News
Red Sea Diving Safari Video Competition Results
In addition to being Scubaverse.com’s Conservation and Underwater Videography editor, I am also the video workshop leader at Red Sea Diving Safari, and I help to judge their in house bi-annual video competition where each video must be shot at one of the three RSDS diving villages. The prize is a free stay at one of the villages and a free copy of my book ‘A Guide to Underwater Wildlife Video & Editing’.
Full Competition Rules, Instructions and Guidelines can been seen here.
Here are the results from the latest competition, including the winner’s video, taken from Red Sea Diving Safari’s website:
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We would like to thank everyone who entered our video competition for the July-December 2015 period. It wasn’t an easy decision but our videography workshop leader Jeff Goodman has carefully judged the entries and made his decision!
Huge congratulations to Andre Voje for his video ‘Amazing Underwater World in Marsa Shagra Village’ which has won him a free stay at the RSDS village of his choice!
Here’s Andre’s winning video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LehAVRnJeE
Jeff has been kind enough to take the time to comment on each individual video, so we decided to share his full feedback with you:
RSDS video competition results Jan 2016 by Jeff Goodman (conservation and video editor at www.scubaverse.com)
RESULTS
The standard of the videos was very high indeed. Each film had its own merits and shortcomings of which are explained for each entry. If you have time please watch the other entrants’ videos and look at my comments. Most videos seem to be made with GoPro and it just shows what can be done with a simple fixed lens, auto exposure camera. After quite a bit of deliberation I thought the overall best video was Amazing Underwater World in Marsa Shagra Village by Andrej Voje. It was well shot and edited. The music choice was perfect for setting the tone of the video. All the images were steady, well exposed, sharp and well framed.
DETAILED FEEDBACK
Beautiful Red Sea by Marcel Kraus
Good opening with well paced relaxing music and images. Nicely framed shots which are sharp and well exposed. Great shark shot, couldn’t really have been better. Bet you were smiling at the time. I liked the way you then came to a colourful shot of the Clown fish which contrasted well. The night dive then gave a good change of pace, but next time ask your dive buddy not to use the bright torch as it gave a very over exposed hot spot.
Lots of lovely animals and the dugong ending was just perfect. Well done.
Diving Marsa Shagra by Jurgen Minnibo
Good opening and ending with divers. Music worked well and helped the pace of the film. Have a think about investing in some sort of underwater light, just to add a bit of colour to those otherwise bland shots when the sun goes in. Nicely edited.
Diving Egypt 2015 by Peter Johnson
Love the ‘Tiny Hermit Production’ header. Very classy. It grabbed my attention right from the start. Beautiful stylistic images then followed to set up the days beginning and the start of diving. All accompanied by well chosen music. Then for awhile it started to go downhill. The first underwater shot really could just be taken out as it did little for the sequence and was disappointing after the great opening.
I realise the sharks at Elphinstone can be very dramatic, but unless you are lucky and get good full frame shots then think twice about putting them up at the head of your underwater section. You want to wow your audience as soon as you get underwater and the shark stuff just didn’t do it for me. The reef images later in the film were nice and the turtles as always are great to see.
You obviously have a good eye for framing and have edited the material well, but my one overall criticism is that the entire video is too long, especially as there is no change of pace. The 14.5 minutes started to drag and could easily be cut down to 5 or 6 minutes. Try a re-edit and be ruthless. As they often say, ‘less is more’.
Diving from Dawn to Dusk by Sharon Brown
I liked the opening although the first shot was a bit short. I did like the concept of the video and the way you have shown glimpses of the reef before divers get to it was inspirational. The music is a good bright pace and compliments the images well. A good selection of daytime wildlife on the reef all well shot and composed. Then the following night sequence was just charming and made me wish I was diving instead of sitting in the office.
Just Longimaus at Elphinstone 2015 by Paul Vouwen
Liked the graphics opening and then straight into good shark images. Excellent. Quite novel to say ‘keep watching as the best shots are at the end’. Maybe the BBC should do the same. Anyway, I did keep watching and just as I was getting a bit bored by the repetitive shots and music, up came your second message which made me smile. The next series of images were so much better and woke me up again. If you ever think of a re-edit may I suggest you get rid of around a minutes worth of ‘nothing happening’ shots and keep the viewer enthralled right through. For the next step in your video making have a think about adding some narration which can be both informative as well as personal.
Amazing Underwater World in Marsa Shagra Village by Andrej Voje
I silently shudder when I see video times of more that 3-4 minutes but in this instance the 6.5 minutes went by effortlessly and kept me engrossed from beginning to end.
Very strong and captivating opening. Excellent shark images followed by beautiful shoals and reef fish. Then just as I was getting tired of the powerful music you changed it and the mood of the film was delightfully softened with exceptional turtle material. How exciting to see the turtle clearing away the sand in a mid shot followed by a sharp and well composed close up. After that the video just got better and better with wonderful wildlife and well crafted shots. The only thing that spoilt the flow of the film was the night time shot of the squid. It was beautiful in it’s own right but didn’t fit within the sequence. The dolphin at the end was just perfect. Well done.
Marsa Alam by Jasmien Vanderkerckhove
Even though the individual shots themselves are not overwhelmingly special, there is a very nice feel to this video that keeps the viewer watching. The choice of warm yet lively music combined with the constantly moving camera blend together well. The bright pace of editing also goes a long way into making the images alive and immediate. Excellent film and a real joy to watch.
Fish Everywhere by Ahmed Helal
The fast action effect with cameras like to GoPro are certainly very popular and you have used the effect extremely well for the introduction of this video. I then particularly liked the transition into slomo. Well done. Your picture transitions or mixes are particularly well chosen and match the music very well. Love the two octopus. How lucky was that! Well filmed though. Then came the boat speeding past the shark. Great stuff. I liked the novel way you ended the video with the moving photo portraits. Very nice.
Marsa Shagra 2015 by Philippe Trojani
Still photo images can often work well in a moving video production and you proved this to be so with your opening sequence. This was then followed by a selection of beautiful underwater wildlife.Good camerawork with clear sharp and well framed images. The music choice was fine but if you can, have a think sometime about adding basic narration which can help bring an image to life with interesting facts or even personal feelings from yourself.
You can watch all the entries here.
The competition is now open for the next 6 months so don’t forget to submit your latest Red Sea video for a chance to win!
See more here.
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To find out more about Red Sea Diving Safari, visit www.redsea-divingsafari.com.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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