News
Ocean Art Announces the Winners of a Special “Safe Under the Sea” Underwater Photo Contest
The prestigious Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition, organized by the Underwater Photography Guide, has announced the winners of a special Ocean Art “Safe Under the Sea” underwater photography contest.
Portrait 1st Place – Jacopo Brunetti
Despite the adversity we all face today, the “Safe Under the Sea” contest has been a way to bring people from around the world together to dust off old hard drives, share the beauty of our oceans, and help aid the WHO and CDC Foundation in their fight to improve the health of the planet and its people. These photos showcase some incredible perspectives in a time when perspective is key. Although it was a smaller, mid-year competition, the selection of winning photographs has been no less powerful.
Winning photos can be seen at the Underwater Photography Guide at www.uwphotographyguide.com/ocean-art-safe-under-the-seawinners
The judging for Ocean Art “Safe Under the Sea” was carried out a little differently this time. The staff of the Underwater Photography Guide were given the honor of selecting the best images from a very competitive field. It was no easy task. The Best of Show winning image conveys a special message of hope for the future of our planet’s unique biodiversity.
Best of Show – Edwar Herreno
The photo, “Releasing Hope”, captured by accomplished photographer Edwar Herreno, shows marine biologist, Eduardo Espinosa, releasing a tagged hammerhead pup in order to study a unique shark nursery. It is efforts like this that will allow underwater photographers to continue to produce amazing images for years to come.
Cold Water 1st Place – Joanna Smart
Other extraordinary winning images include raw, dramatic underwater moments with magnificent creatures, rare marine life behavior, stunning portraits of miniature worlds, curious pinnipeds, eerie shipwrecks, strange critters, and many photos that showcase the prevailing beauty of our underwater world. The judges evaluated thousands of entries from 79 countries before selecting the final set of images as Ocean Art winners.
Macro 1st Place – Lars Michaelis
Ocean Art would like to extend a special, heartfelt thanks to the sponsors of the “Safe Under the Sea” competition. Given the current economic climate, sponsoring the competition speaks to these organizations’ dedication to underwater photographers around the world.
Top prizes included more than a few gift certificates from Bluewater Photo and Bluewater Travel, a $500 gift certificate as well as an Ikelite DS161 strobe from Ikelite, the new Paralenz Vaquita dive camera from Paralenz, a 5 day dive package with AquaMarine Diving Bali and the Watergarden Hotel, a Sea Dragon 3000F Auto Photo/Video light from Sealife, and a trip for one at Atlantis Dive Resorts! Twelve different categories ensured a competitive contest for all levels and disciplines of underwater photography.
Wide-Angle 1st Place – Paul Cox
The quality of in this competition was just exceptional, and it is just a sneak peak of the biggest underwater photography contest of the year – Ocean Art 2020 (to be announced in September, 2020). As a result of everyone’s efforts, the Underwater Photography Guide was able to donate 25% of the proceeds, translating to thousands of dollars, to the WHO and CDC in their fight against Covid-19. Bluewater Photo and Travel owner and Underwater Photography Guide publisher, Scott Gietler commented, “The images from this special competition, especially the winning conservation image, represent hope. Hope for our oceans, hope for our travel & dive industries ravaged by Coronavirus, and hope that our nations can come together.”
For more information about Underwater Photography Guide please visit the website by clicking here.
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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