Outex Award FINALE 2025
‘OUTEX Award’ within the Luca Memorial Photo Contest FINALE
You can participate uploading your photos, until 11 January '26.
👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻 here 👈🏻👈🏻👈🏻
Contact us if you have any question!
for updated info click here
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OUTEX Award 'within the ‘Luca Memorial Contest FINALE’.
In February 2026, the #Outex @realoutex team will select the BEST PHOTOS from the Luca Memorial Contest 2025 finalists, based on their own internal criteria.
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The winnig photo will be awarded the ‘OUTEX Award 2025’, and win two Outex Phone Pro Kits, one for you, and one for your adventure companion:
🔹 2x Outex Phone Pro Kits (*)
https://outex.com/products/phone-kit
💵 set valued at $338 USD (169$ each)
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The Outex Phone Pro Kit was engineered by photographers to deliver professional imaging in any environment, even underwater. It works for ALL phone brands, makes, and models: #Apple #iPhone and iPhone Max all models, #Google #Pixel phones, and #Samsung #Galaxy and Galaxy S Ultra phones.
Features include:
· Optical glass lens (not acrylic), for professional imaging performance.
· Maintains tactile control over all functions & settings of your phone, and imaging trigger functionality underwater from the side/hard buttons.
· Convenience & transportability - lightweight, compact.
· Upgrade compatibility with optical domes and 3rd party accessories
· Strong, durable materials for outdoor and underwater up to 10 meters use.
(* Smartphone not included in the kit)
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OUTEX ( https://outex.com ) makes professional outdoor and waterproof housings for imaging gear, including cameras, lenses, and smartphones. Visit Outex.com to learn more about ways to protect your imaging gear - #Outexstyle
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🗓️ Winner will be announced 23 February 2026.
(duties for delivery outside the EU to be covered by winner)
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🔥 ENTER THE CONTEST! You too can submit your photos! Open worldwide, free participation.
Deadline: 11 January 2026
.
The winnig photo will be awarded the ‘OUTEX Award 2025’, and win two Outex Phone Pro Kits, one for you, and one for your adventure companion:
🔹 2x Outex Phone Pro Kits (*)
https://outex.com/products/phone-kit
💵 set valued at $338 USD (169$ each)
.
The Outex Phone Pro Kit was engineered by photographers to deliver professional imaging in any environment, even underwater. It works for ALL phone brands, makes, and models: #Apple #iPhone and iPhone Max all models, #Google #Pixel phones, and #Samsung #Galaxy and Galaxy S Ultra phones.
Features include:
· Optical glass lens (not acrylic), for professional imaging performance.
· Maintains tactile control over all functions & settings of your phone, and imaging trigger functionality underwater from the side/hard buttons.
· Convenience & transportability - lightweight, compact.
· Upgrade compatibility with optical domes and 3rd party accessories
· Strong, durable materials for outdoor and underwater up to 10 meters use.
(* Smartphone not included in the kit)
.
.
OUTEX ( https://outex.com ) makes professional outdoor and waterproof housings for imaging gear, including cameras, lenses, and smartphones. Visit Outex.com to learn more about ways to protect your imaging gear - #Outexstyle
.
🗓️ Winner will be announced 23 February 2026.
(duties for delivery outside the EU to be covered by winner)
.
🔥 ENTER THE CONTEST! You too can submit your photos! Open worldwide, free participation.
Deadline: 11 January 2026
THE PHONE PRO KIT
Announcements in progress
19 FEB 2023:
in Paris Time:
10:00 Products & Company
12:00 Nominations
16:00 Winner
NOMINATIONS:
TO BE ANNOUNCED 9 February 2026
OUTEX Award 2025 'within the ‘Luca Memorial Contest’.
🎫 OUTEX Award 2025 - NOMINATIONS🏆
Which one is your favourite? 👇
ℹ️ link in bio 'FINALE 2025'
The @realoutex team has selected their TOP 5 photos from the 2025 finalist entries.
💬 OUTEX comments: "This is really difficult. The quality, variety, and range of the pictures submitted is outstanding, and it takes us hours to go through the process to narrow down our favorites, then establish criteria for prioritization. Congratulations to all participants."
🏅NOMINATED (in ascending photo Nº)
Nº 6004 Mazioia_amir (ALGERIA)
💬 "Story teller’s delight. We loved this shot for the handful of potential stories it tells, geologically, photographically, and from an adventurer’s perspective. The “roof’s" coloring and the ground’s rock terrain give the image an intergalactic look and feel that confuses the mind while inviting exploration. One is immediately drawn to examine it more closely in an attempt to understand it. The subject’s position adds scale and perspective, and his gaze into the opening adds a sense of curiosity not only about the cause of the environment but also its meaning. And while possible imaging criticisms can be made about definition and lighting, the overall image demands attention and awe."
