News
Stunning Underwater Images to feature in Outdoor Photographer of the Year: Portfolio III
The Outdoor Photographer of the Year has once again featured incredible images from the underwater world in the “Under Exposed” category. The book of the very best entries of the year will be available in March, but we have a sneak preview of some of the underwater images that will be featured.
Under Exposed Category Winner: Saeed Rashid (United Kingdom) Sohal surgeonfish, Fury Shoals, Red Sea, Egypt
“In the summer months, sohal surgeonfish tend to mate and lay eggs on the top of the reefs in the Red Sea. They fiercely defend their egg patch and rush upon anything that invades that area. They will often swipe their tail, which has a bony protrusion sticking from it that can be as sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, towards the intruder. Because of this you need to make sure you don’t get too close as a photographer’s hands make a very easy target and often get cut.”
Judge, Fergus Kennedy had the following to say about Saeed’s winning image “Saeed’s image shows beautiful use of the low-angled sunlight and fill flash from the strobes. These surgeonfish live in very shallow water and move fast, making them a tricky subject to photograph well. With the standard of entries in the Under Exposed category higher than ever, the judges had a challenging but enjoyable task on the hands. The images showcased both the remarkable variety of photographic opportunities to be found beneath the water’s surface and the creativity of today’s top underwater photographers.”
Here are a few more of the stunning image to whet your appetite, from tiny snails to the largest fish in the sea.
Under Exposed finalist: Andy Tibbetts (United Kingdom) Violet sea snails, Isle of Eigg, Scotland.
“These amazing creatures spend their lives suspended under the sea’s surface from a raft of bubbles. They occur mainly in the tropics, but can travel large distances on ocean currents. These individuals had possibly come several thousand miles to the somewhat cooler waters of the Hebrides, only to be washed up in Laig Bay on the Isle of Eigg, where they were found by one of the islanders. I put them in a pint glass of seawater and photographed them up against the white walls of the local teashop, before returning them to the sea.”
Under Exposed finalist: Ibrahim Roushdi (United Kingdom) Whale shark, Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
“Every year, whale sharks congregate off the coast of Isla Mujeres in Mexico to feed on bonito spawn. On a remarkably calm day the sun’s rays were forming beautiful spotlights and it was a case of waiting for a whale shark to come up towards the surface ready to ‘bottle’ and then getting into a position so it was framed by the light.”
Under Exposed finalist: Pekka Tuuri (Finland) Great white shark, Isla Guadalupe, Mexico.
“Isla Guadalupe is the world capital when it comes to observing great white sharks, but cage diving seriously limits the possibilities to take ‘fresh’ pictures. When I took this, the water close to the surface was quite milky, making photography very challenging. From out of the ‘mist’, I saw this great white shark lurking behind a school of fusiliers. I quickly focused on the shark and set a wide aperture to get focus blur on the fish, along with a fast shutter to avoid excessive motion blur. No flash was used and that was 5 key to getting this picture.”
The competition has partnered with legendary outdoor gear manufacturer Fjällräven, and the lucky Overall Winner has the opportunity to assemble – with expert assistance – their dream collection of Fjällräven kit. He or she will receive a £3,000 Fjällräven Award to get equipment, garments and accessories to enhance their outdoor photography experience. The Runner-Up will receive a £1,000 Fjällräven Award and the Category Winners have all won £200 plus a superb Fjällräven Kaipak 38 daypack, worth £170.
The Overall Winner and Runner-Up of the competition – chosen from the category winners – will be announced live on stage at The Photography Show at the NEC, Birmingham on Saturday 17th March 2018 at 2.50pm. Photography fans can find out more and see the rest of the winners at www.opoty.co.uk.
The book Outdoor Photographer of the Year: Portfolio III will collect over 150 photos entered into the competition and be published by Ammonite Press in March, RRP £25.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced