🕒 Created · Updated

Julien Anton wins Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 for portrait of seahorse and juveniles

French photographer Julien Anton was named the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 for a black-and-white portrait of a male seahorse and two tiny juveniles. The image, captured in French Polynesia, shows the juveniles looking back toward the father as they venture into the ocean. Anton, who describes himself as a hobbyist rather than a professional, stated that the moment was extraordinary because it required countless hours of searching in difficult conditions. He expressed hope that the photograph would serve as a bridge between science, conservation, and the public. The competition, co-presented by Oceanographic and Blancpain, received over 15,000 entries. In addition to the top prize, Jenny Stock received the Female Fifty Fathoms Award. This award recognizes pioneering women in ocean photography and was selected by peers and a jury. Other category winners included Mitsuna Kawai, Rui Duarte, Gergo Rugli, James Ferrara, Thomas Pavy, and Matty Smith.

Sources