Spectacular Winning Photos from the 2025 Shark Photographer of the Year
Shark Photographer of the Year: “Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark” by Julian Hebenstreit
The Shark Trust announced the winners of its 2025 Shark Photographer of the Year contest on Shark Awareness Day, showcasing extraordinary images that highlight the allure and fragility of sharks.
Julian Hebenstreit claimed the top prize with a dramatic photo of an Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark taken in Australian waters, earning him a shark diving adventure in The Bahamas and the official trophy. Regional honors went to Hector Clarke and Martin Broen, whose photos captured the rich diversity of shark life in the British Isles and overseas. More than a celebration of visual artistry, the contest underscores the urgent need to protect sharks from threats like overfishing. These winning photographs serve as both stunning tributes and compelling calls to safeguard these ancient ocean dwellers.
More: The Shark Trust, Instagram
British Isles, Runner Up: Colin Garrett
Young Shark Photographer of the Year: Panitbhand Paribatra Na Ayudhya
British Isles, Runner Up: James Lea
Great Eggcase Hunt, Runner up: Tom Ingram
Highly Commended: Claude Lespagne
Highly Commended: Galice Hoarau
Highly Commended: Laura Storm
Highly Commended: Martin Broen
Highly Commended: Rowan Dear
Highly Commended: Rowan Dear
Highly Commended: Vadim Belakhov
Highly Commended: Megan Shea Graff
Living with Sharks, Runner Up: László Földi
Living with Sharks Winner: Gillian Marsh
Overseas, Runner Up: Vadim Belakhov
Overseas Winner: Martin Broen
Oceanics Programme Winner: Byron Conroy
Oceanics Programme Runner Up: László Földi
Mediterranean Programme Winner: Linda Mazza
