News
Announcing the winner of Scubaverse.com’s Photo of the Year 2019
This year, Scubaverse.com’s Underwater Photography Editor Nick Robertson-Brown is joined by UK-based Tour Operator Scuba Travel’s resident Underwater Photo Pro Mario Vitalini to choose a winner of our Photo of the Year award. Nick and Mario had a tough job on their hands to pick an overall champion for 2019; the winners of the monthly contest provided 12 fantastic images to select from, including marine life big and small, wrecks, images using advanced photo techniques, and examples of animal behaviour. But after much deliberation, and in reverse order….
3rd Place
November’s winner: Face to Face by François Baelen
Judge’s Comments
Nick: “This wide-angle shot really captures the best of underwater moments. The image of the whale, head-on, is amazing but the reflection on the surface creates a great composition.”
Mario: “This pic caught my eye straight away. The sharpness and contrast are incredible but the reflection, in my opinion, is what makes the image.
Even not having eye contact, the fact that the subject is clearly swimming towards the camera makes it. My only comment is the second whale hanging behind. A bit more separation would be ideal.”
2nd Place
June’s winner: The Rider by Alex Permiakov
Judge’s Comments
Nick: “It is the contrast of light and shadows, with the subject standing out amongst the structures of the nudibranch, that make this image so powerful.”
Mario: “For me, this image is all about the lighting. I love the slight backlight brings out the texture of the Nudi gills but at the same time light the shrimp nicely. The sharpness of the eyes is incredible and the whole image works very well.”
1st Place
April’s winner: Red Carpet by Glenn Valenzona
Judge’s Comments
Nick: “When I first looked at this image, I was blown away by the contrast of colour and light. There is a sense of movement from the spiraling body form. It really is a great shot.”
Mario: “I love the movement and fluidity of the subject as well as the beautiful lighting technique. The way the photographer lit the edges of the flatworm, bringing out the texture is incredible. I particularly like the way the face was brought out by a splash of light on the underside of the subject.”
Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and runners-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2019. We hope to see plenty more of your images in 2020!
Prizes include Mares diving equipment and travel vouchers from Scuba Travel!
For your chance to win the 2020 title, you simply need to enter your images each month here:
www.scubaverse.com/current-contest-photo
Good Luck!
Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to our Photo of the Year’s sponsors, Mares and Scuba Travel.
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We’re thrilled to announce the final addition to our new Scubaverse Underwater Photography Team: multi-award-winning underwater filmmaker and photographer Jacob Guy.
Like Shannon Moran, who we announced as one of our new underwater photography team members yesterday, Jacob represents the next generation of underwater image-makers, bringing fresh energy and a seriously impressive set of credentials to the team. A Fourth Element ambassador, teacher at The Underwater Club, and co-founder of 71%, Jacob is passionate about conservation and natural history storytelling, using his lens to inspire a deeper connection to the ocean.
Jacob has filmed and self-produced award-winning documentaries and worked as a photo and video pro in Lembeh and on liveaboards throughout Indonesia. Most recently, he was named Young Ocean Photographer of the Year, further cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting emerging talents in underwater media today.
You may already be familiar with his compelling work across social media, where he shares his ocean adventures via @JacobGuy.media.
“I’m really excited to be joining the team at Scubaverse,” said Jacob.
“And I couldn’t be happier to have him onboard,” said Scubaverse founder, Dave Alexander. “Jacob is part of a bold new wave of underwater storytellers—and I’m delighted that Scubaverse can be part of his journey as he continues to make waves in the world of diving and underwater photography.”
We can’t wait to share with you what our new underwater photography team cook up—there’s a lot of exciting stuff on the horizon, so stay tuned!
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