Getting Your Underwater Photos Published

A rare, 90-minute masterclass with one of the world’s most accomplished underwater photographers and publishers

Few underwater photographers have had such a profound mark on our industry as Michael Aw. With 68 major awards, 38 books, and photo essays published in National Geographic, BBC Earth, Smithsonian, and many other leading magazines, Michael has spent three decades at the intersection of visual storytelling, publishing, and conservation. He founded three magazines — including the highly respected Ocean Geographic — and continues to review and commission images from photographers around the world.

In this exclusive webinar for The Underwater Club, Michael offers something photographers almost never get:

a practical, honest look at how to get your underwater images published in 2025 — straight from someone who has been on both sides of the editorial desk for more than 30 years.

During a focused 60-minute presentation, Michael will share insights from his journey from advertising professional to full-time photographer and publisher, explain how the media landscape has changed since the 1990s, and discuss how today’s photographers can successfully pitch magazines, publish books, sell images, and build a meaningful profile.

You’ll then join a 30-minute live Q&A with the chance for image reviews, where Michael will comment on selected images submitted by attendees (submitted 48 hours before the webinar) and, if applicable, give his thoughts on their publishing potential.

Whether your goal is to be published in magazines, launch your own photo book, or simply elevate your visibility as a photographer, this session brings you guidance you cannot find anywhere else, delivered by one of the most respected voices in underwater photography.

Meet your speaker

Michael Aw is one of the most influential underwater photographers, publishers, and ocean advocates of the past three decades. Based in Australia, he has authored 38 underwater photography books, founded three magazines — including Ocean Geographic — and his images and essays have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Earth, GEO, Smithsonian, and major media worldwide.

A recipient of 68 international awards, Michael has been honoured by the NHM Wildlife Photographer of the Year, NOGI Awards, Our World Underwater, and the Nikon Underwater Grand Prix, and serves as an ambassador for SEACAM, Mares, and DAN.

Beyond publishing, Michael has led more than 150 expeditions, including several Explorers Club Flag missions to both the Arctic and Antarctic, uniting scientists, artists, and storytellers to document the changing ocean.

As Founder and Editorial Director of the Ocean Geographic Society, he continues to mentor emerging photographers and champion visual storytelling as a catalyst for conservation.

Today, Michael Aw remains a visionary voice in underwater imagery — bridging art, science, and advocacy, and inspiring photographers to use their images with purpose.

To see more of Michael’s work, visit his website and follow his Instagram page.

What's the plan for the webinar?

This 90-minute session is split into two parts: a focused 60-minute presentation by Michael Aw, followed by a 30-minute live Q&A with optional image reviews.

Part 1 — 60-Minute Presentation with Michael Aw

Michael will walk you through the realities of getting published as an underwater photographer, drawing on more than 30 years of experience as a contributor, editor, and publisher.

Topics include (indicative):

• From advertiser to full-time underwater photographer — Michael’s career path and key turning points
• Working with magazines
• • What editorial work looked like in the 1990s
  • How digital photography and the internet changed the industry
  • Getting published today: how to pitch, what editors want, and what to expect when successful
• Publishing an underwater photography book
• • How demand has evolved over the past 30 years
  • Various publishing approaches
  • Marketing and selling your book in today’s landscape
• Selling your photos
• • Through your own website
  • Through stock agencies
  • Through galleries
• Other ways to grow your profile as an underwater photographer
• • Social media platforms that matter
  • Photo competitions
  • The Ocean Geographic Photographer Recognition Program (OGPRP)

Part 2 — 30-Minute Live Q&A + Optional Image Reviews

Ask Michael anything about publishing, pitching, book creation, social media, or building your profile.

A limited number of images submitted 48 hours prior to the webinar (use The Underwater Club's contact form)will also be reviewed live — with Michael offering both artistic feedback and (if applicable) his honest assessment of their publishing potential.

When is it?

The webinar will run for 90 minutes, on December 17th, starting on:

• 10:30am London time (GMT)
• 11:30am Paris/Berlin/Rome time (CET)
• 2:30pm Dubai time (DXB)
• 6:30pm Singapore time (SGT)
• 9:30pm Sydney time (AEDT)

How to join

Hit the "Get tickets" button - tickets are on sale for AU$49 (approx US$32 / EUR 30 / GBP 26). A ticket gives you access to the recording for 3 days after the event, in case you can't make it live.

Grab this offer:

Members of The Underwater Club can join the webinar for free and watch the recording for as long as their membership is active.

For the same price as one webinar ticket, become a member and get access to the webinar, plus many more resources for 30 days (renews every month, cancel anytime).