Underwater imaging retailer Bluewater Photo has announced their 2016 SoCal Shootout. It is being held from 9 to 11 September and is open for any image shot during the period from anywhere south of Pt. Conception to north of the Mexican border. The entry fee is $40 for up to 8 still images or 3 video entries. Prizes are valued at $22,000 and registration is available now online.

Press Release

Bluewater Photo’s SoCal Shootout

September 9-11th, 2016 • Over $22,000 worth of prizes

The 2016 SoCal Shootout is coming!! Bluewater Photo is excited to run this competition again, and registration is now open. This weekend long competition brings together underwater photographers of all levels throughout Southern California. Starting Friday morning and spanning through Sunday night, participants have the opportunity to shoot photos in the Pacific Ocean anywhere south of Pt. Conception to north of the Mexican border to be eligible. Continuing into its 6th year, entry for the competition is still only $40. Those interested in participating can sign up online. Entrants can enter up to 8 photos or three video entries, or a mix of the two. Please see the website for complete information and rules.

Fantastic Sponsors!

Grand prizes include Sea of Cortez liveaboard trips from the Rocio del Mar & Quino El Guardian, Gear certificates from Aquatica Digital, a 7 night stay with Atlantis Resorts, a variety of high end Kraken Video lights from iTorch and a 6 night stay with Atmophere Resort.

Gold sponsors include a several YS-D2 strobes from Sea & Sea, a diving package from Maluku Divers in Indonesia, several free trip vouchers from Channel Islands Dive Adventures and trip certificates from the Nautilus Explorer Liveaboard.

Silver level sponsors include Olympus, Light & Motion, Ikelite, Ultralight, Truth Aquatics Beneath the Surface.

Many Categories, Something for Everyone!

The SoCal Shootout is designed for photographers of all levels with a variety of categories to enter including separate categories for different camera formats, such as compact vs dSLR. This year’s will also include the two new mirrorless categories introduced last year due to the popularity of this camera format. We will continue to have our Edited Video category which offers entrants to submit a short video narrative composed of multiple shots and added audio or music.

Contest Judges

We are excited to have professional underwater photographers Mark Strickland and Andy Sallmon back for this year’s competition, judging the entries along with Bluewater Photo owner and professional underwater photographer Scott Gietler.