Underwater ‘outer space’ photo is a rare award winner

A jellyfish appearing to be circling Earth in outer space captured Best in Show of the 2020 DEEP Indonesia Underwater Photo Competition and, in a rare twist, it was taken with a point-and-shoot camera, earning it first place in the Compact Cameras category as well.

The winners of the contest that attracted hundreds of photographers from around the world were announced Monday in New York, by DivePhotoGuide and Wetpixel.

The top prize was submitted by Enrico Somogyi, who captured the unique angle of a jellyfish at Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk island in Palau.

“A beautiful, surreal approach to a common subject,” judge Ellen Cuylaerts said of the photo. “Looks like an outer space scene, with marine life taking a timeout from planet Earth, but keeping a close connection. It caught my eye and made me dream of exploration.”

The dark background of a reef and the clouded blue skies overhead create the distinctive photo. It’s been six years since the last time a compact camera-shot photo won the top award.

“The DEEP Indonesia competition attracted some stunning images, and we’re excited to see the Best of Show go to a compact shooter,” DPG Editor-in-Chief Joseph Tepper and Wetpixel Publisher Adam Hanlon said in a joint statement.

The organizers announced that 15 percent of entry proceeds will be donated to marine conservation efforts. The top winners by category (photos copyrighted and used with permission):

COMPACT CAMERAS

First place and Best of Show:

“Around the World”

Location: Jellyfish Lake, Palau

Second place: