News
Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2019
It’s been a fantastic year for video entries and a real pleasure to see them all. There have been many different styles as well as content. In general when judging the videos I look at how each film is constructed. Was there any pre-shoot planning, are the images sharp and well framed with good exposure? Has any animal behaviour been fully explored and captured rather than a simple portrait shot? Is the lighting good and the overall colour balance consistent throughout? I look at the editing skills shown as well as the style and relevance of any accompanying music. Are there titles and is there any narrative to help tell a story? I look at all these things before looking at content. Occasionally though it comes down to the films that have left the most lasting impression that have shone through.
With so many wonderful winning films in 2019 I asked Sven Harms, V.P at Pioneer Research and SeaLife imaging equipment and Sea Dragon lighting, if he would be guest judge. He kindly agreed, and with his associate Lindsay, gave the following result:
Runner-Up
April’s winner: Fiji Island by Serge Melesan
Sven: This isn’t perfect but it is very engaging… the fire dancers are a catchy start too. The reef is full of activity with many colourful and interesting critters and fish which inspires one to call their travel agent and plan a trip there!
Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2019
March’s winner: Critters of the Muck by Dean Spraakman
Sven: We like this one the most! Lindsay said it best: “it’s got a lot of creatures doing cool things.” I have to agree! This video keeps the viewer engaged and the well-lit close ups against a dark background are almost sci-fi. It’s not perfect, but very entertaining.
The bottom line is slick editing and perfect footage don’t necessarily make the winning video; in the end it’s how interesting and exciting the captures are….
Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and runner-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2019. We hope to see plenty more of your videos in 2020!
For your chance to win the 2020 title and some great gear from Scubapro and SeaLife, you simply need to enter your videos each month here: www.scubaverse.com/current-contest-video
Good Luck!
Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to our Video of the Year’s sponsor, Scubapro.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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