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The Winning Shot: June 2019

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Winner of the Scubaverse Underwater Photography Competition – June 2019, Alex Permiakov tells us all about their winning shot…

Location

Dauin, Philippines

Equipment

  • Nikon D800
  • Nikkor 105mm
  • Nauticam housing
  • INON UCL-165 wet lens
  • Inon Z-240 Strobes
  • Retra LSD snoot

Settings: ISO160 1/250 f14

Dive Centre

Fish Unlimited Resort

The Shot

The shot was taken during the SEA (Small exotic animals) shootout in April 2019 at Dauin, Philippines. Dauin is just in 2 hours by ferry from the Panglao island, where I live. I would say it’s the frogfish capital of the Philippines, so I was shooting some nice juvenile frogfish during one of the dives. When we surfaced one of the guides told me he saw the shrimp riding the nudibranch! So, as you can guess, we spent quite some time during the second dive trying to find this nudi. And, kudos to the spotters, we succeeded!

It was quite big Nembrotha with the emperor shrimp riding it. I have spent about 20 minutes waiting for the perfect moment. There was some current and the shrimp was actively changing position which was a bit frustrating because I was using a snoot and close up lens. If you have tried that, you know what I mean! I was trying to have a frontal shot with the rhinophores and shrimp in focus, but it was nearly impossible, because most of the time the shrimp was moving by the side of nudibranch up to the gills and back, and then I realized that contrast of green/blue gills with the orange shrimp is just fascinating and focused on this combination. A few clicks after, the timing was just perfect and I got this “money shot”. It was all about having the idea of the shot in your head and waiting for the moment.


To see more of Alex’s images:

Alex says: Come and visit Panglao and the dive center I manage, so we can dive together and I can share some tips and tricks in UW photography – tropicaldivers-alona.com.

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

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BTM Travel: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Dive Adventures

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dive travel

Who We Are

BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.

  • Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
  • Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
  • Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.

While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.

dive travel


What We Do

BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:

  • Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
  • Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.

Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.


What Makes Us Different

We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.

  • Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
  • Heartfelt Advice: Our honest approach resonates with clients, building lasting relationships and unforgettable journeys.

dive travel


Our Mission

Helping divers explore the places we love is not just our job—it’s our passion. Our goal is to remain small, authentic, and dedicated to delivering exceptional dive travel experiences.


Find Out More

For more information about itineraries, destinations, and bespoke dive adventures, contact BTM Travel:

Email: marcel@behind-the-mask.com

Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225

Website: www.behind-the-mask.com/group-trips

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Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving

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socorro

Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025

Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.

Unmatched Diving in Socorro

Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.

Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie

Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.

Pricing and Availability

This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:

  • Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
  • Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person

Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.

Additional Costs:

  • Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
  • One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person

Book Now

With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.

For more information and bookings, please contact:

Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com

Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!

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