Visions in the Sea is a festival of underwater photography being held in Manchester, England in November. There is a fantastic line-up of presentations, in-water tuition, a competition, exhibition and gala dinner. The whole event is in aid of the Shark Trust. This exciting weekend is being hosted by Frogfish Photography and Ocean Optics.

There will be presentation by internationally renowned underwater photographers on both days with the guest speakers including: Cathy Church, Paul “Duxy” Duxfield, Martin Edge, Charlie Hood, Maria Munn, Alex Mustard, Jukka Nurminen, Tom Peschak, Peter Scoones and Steve Warren.

On Sunday afternoon delegates will have the opportunity to get some in-water tuition in the Manchester Aquatics Centre from some of these experts. This 5m deep pool will be transformed into an underwater world with reef, wreck, marine life of all sorts and model divers for the participants to practice their newly learnt photographic skills.

The festival is being sponsored by Cameras Underwater, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Dive Quest and Emperor Divers. Their support has enabled Visions in the Sea to offer all divers and underwater photographers the chance to improve their underwater photography, attend an event that will raise money for an important charity, raise awareness of the underwater environment, participate in educational presentations and attend a wonderful visual feast.

On Friday 6th November the Shark Trust (along with the Frogfish team and Ocean Optics) will be visiting a school and inviting other school children in the area to join in on an education day. This will give local children the opportunity to learn more about sharks and their habitat and for them to take part in art projects, talks and workshops throughout the day.

Saturday evening is time for everyone to let their hair down at the Visions Gala Dinner in aid of the Shark Trust. This will coincide with the 5th anniversary of Orca Divers who have organized an auction of prints from some of the world’s best underwater photographers, followed by an after dinner speaker and live music.

Visions in the Sea will host a free exhibition open to the public with stands by Ocean Optics, Frogfish Photography, BSOUP, NUPG, Shark Trust, our sponsors and guest speakers. The public will be able to view the finalists from the Visions in the Sea International Underwater Photography Competition. The total value of prizes exceeding £9000! The competition will be judged by our guest speakers over the festival weekend. Best in Show will win a Worldwide Dive and Sail live-aboard trip. Other classes include Suunto British Open and Mares Young Photographer of the Year. Additional prizes have been generously offered by: Apeks, Beaver, Blandford Sub-Aqua, Inon, Lumb Brothers, O’Neill, Sea&Sea, Sport Diver and Typhoon.

All the details about this fantastic event can be found at www.visionsinthesea.com Tickets for the presentations and dinner can be bought online and competition entry forms can also be downloaded from the site (deadline 30th September). Please contact us on +44 (0) 161 718 3118 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Visions in the Sea
7-8 November 2009
The City Inn, Aquatics Centre, The Palace
Manchester, England