Underwater Photo Competition
DUC, in collaboration with DAN SA, have put together a series of underwater photographic competitions that will give aspiring underwater photographers the opportunity to feature in the ALERT diving magazine AND get their hands on some awesome prizes!
The aim of the competition is to give our passionate underwater photographers of DUC a platform to share their work and stories with other club members and the readers of DAN Southern Africa Alert Diver magazine. With your talent and dedication, you can help showcase the beauty and diversity of South African underwater world and in doing so inspire others to take up capturing images underwater, dive more AND do more to conserve our amazing oceanic fauna and flora!
How it works:
- Entries are limited to FIVE images per individual. (you don’t have to enter five images but do not submit more than five)
- Edited images must be submitted to DUC via FB messenger.
- The club will then upload the images onto the Durban Undersea Club social media pages.
- You must be a paid-up DUC member to enter.
- There is no cost to enter.
- There is no time period for when the images should have been taken – anything in YOUR portfolio you feel is worthy please enter.
- There are two categories to enter – PARTING SHOT and COVER SHOT. Both categories are very different – do your research to see what images in your portfolio would best suit each category! Specify which category the image is being entered into when submitting.
- The images can be captured in any aquatic environment in SA.
- No watermarks or names on the images please. (will be disqualified)
- No AI images, combined images, or cut & paste.
- Judging will be done through a combination of a tally of responses on the social media pages and a judge’s review.
If you are selected as a winner, we will ask for details of equipment used, settings, dive site as well as the story behind the image.
Entries close 15 FEBRUARY 2025. Winners will be notified shortly thereafter.
Here are some much anticipated tips in order to assist you in selecting your Cover shot and Parting Shot for submission.
REMEMBER : the “competition” is for fun and for you to learn and grow as an underwater photographer!
COVER SHOT:
A cover shot is a WOW shot. It is used by a magazine to create interest in the magazine and get people to buy / download the magazine. A cover shot makes space for text and the name of the magazine. It can be wide angle image or macro image.
It should not be a “fish identification image” but rather an image that is striking, colourful and obviously technically correct.
Look through you portfolio and select your WOW image and submit as a COVER.
Once posted on FB and INSTA the public will decide by liking an commenting on your image.
Below are example of previous cover shots that have been selected to be on the cover of DAN magazine.
PARTING SHOT:
This is the last page of a magazine. The image can be wide angle or portrait. It is an image that comes with a story – not necessary a cover shot but an interesting shot. In this category, the image should show something interesting that was captured on a dive – eg – dolphin swam up to you with a panzy shell , Great White shark swimming with a mermaid , Rhinopias yawning….
So the focus of this category is something cool that you saw underwater that you would like to tell the rest of the diving community about. There is less focus on the technical aspects of the image but rather, the image is judged as something that has captured something interesting and that creates and interest or desire to also take up diving!
Below are example of Parting shots that have featured in previous DAN magazines as a guide.
PARTING TIP : the quicker you post your images, the quicker you can get feedback from the general public whether you are on the right track or not with your images. Start submitting your images !
Guidelines for Underwater Photographers Contributing to the DAN Southern Africa Alert Diver Magazine
We are thrilled to invite passionate underwater photographers to share their work and stories with the DAN Southern Africa Alert Diver magazine. Your talent and dedication help us showcase the beauty and diversity of our underwater world, inspiring others to dive deeper into their own adventures. To ensure your contributions shine, we’ve outlined a few simple guidelines below:
Cover Shot Details
- Photographer’s Name: Include the full name of the photographer.
- Equipment Used: Specify the camera, lenses, and any additional gear used to capture the image.
- Location: Mention the destination and specific reef where the photo was taken.
- Image Description: Provide a concise and engaging description of the photo, including how it was taken, any challenges faced, and notable techniques used. Keep the description between 150 and 200 words to maintain reader interest.
Parting Shot Details
- Photographer’s Name: Include the full name of the photographer.
- Equipment Used: Specify the camera, lenses, and any additional gear used to capture the image.
- Location: Mention the destination and specific reef where the photo was taken.
- Image Description: Write a brief, captivating summary of the photo. Highlight the story behind the shot, any unique conditions, or the techniques employed. Limit this to 150 to 200 words for a sharp and impactful read.
Underwater Photographer Profile
- Hometown: Where is the diver originally from?
- Age: Include the diver’s current age.
- Diving Experience: How many years has the diver been actively diving?
- Profile Overview: Share a thoughtful and inspiring overview of the diver’s journey, spanning 500 to 750 words. Suggested topics include:
- Inspiration for Diving: How did their passion for diving begin? Were there specific moments or influences?
- Interest in Underwater Photography: What sparked their interest in capturing the underwater world?
- Preferred Camera System: What underwater photography setup do they use and why?
- Favourite Subjects: Which marine life or underwater scenes do they most enjoy photographing?
- Bucket List Destination: Which dive site or location is at the top of their must-visit list?
- Advice for Aspiring Photographers: Share tips, personal insights, and encouragement for those starting out in underwater photography.
