News
Close-up Photographer of the Year is open for entries
The search is on to find the next winner of Close-up Photographer of the Year, in association with Affinity Photo. Photographers have until 23 May 2021 to enter the competition and be in with a chance of winning a cash prize of £2,500.
Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) is an annual competition showcasing the best close-up, macro and micro photography from around the world.
A new Underwater category (sponsored by SEACAM) has been added this year to reflect the quality of entries in this genre from previous years. Images of underwater flora and fauna will be accepted in this category and will be judged by diving legends David Doubilet, Jennifer Hayes, Darren Jew and Nadia Aly.
Galice Hoarau won the overall prize last year with his picture of an eel larva taken during a blackwater dive off the coast of Indonesia.
This year the total prize fund has been boosted to £5,300, with the overall winner receiving £2,500 in cash (plus a trophy) and each category winner taking home £300 in cash, with the exception of Young Close-up Photographer of the Year 03 who will receive a SIGMA 105mm f2.8 DG DN MACRO Art lens (worth £700) USB Dock (and a trophy).
The competition is open to everyone, using any type of camera, phone or light microscope. To find out more visit www.cupoty.com.
There are nine categories in all: Animals (supported by Affinity Photo), Insects (supported by Zerene Stacker), Butterflies & Dragonflies (new for 2021 and supported by Olympus), Underwater (new for 2021 and supported by Seacam), Plants & Fungi (supported by Novoflex and SpeedGraphic), Intimate Landscape, Manmade and Micro (supported by Motic), as well as Young CUPOTY (supported by SIGMA) for entrants aged 17 or under.
Last year the competition attracted more than 6,500 entries, from 52 countries. All of the winning and shortlisted entries for CUPOTY 02 can be seen at www.cupoty.com/winners-02.
Header Photo: © Mathieu Foulquie-Bufo bufo-CUPOTY
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
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.
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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