CONTEST SPONSORS

JUDGES

Eric Cheng is the Editor of Wetpixel.com, and is rapidly becoming known around the world for his expertise in digital imaging. He has authored many web journals documenting his trips around the world, and has been published in numerous publications, both in print and on the web. In 2003, Eric was awarded a prestigious Antibes Festival award for his work with Wetpixel.com, the Antibes underwater imaging web site of the year, and in 2005, he won a category in the prestigious Nature's Best Magazine photo competition, which will place some of his work in the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. Eric also leads trips and has given workshops and seminars at DEMA, SeaSpace, Digital Shootouts, and the Boston Sea Rovers Clinic. More about Eric at http://echeng.com.

Stephen Frink is the world's most frequently published underwater photographer with editorial work appearing in Scuba Diving for whom he is Director of Photography and writes a monthly column on underwater photo trends and techniques. His work has also been published in a wide variety of general interest publications such as Natural History, Outside, Time, Newsweek, Islands, Travel and Leisure, Esquire, Fortune, Money, as well as numerous National Geographic publications. Frink has authored a coffee table book entitled Wonders Of The Reef, and teaches the Stephen Frink School of Underwater Photography in his home waters of Key Largo, Florida. Frink wrote a textbook for Nikon, The Nikonos System, and other books to which Frink was a major contributor include Underwater Paradise and Great Coral Reefs.

Clients for assignment photography over the past 22 years have included Nikon, Aqua Lung, Victoria's Secret, Mercury Marine, Jantzen, Dacor, R.J. Reynolds, Sea Quest, Henderson Aquatics, Club Med, major ad agencies, and scores of resorts and live-aboard dive boats throughout the world. Rolex Watch Company has also engaged Frink for product endorsement. More about Stephen at http://stephenfrink.com.

Dr Alexander Mustard is both a marine scientist and also a part of a 'new wave' of up-and coming young underwater photographers who have challenged our perceptions of what we see underwater, Alex has won many awards for his photography including being a multiple winner in both the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and World Festival of Underwater Photography in Antibes, France. Although increasingly dedicating more of his time to photography, Alex remains active scientifically continuing to publish papers, including, in 2005, in the prestigious journal Nature. His new book "The Art Of Diving", a collaboration with author Nick Hanna, is not just a photo collection but is an exploration of why we love to dive, and has been described by David Doubilet as "the best book about diving since Jacques Cousteau's The Silent World." He is founder of the Young Underwater Photographer's Group, the Digital Officer for the British Society of Underwater Photographers and a Co-Administrator of Wetpixel.com. More about Alex at http://amustard.com.

Berkley White is a leading expert in the field of underwater photography and digital image processing. As a professional photographer and instructor, he shares his in-field photographic techniques and digital methods through a series of select travel events each year. Berkley is the founder of Backscatter in Monterey, California, the largest specialty underwater photographic supplier in the US, and is the organizer of international photographic events such as the Digital Shootout. More about Berkley at http://backscatter.com

Other Information

If you aren't a member of Wetpixel.com or DivePhotoGuide.com, consider joining now!

Wetpixel.com is dedicated to providing the latest information on digital underwater photography and imaging. In 2003, Wetpixel.com were awarded the prestigious Antibes Festival prize for Best Website, and in 2005, Scuba Diving Magazine dubbed Wetpixel.com the Editor's Choice for Best Dive-Related Website. Our community of over 4,000 underwater photographers span the globe, living in more than 25 different countries and travelling to many more. We would love to have you join our community! You may also elect to join the Wetpixel.com mailing list for future announcements about photo contests, community events, and Wetpixel underwater photography expeditions!

DivePhotoGuide.com is a new resource for underwater photographers and videographers of all levels. The main feature is the world's most comprehensive global directory of dive operators, complete with criteria such as the size of the rinse tanks, presence of camera tables, charging stations and almost 100 other criteria. DivePhotoGuide.com also provides centralized calendars of all the competitions and festivals around the world, pro photo galleries, and breaking news. Come on by and check us out. Help 'kick the tires' and shape a new resource for the community!

Our world-Underwater is celebrating 36 years and being one of the largest consumer dive shows in the US. OW-U offers the public an opportunity to meet industry professionals. A chance for the non-diver to try scuba. A great way to kick off the diving season. People local and two and three states away come to OW-U for the weekend. The weekend is full of educational workshops, seminars, film festivals and manufacturers repair clinics. OUR WORLD-UNDERWATER host two huge film festivals, one Friday night and another Saturday evening. Many industry professional got their start at these festivals. There are over 200 booths for people to enjoy, displaying many travel destinations, equipment manufacturers and Midwest dive centers. OW-U is a great place to spend a weekend.

Wetpixel and DivePhotoGuide.com would to thank our generous sponsors. Without their support, this photo contest would not be possible.