In many ways, the ocean is the Earth’s last frontier. We just don’t know what lies and lives on the bottom of the Mariana Trench and other oceanic depths across the world. And for the everyday person, even the shallow areas of the ocean are a complete mystery.
Luckily, we have international photo contests like the Ocean Photographer of the Year competition that encompass the best marine photos of every year. This way, we can peek into this mysterious and unknown marine world from the comfort of our own homes.
We begin this list with the winning image, which was taken by French Polynesian photographer Ben Thouard as he was freediving in the ocean. The image captures a surfer trapped under a Teahupo'o, translated as “place of skulls,” which is one of the heaviest waves in the world.
See the 2021 Bird Photographer of the Year Contest Winners
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11 Award-Winning Photos of Rare Natural Phenomena
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This Photo Contest Captures the Unique Colors of Our World
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This Cool Photo Contest Shows Nature In a Brand New Light
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Nature inFocus Photography Awards: 17 Incredible Winners
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14 Award-Winning Photos of Marine Life and Sea Exploration
Photos allow those of us who are not marine photographers or sea explorers to get a glimpse of the ocean’s mysteries, and these photos are glorious!
These Crazy Statues Will Really Mess with Your Head...
Check out these 15 bombastic sculptures that simply appear to defy the laws of physics. Take a look for yourself!
50 Years This Man Built and Built.. And Here's the Result!
This cathedral is slowly being built by an amazing 90 year old man, using discarded waste. Read on to here this inspiring story, and see a glorious church.
16 Seriously Confusing Pics You Need To See Twice
Did these optical illusions make you confused as well?
These Are the Most Visually Stunning Castles In England
There aren't many architectural sites in the world that are as impressive as an English castle. Here are the 7 most visually impressive in the country.
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This diamond-shaped glasshouse can open like a flower in bloom!
Throwback to the 1920s: 17 Fascinating Vintage Pics
Take a step back in time and explore a collection of stunning photos from a century ago that provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
These Photos Will Undoubtedly Make Your Eyes Go Crazy
Some photos make you do a double-take, but the 24 you're about to see will make your eyes go crazy!
Stunning Underwater Photography That'll Make Your Jaw Drop
A selection of stunning photos taken from the Underwater Photography Contest 2017.
Some Photos Require No Explanation Whatsoever!
Here are 16 photos, all of which speak more than a thousand words by themselves.
View Amazing Animated Photos of Landscapes Past & Present
Landscapes change enormously over time, and these photos capture that fact better than ever. Here are 12 landscapes photographed in the past and present.
23 Incredible Photographs Taken at Just the Right Moment
These scarcely believable pictures have NOT been doctored. They were just taken at the perfect time.
These Photos Show How Our World Is Just Full of Surprises!
We are blessed to inhabit this Earth - think of all the beautiful things that you've seen! Here are 21 photos to prove that the world is full of surprises.
These Photos Will Make You Rub Your Eyes in Puzzlement
These photos are all very puzzling at first look, maybe even at the second as well...
Don't Let Them Fool You: The Truth Behind Photography!
These photos prove that photography is not always what it seems...
Earth is a Gorgeous Place, and These 18 Photos Prove It
From the national parks in the United States, through the enchanting sights of the frozen north - these are the amazing gifts nature has to offer us.
Admire Some of History’s Finest Photos Reimagined in Color
We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to see history through vintage photographs, but wouldn’t it be fun to see all these photos in color?
What Did Our Favorite Brands Look Like a 100 Years Ago?
While the Big Mac hasn't changed in 50 years, these big brands are virtually unrecognizable.
Up Close and Personal With Nature: 17 Award-Winning Photos
Here are some of the amazing winners of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2023 awards.
14 Vivid Portraits of Gorgeous Rare Birds
This photographer traveled the globe in the search of the rarest and most gorgeous birds, and here are 14 of his best avian portraits...
Architecture Gone Terribly Wrong: 10 Ugly Buildings
These 10 buildings have been frequently called the ugliest on the planet, do you agree?
Admire the World Up Close with Macro Photography
Beauty is in the details, and you can take a really close look at the world around you with these incredible professional macro photos
5 Quirky & Imaginative Homes Built On a Shoestring Budget
These homes are proof that something incredible can be created on a shoestring budget while being kind to the environment at the same time. Take a look.
You've Got to See These Rare Celebrity Pics from the Past!
Enjoy this amazing collection of vintage celebrity pictures!
12 Reasons Japanese Bathrooms Are the Best!
Find out why Japanese bathrooms are more efficient and comfortable than western bathrooms. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas...
The Wonders of Modern Architecture are a Joy to Behold
Modern architecture has gone a long way towards defining what the world we live in looks like. Here are 15 wondrous examples from around the world.
16 Of the Best Astronomy Photographs Ever Taken
The wonders of our universe in 16 glorious photos.
Feast Your Eyes on a Series of Stunning Wildlife Photos
Robert Irwin, son of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, is traveling the world taking photos of wildlife. Here are some of his best shots!
These Photos Capture the Weirdness and Beauty of Japan
Japan has an abundance of beauty and weirdness all at the same time, and photographer Shin Noguchi is dedicated to capturing it. Take a look.
21 Historical Pics That Open a Visceral Window to the Past
Old photographs have a special value to them - they allow us to take a glimpse into the past and experience what life was like long before we came into being.
Polish Castles: Having a Look at Some Architectural Beauty
Flying above the beautiful castles of ancient Poland.
These Incredible Photos Will Take Your Breath Away!
Enjoy some of the most spectacular photos from the Smithsonian Magazine's 15th annual contest.
I Miss Photographers Like This One...
Ran Maltet was a French photographer and poet, who died a decade ago. He had what seemed to be a natural talent to seize upon these split seconds of comedy and philosophy, and capture them on camera.
These Chinese Gardens are Like Nothing You've Seen Before!
These gardens combine beauty and function, and are places of pure serenity and unparalleled grace.
15 Captivating Photos of Impressive Artwork and Designs
We stumbled upon some really unique photos of intentional and accidental art.
15 Photos of Superstars Side by Side Their Younger Selves
Have you ever dreamed to see your favorite celebrity next to their younger selves? Then here is a collection of 15 very famous people now and then.
The Best of South Asian Architecture - 15 Magnificent Gems
The architectural landscape of South Asia is brimming with magnificent structures - both historic and modern.
21st Century Architecture is Really Stunning to Behold...
While modern architecture can be divisive, there's no denying it makes you sit up and take notice. Here are 14 stunning examples of 21st Century architecture.
These Vintage Photos Left an Indelible Mark on History
Ever seen Einstein in a leather jacket or the Lincoln Memorial half-finished? These historical photos will show you famous faces and places in a new light
15 Creative Design Ideas That Will Make Our Lives Simpler
In this collection of pictures, you will see some simple yet innovative designs that are made to make our life simpler.
These Thanksgiving Decorations are a Feast for the Eyes
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Some Ceilings Keep You Dry, Some Make You GASP
Some ceilings were meant to be admired...