of Human Connection, Hope, Adventure, Wildlife, Young Photographers and Impact, taking visitors on a journey from exhilarating encounters alongside extraordinary marine life to dreamlike scenes so candid they feel almost unreal. To give a sense of the exhibition’s scope, explore a selection of the winning and finalist works below.
