The winners of the Underwater Awards Australasia 2024 have been announced with a portfolio of underwater sunburst shots taking home the top prize.
Gabriel Guzman’s stunning images perfectly showcase the sunburst technique which utilizes the Sun as a focal element to enhance the visual impact of underwater images.
“By positioning the subject in front of the sun, the resulting rays create a natural halo effect, adding depth and drama to the scene,” Guzman explains. “This approach emphasises the interaction between light and the marine environment, making the subject stand out in a striking manner.”
Overall Winner
Gabriel Guzman’s winning portfolio which showcases sunburst photography. First place in the Portfolio category and overall winner.
Gabriel Guzman’s winning portfolio which showcases sunburst photography. First place in the Portfolio category and overall winner.
Gabriel Guzman’s winning portfolio which showcases sunburst photography. First place in the Portfolio category and overall winner.
Gabriel Guzman’s winning portfolio which showcases sunburst photography. First place in the Portfolio category and overall winner.
Gabriel Guzman’s winning portfolio which showcases sunburst photography. First place in the Portfolio category and overall winner.
Category Winners
A snake-necked turtle. First place in the Australian category. | Lewis Burnett
An octopus riding a yoghurt lid in the Philippines. First place in the Environmental category. | Emma Turner
A salamander in Belgium. First place in the International Waters category. | Luc Rooman
A humpback whale with her calf in Tonga. First place in the Over-Under category. | Jenny Stock
An adorable New Zealand fur seal in Baranguba. Taken on an Apple iPhone 13 Pro. First place in the Smartphone category. | Selani Waddilove
A striated anglerfish in Clifton Gardens. First place in the Sydney category. | Talia Greis
A wobbegong shark trapped in a plastic dog frisbee in Australia. Second place in the Environmental category. | Andrii Slonchak
A shot from Marcia Riederer’s portfolio looking at dwarf minke whales. Second place in the Portfolio category.
A green sea turtle in the Philippines. Taken on an iPhone 15 Pro Max. Third place in the Smartphone category. | Christopher Fletcher
A pygmy pipehorse in Kurnell, Sydney. Third place in the Sydney category. | Daniel Sly
Entrants competed in eight categories for prizes worth more than 50,000 AUD ($35,000) in total, including dive trips with the world’s top resorts and liveaboards, as well as the latest underwater photo and video gear.