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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.
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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