WINNER CHOSEN AND REVIEW BY SCUBAVERSE.COM’S EDITOR-AT-LARGE AND RESIDENT UNDERWATER VIDEOGRAPHY EXPERT JEFF GOODMAN

Winner: Sharkydelity by Fredi

Winning Video:

Such good films this month. It took me a while to decide on the winner. I had to watch them all twice. But in the end my choice was Sharkydelity by Fredi. You can seen my comments on this film as well as all the others below.

If you are keen to advance in your film making skills, don’t forget to look at my book https://www.divedup.com/shop/action-camera-underwater-video-basics-the-essential-guide-to-making-underwater-films/

Time to breath by Maria Bereozka

Yep!  Love it. So relaxing to watch and I really feel a bond with Turtle. Good camerawork.

Sharkydelity by Fredi

Lovely written intro thanks. Adds so much to the actual film. It’s a great story and stunning images.

A perfect blend of aerial, land and underwater sequences. Your music choice was perfect as was your camera work and lighting which gave wonderful clear, steady, sharp, well exposed and beautiful framed images. I liked your creativity with the editing, especially where you made the most of the music phrases.

Point of view by Maria Bereozka

The written intro was obviously heart felt and moving. It is so good to set up a video in this way. Once again it is your narration combined with your artistic skills and imagination that make your videos so unique.

Underwater Red Sea paradise by Maria Bereozka

Nice feel to the video which was well complimented by the music. My only suggestion is that for general reef shots you try some way to hold the camera steady. It’s not so important with moving subjects like the ray but when there is just coral and background fish the camera must be as steady as possible.

Banda Sea, Seram Sea and Raja Ampat by Daniel French

Sounds like a fantastic trip from your write-up. The on-screen identification captions work really well.  I like the slow motion throughout. The slow steady tracking shots and the slow animal movements. It creates a very peaceful feel and the music is perfect.  Great camera work and lighting. I also like your camera angle perspective on subjects where you get below the animals.

Maldives Far North Expedition with MantaTrust by ondrejv

Good written intro thanks. I liked the personal on-screen introduction. Wonderful shots of the mantas. What amazing animals they are. Having gone this far though with the shooting and editing I would have loved to have had some information on what you learned about the Mantas especially as you were with the Manta Trust.

Calm Indian ocean by ondrejv

Stunning opening shot of the Sweetlips. Fabulously sharp and well lit. You have captured some excellent wildlife images and the music fits really well. Loved the turtle turning to look at you.

The December competition is now open for entries. You can enter up to three videos by clicking here.

WINNER CHOSEN AND REVIEW BY SCUBAVERSE.COM’S EDITOR-AT-LARGE AND RESIDENT UNDERWATER VIDEOGRAPHY EXPERT JEFF GOODMAN

Winner: I meet Ray or Shark during scuba diving in Gordon Reef, Tiran island?! by Maria Bereozka

Winning Video:

Not many people realise just how hard it is to make an underwater video. They have little concept of how much work and effort goes into each and every film. Well I do and I can see it in full evidence month after month, year after year in these competitions and so I thank you for taking the time to share.

Critter Capital of the Caribbean by Scuba Hank NYC

Lovely images with great camera work and lighting. I did notice however that a few of the sections were not sharp. Sometimes this can be got away with if they are a crucial part of a gripping story, but as these are part of a collection of ID shots then they do stand out. I know it can be tempting to put in hard earned images even if they are a little soft, but my advice is don’t., they discredit the rest  of the film. I liked the on-screen ID graphics and I thought the music choice was just right.

Tiran island. Coral garden by Maria Bereozka

Nice opening surface sequence both visually and sound wise. It’s so good to show free-divers and snorkellers just what you can do on shallow reefs. Nice music and a real feel-good energy to the film.

Freediving with eagle rays. Best moments by Maria Bereozka

Such a good way to dive with rays. Nicely with with long developing shots. Very steady camera work. Love the long shots that develop into close-ups which gives the audience time to get to know the animal. Good music.

I meet Ray or Shark during scuba diving in Gordon Reef, Tiran island?! by Maria Bereozka

Well done for creating this story. It was interesting as well as well presented. I love the simplicity and personalization of your narration. The Guitar Shark was fantastic. You make all your films so relaxing to watch.

The November competition is now open for entries. You can enter up to three videos by clicking here.