Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, MATSMI6 - Oceanographic

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1st place Fine Art Photographer of the Year

Matty Smith Maldives

3°35'39.3"N 73°29'39.3"E

A tawny nurse shark glides through the warm waters of the Maldives as the setting sun filters through the ocean surface. Beneath it, remoras travel alongside their host, illustrating a common partnership in which the smaller fish gain transport, protection and feeding opportunities. Often perceived as fearsome predators, nurse sharks are slow-moving, bottom-dwelling animals that play an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. The shark's direct gaze creates a sense of connection with the viewer.

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, MATSMI6

Matty Smith United Kingdom (UK)

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ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Scuba diving
  • Accessed site via boat
  • Nikon Z9 & 14-300mm lens
  • ISO 200, f/13.0, 1/160

Matty Smith is an internationally acclaimed ocean and underwater photographer whose award-winning images reveal the beauty, mystery and fragility of the natural world. Originally from the UK and now based in Australia, he has spent decades documenting marine wildlife, from tropical reefs to the icy waters of Antarctica. His work has been featured by the BBC, National Geographic and leading international publications, and exhibited worldwide. A Nikon Australia and Aquatica ambassador, Matty is passionate about inspiring ocean conservation through powerful visual storytelling, while leading immersive photography expeditions that connect people with some of the planet's most extraordinary marine environments.

MORE IMAGES BY Matty Smith

WildlifePhotographer of the Year

2026 Falkland Islands

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, MATSMI12

Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year

2024 Sydney, Australia

Ocean Conservation (Hope) Photographer of the Year 2024, MATSMI5

Ocean Portfolio Award

2022 Australia

Ocean Portfolio Award 2022, Matty Smith

Collective Portfolio Award

2021 Australia

Ocean Portfolio Award, runner-up, Matty Smith

ExplorationPhotographer of the Year

2021 Australia

2021 EPoY finalist, Matty Smith

ExplorationPhotographer of the Year

2021 Australia

2021 EPoY third place, Matty Smith

The OceanPhotographer of the Year

2021 Papua New Guinea

2021 OPoY third place, Matty Smith

Reconnect. Immerse yourself. Be inspired.

Enjoy the vibrancy, beauty and impact of each year's finalist photography, celebrated in our Ocean Photographer of the Year coffee table book collection.

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