On 2005 I’ve participated in the first competition, back then rather small with about 70 photographers, and did much better then expected.
2006 was not very successful on my side, and while planning to attend the 2007 event, I eventually had to call it off due to work.

For the 2008 Epson red sea underwater photography competition I have arrived as ready as can be- armed with my old and dependable Olympus C-8080 and a matching PT-023 underwater case, as well as a good friend as my dive buddy.
This is still a challenge which is in principle over my skills, as I registered for the professional category facing around 150 underwater photographer from Israel and all over the world, some definitely top level and highly experienced . From past lessons though, not only that the results can sometimes be surprising- this is simply the best underwater photography school you can ever find, and I still have much to learn.

Starting November 11th (tomorrow), I will keep daily updates with some impressions from the events- results will be published on Saturday evening, November 15th.

Check out The wide lens for daily updated and get more details at the official competition website.

Day 1 summary is here.

The rules were simple- three days, do whatever you want with a camera as long as your are submerged. We had to submit a series of 5 Images and one single image.

At the end of a 105 minute dive, long and shallow to enjoy good lighting and plenty of opportunities, I was already cold, tired and hungry. My only wish was to get dry and have a hot cup of coffee. On my way out, about 10 meters from the shoreline, I was passing by this fence. Took a snapshot, and went out.

Other photographers have pushed me to include this one in my series, and while I didn’t have any special sentiments towards it, I took the recommendation.

Luckily enough- it was a good one. I won a “surprise” category titled “Judges favorite”. Beginners luck? maybe. It only proves how intuition and a good timing can beat the competition.

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The Sandisk Red Sea competition, in which photographers attend in a 3 day shoot-out making the best of their abilities to produce great underwater photography, is a true international happening, and a recommended experience to anyone who can participate or just drop by for a quick impression.

I’ve spend the last weekend underwater, shaking off some rust from my scuba gear, and starting to warm up for the contest- which I hope to report about regularly from, stay tuned!

For now, here are some fresh samples- some small fish hiding in a coral, A delicate coral “table” and a pair of Clown fish (yes, like Nemo), defending their residence…

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge more photographs:

All Images taken using an Olympus C-8080 and a matching PT-023 case.Got your own interesting photo and story? Post it on The Wide Lens !