News
Stunning images awarded in DEEP Indonesia 2019 Underwater Photo Contest
Underwater photographers from around the globe submitted their amazing images to the 2019 DEEP Indonesia contest. The expert judging panel had a really tough time selecting their shortlists and ultimately, the winners. Organizers Wetpixel and DivePhotoGuide would like to offer huge congratulations to Grant Thomas for his very beautiful over-under image from Papua New Guinea that was the overall winner, and to all of those with images among the placings.
“All the submitted pictures were stunning, but those placed in each category are simply amazing. Please pour a glass of your favorite beverage, turn up some soulful music and enjoy the full collection. They represent some of the finest images that have been produced by underwater photographers over the past few years.”
The judges have also kindly added comments about the winning images for each category. For those planning to enter competitions, these notes are essential reading!
Overall winner and winner Over-Under category
“Papuan Sunset” by Grant Thomas
Judges’ Comments:
Aaron Wong: I like this shot because it shows the photographer not only had a good idea of what he wanted to shoot but also had a good understanding and control of light.
Adam Hanlon: Beautifully composed elements that combine to emphasize the beauty of the scene, both above and under the water. A shining example of how an over and under should be done.
Andrew Marriot: Over under, evenly lit, great composition, and all in focus. I’d put this on my wall.
Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock: This image blew us away when we first saw it in the over/under category. We know how difficult it is to get so many factors aligned to create such an image. Environmental conditions with no wind and flat water, a cooperative secondary element (the canoe), the sunset, the foreground lighting and the placement of the camera all had to come together to create this image. This image is constructed to lead the viewer’s eye through the photograph’s near, middle and far elements. It speaks to us on a deep emotional level. This image was not taken it was created!
Christian Vizl: Flawless use of half and half technique combined with a very artistic eye that chose the right angle from the right place at the precise right moment. Everything comes together in a beautiful way that leaves you with such a warmth feeling.
Winner Animal Portrait category
“Fly High” by Nicholas Samaras
Judges’ Comments:
Aaron Wong: This is a rather interesting perspective of a ray that is not often seen. It also manages to capture the amazing colors of the moment.
Adam Hanlon: Part sea creature, part film set alien creature. The ray’s other worldliness is exaggerated by the bizarre color palette. A unique image, very cleverly captured.
Andrew Marriot: Hands down one of the most original portraits I’ve ever seen. Love it!
Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock: Having a ray swim overhead is not something that happens every day (well maybe in Grand Cayman), so this factor alone makes the image interesting. The ray’s color palette with it’s expressive “facial” gesture and the sunburst make this photograph special. Lighting, framing, motion are all captured here in this stunning image.
Christian Vizl: it´s such a unique shot, the combination of colors of the ray and the water and sky are incredibly beautiful. The technique is impeccable with an outstanding exposure of the sky and the use of flash for the belly and the mouth.
Winner Animal Behaviour category
New Life” by Jinggong Zhang
Judges’ Comments:
Aaron Wong: While the lighting itself isn’t the best, just waiting for the moment itself is the prize of this shot.
Adam Hanlon: The epitome of a behavior shot! Perhaps not technically perfect but an amazing moment, perfectly timed at the peak of the action.
Andrew Marriot: The best “moment” picture I’ve seen, maybe ever.
Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock: We’ve observed and photographed many seahorses throughout our career but we have never been fortunate to witness birthing. Of course this event could have “happened” just as the photographer arrived but that is doubtful. We know how valuable patience is in an image maker’s workflow. Oft times multiple dives, with 99% of the time spent waiting patiently but prepared, is usually required to capture behavior in nature. We also appreciated the fact that this image is created with the main subject off-center, which allows space for the young seahorses to move into and through the photograph’s frame.
Christian Vizl: The timing is so perfect and combined with a great lightning technique, creates a memorable shot of one of life´s most tender moments!
Winner Divers category
The Underwater Photographer” by Henley Spiers
Judges’ Comments:
Aaron Wong: I always say that ‘less is more’ and ‘simplicity is a complicated process’, especially in underwater photography. So I love this shot for it’s sheer simplicity.
Adam Hanlon: The combination of very strong graphic elements (fish, fins, diver’s pose) and the simplicity of the high key mono processing create a striking dynamic and memorable image.
Andrew Marriot: One of the all time great diver shots ever. Hard to make B&W work underwater, and this one rocks it!
Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock: This image is very graphic, which is accentuated by presenting the image in b&w. The diver’s fin position adds to the drama.
Christian Vizl: Pure creativity! I just love the high contrast black and white that combined with an artistic eye and a strong sense of composition and balance creates a surreal image of an activity we all love so much!
Winner Reefscapes category
“Burst” by Tyler Schiffman
Judges’ Comments:
Aaron Wong: A big part of photography to me is the art of telling a story. This sea lion within it’s kelp forest home with beautiful sun rays does exactly that.
Adam Hanlon: Using the kelp to frame the sea lion and the sunburst creates an intimacy that makes the viewer feel they are observing via a window rather than an image. A simple scene, beautifully and thoughtfully captured.
Andrew Marriot: Great shot, showing that you don’t always need a tropical coral reef to make an amazing image.
Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock: This photograph is beautifully constructed, without the kelp framing the sea lion; we would not be commenting about this image. The sunburst adds a sensational element and the lone sea lion is perfectly situated within the canvas of the image. Well done!
Christian Vizl: A classic and timeless combination of two highly photogenic subjects; kelp and sea lion. Beautiful composition that creates an open door, a first class seat for us to submerge in one of natures most beautiful scenes as the sun penetrates the ocean through the kelp, revealing the silhouette of the sea lion.
Winner Compact Camera category
“Sad Sad Goby” by Ipah Uid
Judges’ Comments:
Aaron Wong: These gobys are a rather shy bunch. So to capture one with such shallow depth of field with the clever use of colored lights is a really good effort.
Adam Hanlon: Using colored lighting to create a vibrant frame for the goby puts “new life” into a common subject. A very well made creative decision.
Andrew Marriot: Amazing sharpness and creativity. Great take on a traditional subject.
Christian Vizl: Gobys are so interesting and beautiful subjects by themselves, but when combined with another interesting element, the explosion of color is irresistible.
To see more please visit the website by clicking here.
Blogs
Join Pharaoh Dive Club for Red Sea Splash Family Summer Camp in August 2024
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
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Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
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This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Blogs
Meet Pure Dive Resort: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Diving in Bali, Indonesia
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
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As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.
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info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
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