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