Indonesia-based macro photographer, Yury Ivanov has been named Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, celebrated by a panel of judges who were left mesmerised by his image of two synchronised ‘ladybugs of the sea’ – a species that measures just 3mm tall.

This year’s judging line-up – among whom was the revered underwater photographer and explorer, Laurent Ballesta and OPY partners from Blancpain – spoke of the connection they felt with Yury’s photograph, driven by the simplicity of the message behind it: that the ocean is a place of wonder, colour, and life off all sizes.

Yury’s macro photograph of the two amphipods was taken at his local dive site in Bali, Indonesia and was chosen from more than 15,000 images from around the world. In a tongue-in-cheek moment at the awards, Laurent Ballesta – who was in attendance to speak about the feelings he had towards each of the category winner photographs  – gave a one-word review of Yury’s image, admitting it was the kind of photography that left him “jealous.”

So, what about the man behind the lens? We catch up with Yury to talk about his connection with the ocean and what winning Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 means to him.  

Oceanographic Magazine: Congratulations, Yury on your magnificent image and your success at this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year. What does this win mean to you?

Yury Ivanov: Winning the Ocean Photographer of the Year Award is an incredible honour. For me, it’s not only recognition of one image, but of the many years I have dedicated to the ocean and to showing people that its beauty is found in the smallest, often overlooked creatures. 

It gives me hope that more people will see the value in protecting the fragile ecosystems that I photograph almost every day.

OM: When did you first realise your connection with the ocean in this way? And when did you realise the power of ocean storytelling through photography?

Yury Ivanov: My connection with the ocean began when I was 10 years old, during my first experience of snorkelling. Later, at the Sevastopol School of Diving, I had the unforgettable experience of diving in a Soviet three-bolt helmet – that cemented my fascination. But the turning point came when I moved to Bali more than 14 years ago. Here, surrounded by such extraordinary marine biodiversity, I realised that photography could be more than just documentation – it could tell stories, spark emotions, and inspire people to care.

OM: Your winning shot is a wonderful image of two of these marine ladybugs lined up in a perfect balance of uniformity… What story are you telling through this image?

Yury Ivanov: This image is about harmony and balance in the tiniest corners of the ocean. These amphipods are only a few millimetres long, yet they reflect the same beauty and perfection we often associate with larger, more charismatic animals. I wanted to show that the ocean’s poetry exists at every scale, and that no creature is too small to deserve our attention.

OM: What is it about macro photography that conveys so well the stories that are held in the ocean? What makes this style of photography so exciting for you?

Yury Ivanov: Macro photography opens a hidden world that most divers never notice. To me, it feels like opening a secret book, page by page, full of characters and mysteries. These small creatures often have vivid colors, unique shapes, and fascinating behaviors. 

Telling their stories excites me because it’s a way of giving voice to the overlooked – reminding people that the ocean is not only about sharks and mantas, but also about fragile creatures that keep the ecosystem alive.

OM: It’s extremely powerful. Can you tell us about your background – how did you come to be living and working in Bali in underwater photography? How has your relationship with the ocean evolved and deepened over that time?

Yury Ivanov: I was born near Moscow and have been diving since I was 18, but it was Asia – and Bali in particular – that truly changed my life. I moved here over 14 years ago, and Bali became my home because of its extraordinary reefs and macro life, especially nudibranchs, which I have studied and photographed for years. 

Indonesia has such incredible biodiversity. These reefs are treasures of the planet, but they are also vulnerable. Every dive I make reminds me of how important it is to protect them – and I hope my photography can inspire people to care about their future.

Over time, my relationship with the ocean has grown from curiosity to deep respect. It is now my teacher and constant inspiration.

OM: How is the world of underwater photography evolving and why is ocean storytelling in this way more important now than it ever has been? What is it about ocean photography that can give people hope and reconnect people with the ocean?

Yury Ivanov: Underwater photography is becoming more accessible with better equipment and wider audiences through social media. This is both a challenge and an opportunity: there are more images than ever, but also more chances to reach people who may never see the ocean in person. 

Storytelling through photography has never been more important because our oceans are under threat. A single image can spark wonder, and wonder can lead to care. Ocean photography reminds people of beauty, resilience, and hope – qualities we desperately need to reconnect with nature.

OM: What is next for you on your own journey with ocean photography?

I would like to continue exploring the hidden micro-worlds of the ocean. I believe that sharing knowledge is just as important as creating photographs. My goal is to publish more underwater photography and videography that reveal, in detail, the behavior of tiny – and not only tiny – marine creatures. I also hope to organize workshops here in Bali to help beginner divers and photographers discover the incredible stories hidden beneath the surface.

OM: Yury, many congratulations – once again – on your stunning image and your success in the the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025.

Yury Ivanov: Thank you Oceanographic.