DIVEVOLK’s Shocking Move: Are These $1,000 Smartphones About to Change Underwater Photography Forever?

In a significant move for underwater photography enthusiasts and smartphone users alike, DIVEVOLK, a leading manufacturer of underwater smartphone housings, has announced its sponsorship of the Smartphone Pictures & Videos (SMP) category at the OG PICOTY 2026 (Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year) competition. This marks DIVEVOLK's second consecutive year supporting the largest underwater photography competition in the world, which features 18 categories and draws entries from over 80 countries. With a total prize pool exceeding USD $100,000, this event promises to showcase the best in marine photography.

The highlight of the competition is the coveted "Master of Competition" award, which offers an exciting polar expedition valued at $18,000 aboard the MV Sylvia Earle, part of the Aurora Expeditions fleet that journeys to both the Arctic and Antarctic. Such opportunities not only celebrate photographic talent but also promote ocean conservation—a core objective of the competition.

The SMP category, specifically geared towards smartphone users, invites anyone with a waterproof housing to participate. Entrants are required to submit five images along with a 30 to 60-second portrait-format video, all captured after January 1, 2023. The winner of this category will receive the Jennifer Hayes Award of Excellence and will be automatically qualified for the Master of Competition. This unique aspect underscores a fascinating notion: a remarkable smartphone photograph could open the door to an expedition in Antarctica.

DIVEVOLK's sponsorship extends beyond mere recognition; it also adds financial incentives to the SMP category, with prize vouchers of $1,800 for first place, $800 for second, and three vouchers of $300 for additional winners. "We sponsor OG PICOTY because there’s now a category built around exactly what our users do,” said a spokesperson for DIVEVOLK. “People are shooting serious underwater work on phones inside our SeaTouch 4 Max housing. A competition that recognizes that work is worth supporting.”

How to Enter

Registration for OG PICOTY 2026 is currently open, and the entry process is designed to be straightforward, taking about 10 minutes. Here’s a quick guide on how to participate:

1. Choose your entry tier: Select either Classic Entry (up to 20 images) or Premium Entry (up to 30 images plus a video). The Classic Entry suffices for the SMP category, while the Premium option allows for more submissions in other categories.
2. Create your account: Complete the registration form to gain access to the submission portal. Be sure to review the terms and conditions, which outline image specifications and editing rules.
3. Prepare your SMP submission: Select five images and create a 30-60 second video, all taken and edited on a smartphone since January 1, 2023. Keep unedited originals for verification.
4. Log in and upload: Sign in to the OG PICOTY portal, select the SMP category, and upload your images and video. You can submit across different categories as needed.
5. Review and confirm: Ensure all files meet the required specifications. You can modify submissions before the deadline.

All submissions must be completed by March 28, 2026.

OG PICOTY 2025 Recap: A DIVEVOLK Triumph

At last year’s OG PICOTY 2025, DIVEVOLK brand ambassador PJ Aristorenas clinched the top prize in the Smartphone category using the SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Edition housing. His stunning series featuring the Pikachu Nudibranch garnered praise from the jury for its exceptional color and detail, validating DIVEVOLK's technological advancements and inspiring users to explore underwater photography.

About DIVEVOLK

DIVEVOLK has established itself as a global pioneer in underwater imaging technology. Their innovative SeaTouch series features full-screen touch waterproof housings that allow smartphones to be used underwater at depths of up to 60 meters. These products are widely utilized in diving photography, ocean documentation, and creative content production, striking a balance between professional-grade performance and everyday accessibility.

For more information, visit www.divevolkdiving.com.

About OG PICOTY

The OG PICOTY competition, organized by the Ocean Geographic Society since its inception in 2014, has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious marine imaging contests. Its mission centers on ocean conservation, and the competition serves as a platform to celebrate extraordinary work that fosters a love for our oceans while inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates.

As this competition opens doors for budding photographers, it also highlights the growing importance of smartphone technology in capturing stunning underwater imagery. With DIVEVOLK paving the way for smartphone users, the future of underwater photography seems more accessible than ever.