Celebrating the Winners
Groundbreaking. Trailblazing. First-of-its-kind.
The inaugural Real Focus: Underwater Photography Shootout 2026 was created to bridge the worlds of underwater photography, science and ethics through a shared passion for the ocean. More than a competition, it was an opportunity to challenge conventional approaches, celebrate authentic wildlife encounters, and inspire a deeper respect for the marine environment.
Over the course of the event, participants embraced our theme, Breaking the Habit, moving beyond simply capturing images to create genuine stories that reflected patience, creativity and ethical interaction with marine life. The standard of entries received from both Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Philippines, and Solitude Lembeh Resort in Indonesia was nothing short of exceptional. Our judges were impressed not only by the technical excellence displayed but also by the thoughtful, ethical and deeply personal approaches evident throughout the competition.
A massive congratulations goes to every single participant. This incredible event would not have been possible without an immense collective effort:
- The Photographers – who poured their passion, patience and creativity into bringing out the very best in their subjects.
- The Judges – who faced the unenviable task of selecting the winners from an outstanding field of entries.
- The Rangers and Marine Biologists – who dedicated countless hours to observation and carefully ensured that every submission adhered to our strict ethical standards.
- The Tireless Dive Guides – whose remarkable spotting skills led photographers to some truly extraordinary encounters.
- Our Generous Sponsors – who provided an incredible array of prizes and support for this inaugural event.
- The Behind-the-Scenes Team – whose dedication and hard work ensured the competition ran seamlessly from beginning to end.
Most importantly, together we achieved our core mission together: to raise awareness for our fragile underwater world and demonstrate that extraordinary underwater photography can be created while showing complete respect for marine life and its habitats.
To every participant who joined us on this journey, thank you. Your images remind us that underwater photography has the power not only to inspire wonder, but also to foster deeper connections with our oceans and strengthen our collective commitment to protecting them.
Congratulations to all of our winners, finalists and participants. We are proud to share these remarkable images and the stories behind them.
And the Winners Are…
The Categories
Best of Show
Awarded to the single image that most powerfully embodies the spirit of Real Focus, the Best of Show recognises outstanding creativity, technical excellence, visual impact and, above all, a deep respect for the underwater world.
Karyll De Jesus Gonzalez | USA
Real Focus 2026 – Best of Show
Judge’s Insight
This blackwater masterpiece transforms the ocean’s depths into a stunning cosmic canvas. The sharp contrast between the pitch-black background and two detailed focal subjects instantly grips the viewer, eventually revealing an incredible variety of marine species hidden within the frame.
– Dr George Nies, Head Judge
Macro Traditional
Celebrating the classic beauty of underwater macro photography, this category recognises images that reveal the intricate details, textures and behaviours of marine life while remaining true to authentic underwater encounters.
First Place
Karyll De Jesus Gonzalez | USA
Real Focus 2026 – Macro Traditional – First Place
Judge’s Insight
A masterful execution of a challenging subject. This shot uses precise focus and selective lighting to separate the hairy shrimp from its background, perfectly illuminating its intricate details and eggs.
– Dr Alex Tattersall
Second Place
Erika Chisarik | USA
Real Focus 2026 – Macro Traditional – Second Place
Judge’s Insight
Skilful presentation of a beautiful subject. The precise use of a shallow depth of field elegantly blurs a cluttered background, giving the entire image a wonderfully dreamy quality.
– Dr Alex Tattersall
Third Place
Dominik Gollnick | Switzerland
Real Focus 2026 – Macro Traditional – Third Place
Judge’s Insight
Creative lighting and angle set this nudibranch shot apart from the rest. The contrast between the white accents of the gills and the fiery, lava-like background adds a subtle but incredibly effective depth to the frame.
– Dr Alex Tattersall
Macro Creative
This category celebrates creativity achieved entirely in-camera, rewarding photographers who push artistic boundaries through innovative techniques, unique perspectives and imaginative compositions captured underwater.
First Place
Enrico Somogyi | Germany
Real Focus 2026 – Macro Creative – First Place
Judge’s Insight
This is far more than a standard species shot. The masterful lighting and crisp background separation — combined with a clever use of colour contrast — perfectly isolate the three ghost pipefish, turning the entire frame into a beautiful piece of art.