Nº 6149 Florian Bachmann (GERMANY)
💬 "Magical shot. This image stands out for its narrative strength and thoughtful juxtaposition of environments. The photograph immediately engages through contrast, both visual and conceptual. The lush, verdant forest fills the frame with layers of green, organic texture, and natural disorder, while the circular tunnel introduces a strong geometric counterpoint. This collision of nature and human-made structure becomes the core of the image’s storytelling. The placement of the subject is particularly effective. Centered within the tunnel’s opening, the figure in red acts as a visual anchor and focal point. The color choice is striking yet controlled; the red coat cuts cleanly through the dominant greens without feeling artificial or overly dramatic. It guides the viewer’s eye directly into the scene and reinforces the sense of emergence, transition, or passage. Light is handled with intention. The soft, diffused forest light creates an immersive, almost ethereal atmosphere, while the tunnel interior provides a contained, directional glow that frames the subject beautifully. The subtle starburst of light filtering through the trees on the left adds dimensional depth and balances the heavier visual weight of the tunnel on the right.
Compositionally, the image is well balanced despite its complexity. Vertical tree trunks act as natural pillars, while fallen branches and undergrowth create diagonal movement across the frame. The tunnel’s circular form stabilizes this visual energy, offering a moment of clarity amid the organic chaos. Depth is strong throughout, with foreground texture, midground detail, and a clear background narrative.
Overall, this photograph succeeds by blending environment and human presence into a cohesive visual story of exploration, transition, and the meeting point between the natural and the constructed. The result is an image that feels both cinematic and grounded."
Nº 6176 Alex_Cantrell (UNITED STATES)
💬 "This memorable shot captures the imagination in so many ways. You can tell the photographer worked diligently to light and to capture the scale and scope of the landscape so viewers would catch a glimpse of this magnificent phenomenon. The people in the shot add scale and dimension to the shot and the photographer’s perspective and positioning. Notwithstanding possible imaging criticisms related to resolution or depth of field/apperture for the image, the results more than compensate for it, and were likely a result of situational limitations in the environment. Great picture!"
Nº 6193 Tim Clarke (UNITED KINGDOM)
💬 "Another magical shot. This image is powerful and immersive, driven by atmosphere, color, and a strong sense of human scale. The photograph immediately envelops the viewer in a dense, almost otherworldly environment. The cave interior is rendered in deep reds, ochres, and molten yellows, creating a visceral sense of heat, weight, and geological intensity. The long mineral formations hanging from the ceiling act like a curtain, adding both texture and a subtle sense of tension as they descend toward the ground. The human figure is used with restraint and intelligence. Positioned slightly off-center and facing into the scene, the subject becomes a proxy for the viewer—inviting contemplation rather than action. Light helps define the interplay between the illuminated pools of water and the darker, saturated rock surfaces creates a layered, cinematic depth. Reflections in the water introduce softer tones that counterbalance the heavy textures of the stone, preventing the frame from becoming visually oppressive. The balance of vertical and horizontal elements gives the frame structure while preserving its organic complexity.
Technically, the color saturation and editing (if purposeful) is bold but coherent, enhancing the surreal quality of the environment without crossing into artificiality. Overall, this photograph succeeds by transforming a challenging subterranean space into a cohesive visual narrative. It conveys awe, isolation, and quiet discovery, making it a compelling and memorable image that stands strongly in a competitive photographic context."
Nº 6196 Dave watts (UNITED KINGDOM)
💬 "The image immediately commands attention through its dramatic use of scale, light, and texture. The cavern dominates the frame, with sweeping, draped rock formations that feel almost organic—like fabric frozen in motion. Their warm, amber tones contrast beautifully with the deep blacks of the surrounding negative space, creating a strong visual rhythm that guides the eye inward. The inclusion of the human figure is both purposeful and restrained. Positioned off-center and relatively small in the frame, the subject provides essential scale without competing for attention. This choice reinforces the immensity and age of the environment while subtly anchoring the viewer emotionally. The figure’s lighting is handled with care—bright enough to separate them from the rock, yet soft enough to avoid breaking the mood or appearing staged. Compositionally, the image excels. The rock formations act as natural leading lines, drawing the viewer from the upper right down toward the subject and then deeper into the cave. The framing feels immersive rather than observational, placing the viewer inside the space rather than looking at it from a distance. The balance between illuminated surfaces and shadow is confident, allowing darkness to remain expressive rather than empty. Technically, exposure and color are handled with precision. Highlights retain texture in the brightest mineral surfaces, while shadows are rich and intentional. The color palette feels authentic and cohesive, enhancing the sense of place without drifting into exaggeration.
Overall, this photograph succeeds by combining technical mastery with storytelling restraint. It doesn’t rely on spectacle alone; instead, it invites contemplation—about scale, exploration, and humanity’s quiet presence within vast natural systems."
🗓️ Winner announced 23 February
🏆
9 Feb'26
9 Feb'26
WINNER:
TO BE ANNOUNCED 23 February 2026
ANNOUNCEMENT IN PROGRESS
until 20th September
OUTEX Award 2024 'within the ‘Luca Memorial Contest 2024’.
💥The @realoutex AWARD goes to
Nº01192 : Abel Ibáñez (SPAIN)
Instagram: @abeitning
📍 Location: Garganta Cabrilla Canyon, Sierra de Gredos, SPAIN
🔗 https://LucaMemorial.Org/01192
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Congratulations Abel!
