News
Announcing the winner of Scubaverse.com’s Photo of the Year 2015
It’s exciting times here at Scubaverse.com, as the photo of the year 2015 is about to be announced.
Just in case you haven’t been following our monthly photography competitions, the rules are quite simple: any underwater photographer can enter. You can submit up to three pictures each month. This can be wide angle or macro and taken on any camera, compact or DSLR. The pictures can be recent or taken several years ago. It’s also really nice if the photographer can add a brief description explaining where the picture was taken, camera settings etc. This helps me understand how and why you took the picture in the first place.
At the end of each month I ‘simply’ choose a winner from all the entries. I’m not biased in any way, and it’s judged on a variety of factors, including composition, subject, level of difficulty etc. I also look at the technical aspects like focus, lighting, contrast and post editing skills. I honestly didn’t realise how tough this job would be – there were so many stunning images submitted in 2015.
The winning photographer gets his/her picture displayed on Scubaverse.com’s homepage for the duration of the month, wins a £100 voucher towards a Scuba Travel Red Sea liveaboard workshop with Duxy, and gets a copy of Vivid-Pix’s excellent post editing software. The winning picture also appears in our Photo of the Month Winners Gallery and is used as the background image on Scubaverse.com’s Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Tumblr pages.
In addition to all this, each month’s winning picture is also entered into our Photo of the Year Contest. The winner of Photo of the Year will pick up some serious prizes – over £1,000 worth of dive gear – donated by Mares, one of the world’s leading diving equipment manufacturers, and a further £150 voucher off a Red Sea liveaboard photo workshop with Duxy, courtesy of UK-based dive tour operator Scuba Travel.
Because we only began the monthly competitions in March last year there are a total of 9 pictures this time around (we also missed May due to the site having a major redesign).
So if you didn’t know about the competition rules and the prizes, now you do!
If you are wondering why I have been asked by Dave, the editor of Scubaverse.com, to judge your pictures, well in brief I have been working in the diving industry for more than 25 years. I started out as a diving instructor running recreational and technical courses and was then introduced to underwater photography. I have managed my own photography business at Taba Heights in Egypt, owned a retail shop in the UK and regularly write articles and take underwater photographs for magazines. I hope this gives me some credibility to judge your pictures.
For Photo of the Year we have invited some other well-known underwater photographers to be on the judging panel. I didn’t think it would be fair for me to choose a winner on my own. I also didn’t want anyone to think the result had been rigged!!! As we are giving away a £100 voucher for Duxy’s Red Sea liveaboard photography workshops each month it’s only right that we ask him to be on the panel. Nick Robertson-Brown, who owns Frogfish Photography with his wife Caroline and who also writes regularly for Scubaverse.com, completes the esteemed line up.
Duxy, Nick and I individually looked at each picture and chose a top three. From the top three images we then thrashed it out until we finally agreed on one overall winner.
I’m very pleased to announce that the winner of Scubaverse.com’s Photo of the Year 2015 is Sean Chinn’s turtle picture titled ‘sunbathing’. This is a superb wide angle image of a green turtle sitting on the reef at Sipadan Island in Malaysia. I really liked the angle at which Sean took the picture (below the subject and shooting upwards), the reef looks healthy and there’s lots going on in the background including clouds and sunshine. Well done Sean, I hope to see more of your images in 2016.
I would like to give a huge thank you to Mares for providing the superb prize, not forgetting Scuba Travel and Vivid-Pix for the monthly donations. I’m sure 2016 is going to be bigger and better. Judging by the amount of entries in January’s competition I’m going to have my work cut out!
You can enter Scubaverse.com’s Photo of the Month Contest here. The contest generally runs from the 5th to the 25th of each month.
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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