The resulting image (seen above) took home top honors in the “Oceanics Programme” category of the 2025 Shark Photographer of the Year awards. July 14 marks Shark Awareness Day and to celebrate, Shark Trust announced the captivating winners of this year’s contest. Shark Photographer of the YearCredit: Julian Hebenstreit / Shark TrustJulian Hebestreit nabbed the overall prize and title of Shark Photographer of the Year for a beautiful photograph (seen above) of an Indo-Pacific Leopardshark, also known as a Zebra Shark“This photograph is at first glance quite simple, but with a depth that rewards repeated views. British Isles, Runner UpCredit: Colin Garrett / Shark TrustYoung Shark Photographer of the YearYoung Shark Photographer of the Year 2025 was awarded to Panitbhand Paribatra Na Ayudhya for his image of a Whale Shark feeding at the surface. '”Credit: Gillian Marsh / Shark TrustOverseas, Runner UpCredit: Vadim Belakhov / Shark Trust