💬 @realoutex: "Beautiful setting, colors, framing, and composition."
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🏅 VERY HONORABLE MENTIONS!!:
👏🏻👏🏻Congratulations also to John, Daniel and Javier, for their stunning images.
Nº00417 : John Oakley Werenka (CANADA)
Nº00452 : Daniel Menin (BRAZIL)
Nº02197 : Abel Ibáñez (SPAIN)
Nº02589 : Javier González Martín (SPAIN)!!
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🔥🏆🔥The Winner prize consisting of @realoutex best-selling camera product:
🔹 Outex Pro Camera Kit
Underwater camera housing for professional photographers
https://outex.com/products/camera-pro-kit
💵 valued at $369 USD
Nº01192 : Abel Ibáñez (SPAIN)
Instagram: @abeitning
📍 Location: Garganta Cabrilla Canyon, Sierra de Gredos, SPAIN
🔗 https://LucaMemorial.Org/01192
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Congratulations Abel!
💬 @realoutex: "Beautiful setting, colors, framing, and composition."
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🏅 VERY HONORABLE MENTIONS!!:
👏🏻👏🏻Congratulations also to John, Daniel and Javier, for their stunning images.
Nº00417 : John Oakley Werenka (CANADA)
Nº00452 : Daniel Menin (BRAZIL)
Nº02197 : Abel Ibáñez (SPAIN)
Nº02589 : Javier González Martín (SPAIN)!!
.
.
🔥🏆🔥The Winner prize consisting of @realoutex best-selling camera product:
🔹 Outex Pro Camera Kit
Underwater camera housing for professional photographers
https://outex.com/products/camera-pro-kit
💵 valued at $369 USD
🏆
17 Feb 2025
17 Feb 2025
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You can participate uploading your photos
👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻 here 👈🏻👈🏻👈🏻
for updated info click here
ANNOUNCEMENT
OUTEX AWARD 2021
TUTORIAL
'How to Submit Photos'
English
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TUTORIAL
'Cómo enviar fotos'
🇪🇸 Español
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OUTEX brand has been invited to pick by their own criteria which are the BEST PHOTOS among the resulting finalists in Luca Memorial Contest 2022..
OUTEX (https://outex.com) makes professional outdoor and waterproof housings for cameras & lenses. With a unique patented product design to universally fit all brands & models, maintains all functional control, optical glass ports, in a compact & lightweight size.
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OUTEX Award announcement (link in bio)
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The prize consists of one of the best sellers of the brand: the Pro Kit!
valued at 435USDAn underwater camera housing for professional photographers
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<<OUTEX
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We congratulates all participants!
The quality and scope of the photos is tremendous!, and it was very difficult to narrow it down….let alone select a preference.
OUTEX teams in Europe and USA are impressed and torn!
Given the pandemic and our geographical locations, team members were able after some iterations to narrow down the selection to a consensual choice:
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We now proceed to announce the images that the OUTEX jury has chosen as the three best:
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#1 OUTEX WINNER, Photo of the Year 2021Xabier Garcia (SPAIN)Congratulations!
“Between a Rock & a Hard Place”: An image that elicited much emotional reactions from our staff!
this image seemed to capture so many attributes of canyoning: adventure, skill, knowledge, perseverance, teamwork, humanity, & beauty.
While there are elements of photographic integrity that depict framing, composition, depth of field, shutter speed, and focus, the image ultimately illustrates humanity against the beauty, thrills, and challenges of nature at a particular point in time that’s metaphorical to what photography means in all of our lives.
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Number 2!, Honorable Mention!!Matthias Holzinger (SWITZERLAND)Congratulations!
Amazing juxtaposition of elements coming together; water, rock, gravity, seemed like a great metaphor for the sport of canyoning.
The framing and composition help create the magical illusion of walking on the rainbow, while capturing the backdrop against which the feat seems even more amazing.
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Number 3!, Honorable Mention!!Guillermo Sánchez (SPAIN)Congratulations!
The photo captures much of the essence of canyoning, not to mention the complexities of photographing it in the process.
Masterfully negotiating the elements, while maintaining depth of field, the backlight, and giving an unique perspective on the thrills & challenges of the sport.
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Want more photos?View FINALIST 2021 GALLEY (the 90 Best photos of 2021):.
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️ The Luca Memorial photo contest is the only annual international contest focused exclusively on photos of Caves & Canyons.2022 Edition is OPEN for photo submission from Instagram / Facebook / Twitter, or file.
Still doubts? / Aún tienes dudas?
contact us
Luca Chiarabini
MEMORIAL
Photo Contest
2026
Worldwide Edition
(Free participation)
THANK YOU OUTEX!
For your great support and cooperation with Luca Memorial Contest.
FINALISTS 2022 Gallery
Click on photos for Author and photo link details. Click on view icon " | | " to scroll through.
Click on photos for Author and photo link details. Click on view icon " | | " to scroll through.