– Lilian Koh
Second Place
Andrea Tauer | Germany
Real Focus 2026 – Macro Creative – Second Place
Judge’s Insight
An excellent use of creative framing and kinetic, swirling effects around the blue ribbon eel. This composition moves away from standard documentation, offering instead a deeply striking, abstract interpretation of the subject.
– Lilian Koh
Third Place
Enrico Somogyi | Germany
Real Focus 2026 – Macro Creative – Third Place
Judge’s Insight
This shot beautifully captures the intricate textures and form of the leaf fish. The masterful depth of field and the subtle, seamless blend of the coloured backlighting work in perfect harmony to elevate the entire composition.
– Lilian Koh
Blackwater
Dedicated to the mysterious world of the open ocean at night, this category showcases rare, delicate and often otherworldly pelagic species encountered during blackwater dives.
First Place
Karyll De Jesus Gonzalez | USA
Real Focus 2026 – Blackwater – First Place
Judge’s Insight
Deservedly a winner, this stunning image beautifully satisfies both artistic appreciation and scientific curiosity! Its precise timing, controlled lighting and balanced composition truly brings the magic of blackwater photography to life.
– Ram Yoro
Second Place
Karyll De Jesus Gonzalez | USA
Real Focus 2026 – Blackwater – Second Place
Judge’s Insight
This is a masterful execution of a classic blackwater challenge. Only with deliberate lighting and precise exposure control can a photographer reveal the intricate internal details of a subject as delicate and translucent as this wonderpus larva.– Ram Yoro
Third Place
Karyll De Jesus Gonzalez | USA
Real Focus 2026 – Blackwater – Third Place
Judge’s Insight
An outstanding shot that highlights the natural elegance of the soapfish larva! Capturing it in a flawless pose and executing brilliant portrait lighting requires impeccable timing and skilful exposure control.
– Ram Yoro
Compact/Point & Shoot
Open exclusively to compact camera systems, this category celebrates photographers who demonstrate exceptional creativity, storytelling and technical skill while making the most of compact equipment.
First Place
Enrico Somogyi | Germany
Real Focus 2026 – Compact/Point & Shoot – First Place
Judge’s Insight
The true strength of this image lies in its deliberate composition. By utilising the rule of thirds and dynamic lines, the photographer expertly guides the audience to the focal subject. The play between highlights and shadows adds a striking level of depth, resulting in an awesome, well-executed piece of visual storytelling.
–Imran Ahmad
Second Place
Kelvin Phua | Singapore
Real Focus 2026 – Compact/Point & Shoot – Second Place
Judge’s Insight
Masterfully composed with striking, sharp detail on the eyes that instantly grabs the audience. The balance of colour and lighting demonstrates strong technical control and understanding of the craft. Outstanding work.
– Imran Ahmad
Third Place
Carmina Viniegra | Philippines
Real Focus 2026 – Compact/Point & Shoot – Third Place
Judge’s Insight
An excellent job of filling the frame. The open polyps are a testament to your careful approach, demonstrating discipline and respect for marine subjects. Combined with a good application of the rule of thirds and crisp details, this is a truly commendable achievement.
– Imran Ahmad
Our Sponsors
Real Focus 2026 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Their commitment to underwater photography, marine conservation and the diving community has helped make this inaugural event a reality.
We extend our sincere thanks to each of our sponsors for their valued contributions, which have helped recognise and reward the outstanding creativity, dedication and ethical storytelling demonstrated by our participants.
Together, we celebrate not only exceptional underwater imagery but also a shared passion for inspiring greater appreciation and protection of our oceans.
Learn, Lean In and Be Inspired
As this was our inaugural event, we want to keep learning together. We invite you to dive into our follow-up articles to read the official Judges’ Verdict in Explorer: Issue 9, discover our top Articles, Tips & Tricks, and gather inspiration for your next underwater adventure.
Thank you again for competing with heart, purpose and integrity.
See you in the water for Real Focus Underwater Shootout 2027!
15 February to 30 April 2027
Locations: Solitude Acacia Resort (Anilao) & Solitude Lembeh Resort (Lembeh)