News
The semi-annual underwater video competition at Red Sea Diving Safari
Twice a year Red Sea Diving Safari run a video competition for all of their guests with the prize for each winner being a free stay at one of the RSDS villages. The competition is open to any video shot while staying with RSDS. Scubaverse’s Underwater Videography editor Jeff Goodman, one of the judges, runs RSDS’ video workshops and has donated to the winning entrant a copy of his book ‘A guide to Underwater Wildlife Video & Editing’.
Details of this competition and further events can be seen on the RSDS website.
Jeff praised the entrants for all their hard work:
“Congratulations to all entrants. This has been the highest overall standard so far and I have enjoyed watching all the videos. It’s great to see people getting so much out of interacting with our marine environment and being able to capture magic moments on camera to share with others.
As with all competitions, there has to be a winner (but no losers). It was difficult to pin this down to one entry but in the end the film that stood out more than any other was by Volker Staub. The music and pace of images worked perfectly together creating a magical, dreamlike quality to the video that portrayed a new feel to our underwater world.
I have commented on each individual entry below in the order they appear on the Red Sea Diving Safari website, but would urge each entrant to look at all the comments and not just their own.
***WINNER*** “Wadi Lahami, 2 to 4 August 2014” by Volker Staub
[youtube id=”Mb4OpP-MBqo” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Well, that was different and I loved it. Quite surreal and artistic. Long steady slow shots with spellbinding music gave the whole video a dreamlike quality that kept me engaged all through the 7 minutes. It worked for me. Any other type of music would not have done the same job. Here is a perfect example of just how important music is.
“Red Sea Diving Safari” by Gery Beeckmans
[youtube id=”CjZWWKvMRKY” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Really nice film with good steady shots and tracks. The images were all sharp and well composed. You obviously put a lot of thought and time into this.
Great Dolphin beginning and the music created a good atmosphere. Then coming to the wreck, it was interesting to get some information on the screen about her but perhaps a little more would have been desirable. Moody music with this section. It created a feeling of total desolation and loss which worked well if that was the intention. The following reef shots were very nice but for me the music was the wrong choice. It was too powerful and dramatic for pictures that had no dramatic action. Music is such an important part to any film and needs to reflect a mood or enhance what is happening on screen.
Having said that, the images were shot with good lighting and composition. Also good steady close ups on the reef. Having now produced such a nice film, try to go to the next stage and get animal behaviour as well as the portrait snapshots. All in all great film. Well done.
“Dugong” by Evert Hageman
[youtube id=”kxkhVVuVoNI” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
What a treat. Such great behaviour from the dugong and well done for capturing it. I was wondering what camera you were using as the exposure kept flashing. I would think the exposure was on automatic which was causing the fluctuations. See if there is a manual override so you have more control.
The entire film was one single shot and that worked really well. The sound of the diver bubbles was nice and so didn’t really need any music. Try looking at how to do a few titles. Hope you have more such encounters.
“Diving at Marsa Shagra with Red Sea Diving Safari” by Willem van den Broeck
[youtube id=”d9OPX2KRU9g” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Great film, well done. I liked the intro with the resort and divers and good choice of music to go with it. Easy pace to the film with interesting story line which took the viewer into the water. Nice change of pace with shots as well as music. All shots were steady, sharp and with good exposure.
The night dive created a new feel to the film and change of pace with new music. The huge number of different species kept me interested right through. Finally I was pleased to see the Bedouins when the video returned to land for the closing section.
“Marsa Shagra 2014” by Marcel Bitten
[youtube id=”_2XO97-ZkUU” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Good film with very good choice of music to enhance the images. All in all very interesting composition with sharp and steady pictures. There were some interesting colours throughout and if this was not intentional then I would suggest having a look at and learning a little about colour balance. Loved the turtle ending.
“Marsa Shagra Nov 2014” by Keith Sheldon
[youtube id=”IZQ-0xZKaRI” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Nice opening shot with the sunrise and then good mood music with excellent underwater images. Great variety of species as well as shots including the close ups which were well lit. All sharp and steady. I liked the sound mix of music with divers bubbles.
“Egypte 2014” by Sylvia Opstal
[youtube id=”qGUXFyp97No” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Looks like it was shot on a GoPro, which is an excellent camera although can be difficult at times to hold steady. I liked the opening and music which gave a good feel to the film. Throughout there was an interesting mix of moods and styles which worked well together. Looked like you had a great trip.
I always get slightly dismayed when I see videos that are over 3 or 4 minutes long as it is quite difficult to maintain a high interest level for longer. Running at 6.47 minutes I felt it was just too long, being cut to two different music tracks. Perhaps it would have been better to keep the length to just one track and only put in the very best of shots. Less is more as the saying goes. Always better to leave audiences wanting more rather than feeling they have seen too much.
“Marsa Shagra 2014” by Philippe Trojani
[youtube id=”NmZdXX8snEI” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Good opening on land and underwater with nice choice of music. Loved the diver pointing to the turtle and then the shoaling fish. All sharp with good exposure and composition. The two octopus were a real treat and well done you for holding the shot so steady. But no close up? That really would have been special. When filming wildlife try to get on the same eye level as the subject as this usually gives a better perspective. Nice film though but perhaps a little too long.
“The Coast is Clear” by Mike Jansen
[youtube id=”hGLvTGPItYA” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Pacey opening but do think about length of shots. Only keep them long if they are really interesting or you have something to say about them. Nice transition to the water. GoPro selfies can be good but once again please consider the length of shot. You obviously love your diving and are very good at it.
“Marsa Shagra June 2014” by Ahmed Helal
[youtube id=”jUbLu0NHoSM” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Lovely opening images with good music. It all had a nice pace but a few of the shots later in the film were really too dark for me see what was going on. I think you would gain a lot from exploring the possibilities of lighting with a small movie light.
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Are you interested in videography? Perhaps you’re a beginner, or maybe you just want to improve your skills. Jeff runs course in the Red Sea, Portugal and Cornwall in the UK. For more information, visit www.jeffgoodman.co.uk.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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