News
Scubaverse UWP Winners Gallery: Sagi Maayan
Each month we give the winner of the Scubaverse Underwater Photography competition the opportunity to show off a little more of their work in a gallery. The November winner was Sagi Maayan and you can see his winning image at the top of this page.
My name is Sagi Maayan, I live in a small village in Israel, close to the Mediterranean Sea coast. I am a marine biologist specializes in the reproduction process of Koi fish. As one who lives in Israel I am lucky enough to be able to reach various dive sites, in the Mediterranean Sea as well as in the red sea. I usually prefer diving in the red sea, as marine life there offers more variety, and sea conditions are better. I was lucky to participate in the Red sea diving festival photography contest that took place in March 2020 (right before COVID-19 entered our lives), and won first place for Macro category. Additionally, my submitted photo was announced as “best of show”. I am very thankful for my home’s proximity to beautiful diving sites, and very much inspired by the amazing most northern coral reef I dive in.
How did your underwater photography start?
My passion about underwater photography started in 2008. I was travelling for about 8 mounts in south America. The last part of the trip was spent in the Bahama’s, where my parents joined me. They brought along a simple underwater camera, which I was curious to try. We are a family of divers, therefore most of our time spent diving. As I have realized I could capture amazing moments by this simple camera I have decided to learn more.
What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
My advice is to go step by step: begin only with a camera and then add additional equipment such as strobes, flashlights, various lenses, etc. Additionally, learn from more experienced photographers, be inspired by them, and evolve from there.
Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
My favourite diving location is “The restaurant” diving site in Eilat, Red sea. This location is full of many and various small organisms waiting to be photographed. It is a great place for Macro shooting.
What do you look for when you are making your images?
Initially I look for a special phenomenon or organism. Then I try to capture it in the most suitable composition and lighting conditions.
What motivates you to take u/w photos?
As I focus mainly on Macro shooting, when searching for objects to be photographed I often find phenomena or organisms that I haven’t seen before. Being exposed to interesting new mysteries of marine life motivates me to “stand” behind the lens.
To enter the latest Scubaverse Underwater Photography competition, with a chance to win some great prizes as well as have your own gallery published, head over to the competition page and upload up to three images.
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
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
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DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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