Australian National Maritime Museum to host premiere exhibition opening November 19
Credit – Matty Smith – Ocean Photographer of the Year
Newcastle photographer Matty Smith has been named the winner of the Fine Art category of Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 for his extraordinary black-and-white portrait of a nurse shark, flanked by remoras in perfect formation, is a study in form and stillness, and a breathtaking reminder of the magic and wonder of our ocean planet.
In reference to his award-winning image, Matty said: ‘The planets aligned at the end of a late afternoon dive in the Maldives. Upon ascending from the depths, I crossed paths with this beautiful tawny nurse shark bathed in ethereal evening light. I instantly knew it would make a great black & white shot.
Winning the Ocean Photographer of the Year Fine Art category is a wonderful and unexpected surprise! The Australian National Maritime Museum and Oceanographic do a fantastic job of promoting the awards and whole exhibition is always a treat to visit.’
In addition to his category winning image, Matty also had a second image which received highly commended in the Wildlife category. This image shows Southern elephant seal pups explore shallow rock pools on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands, testing their first movements in the water after being weaned by their mothers.
Credit – Matty Smith – Ocean Photographer of the Year
In all, there were 10 Australian or Australian-based photographers nominated as finalists in the competition.
Over 15,000 images were entered from around the world by planet’s leading ocean photographers.
All the finalist images will be on display at the world premiere Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum opening on November 19.
Museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp said, ‘We are proud to be partnering once again with Oceanographic Magazine to bring to life the breathtaking Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition. This exhibition serves as a reminder of not only the beauty that lies beneath the ocean’s surface, but also the world below that is in urgent need of our care and protection.’
The Ocean Photographer of the Year, presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, has a simple mission: to shine a light on the wonder and fragility of our blue planet, and to celebrate the photographers giving it a voice.
