dpg masters underwater imaging competition 2024

DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2024

The DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition is a long-established and widely respected contest that celebrates the splendor of the oceans and the challenging art of underwater photography and video. The organizers call on underwater shooters of all levels, from novice to professional, to compete in what has become the “World Championship” of international underwater imagery events.

The prizes, worth more than $80,000 in total, include dive trips with the world’s top resorts and liveaboards, and the latest underwater photo and video gear. Entrants compete for prizes in nine categories, with the photographer or filmmaker behind the top entry among the category winners crowned “DPG Grand Master 2024.” The overall winner will receive the top trip prize as well as the top equipment prize.

This year’s illustrious judging panel comprises six top photographers and ambassadors for the biggest brands in underwater imaging: Nicolas Remy (Nauticam), Steven Kovacs (Ikelite), Shane Gross (Marelux), Tanya Houppermans (Isotta), Imran Ahmad (Seacam), and Andy Sallmon (Sea&Sea). As well as assessing your entries, each of these seasoned photo pros is offering a unique “mentor prize” to one lucky winner—an invaluable hour-long one-on-one video chat session to review your portfolio and give you handy tips and advice to help make your underwater photography even better.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST, 2024 11:59PM PST

Winners will be revealed on UnderwaterCompetition.com and published by supporting media partners worldwide shortly thereafter. The entry fees are US$10 per image or video entered. As with all Underwater Competition Series events, 15% of entry proceeds will be donated to marine conservation efforts.

Rules & Guidelines

Categories

PHOTO

Traditional

Any image captured in the “traditional” way—that is, only global adjustments of brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness are allowed. Cropping, cloning, and other digital manipulation—including spot (backscatter) removal—are not permitted. Restricting digital manipulation enables people who are not as savvy at photo editing to compete on more-or-less even ground as those with more experience. It also highlights composition and lighting skills by not allowing cropping and cloning. Macro, wide-angle, over-under and blackwater images can all be entered in this category—as long as they comply with the above post-processing restrictions.

Macro

Any close-up image captured with a macro lens, where the reproduction ratio is between 1:10 and 1:1, or greater. Unlike the “Traditional” category, this category is more permissive with digital manipulation. However, as we are not running a digital manipulation contest, you should exercise care in the decisions that you make. (Please refer to the Rules & Guidelines for details.)

Wide Angle

Any image captured with a wide-angle lens (focal length 35mm or less in 35mm format). Unlike the “Traditional” category, this category is more permissive with digital manipulation. However, as we are not running a digital manipulation contest, you should exercise care in the decisions that you make. (Please refer to the Rules & Guidelines for details.)

Over-Under

Any image where the lower portion is underwater and the upper portion is above water. Splits, aka half-and-halfs, will be judged on the merits of the picture as a whole. A minimum of 30% of the image should be underwater. Only “true” over-unders—captured in a single frame in camera—are allowed. Multiple exposures or composite images are not permitted. Note: Split shots can only be entered in the “Over-Under” and “Traditional” categories.

Conservation

Any image with a focus on marine or freshwater environment and conservation. The subject matter must address a marine or freshwater-related environmental issue, whether it be considered positive or negative. The goal of images in this category is to convey a real-world message.

Blackwater

Any image of a pelagic macro subject captured on a blackwater or bonfire dive. While blackwater images are generally taken at night and are characterized by a black background, images shot during the day, as long as the background is black, are also acceptable.

Portfolio

Any portfolio comprising six images. The portfolio may be made up of any six images (no more, no fewer), but entrants are encouraged to choose images either following a particular theme (e.g., species, location, color) or demonstrating a range of skills or interests (e.g., behaviors, environments, techniques). Both underwater and split images are permitted. For detailed instructions on submitting a portfolio entry, please see the competition Rules & Guidelines.

Compact

Any image (macro or wide angle) captured with a compact camera, smartphone or action camera. Images taken with cameras using interchangeable lenses must not be entered into this category.

VIDEO

Short Film

Any film, five minutes or less in duration, where at least 50 percent of the footage is shot underwater. The remaining footage may be captured on land or from the air, including via drones.

Judges

CHAIR OF THE JURY

Nicolas Remy

Nicolas Remy is a French-Australian freelance underwater photographer based in Sydney, Australia. He is the founder of The Underwater Club, an online photography school and community, with members in 18 countries, and he serves as an ambassador for Nauticam and Mares. Nicolas’ images have won over 40 international awards and have been widely published in print and digital media. A seasoned photojournalist, he has authored dozens of articles for publications such as Scuba Diver Magazine, Plongez! and DivePhotoGuide, covering marine life, dive travel, and equipment topics.

JURY PANEL

Andy Sallmon

Andy Sallmon began scuba diving in 1979 and was so enamored by the underwater world that he literally dropped everything to pursue a career underwater. A year later, he picked up his first underwater camera, an old Nikonos II film camera, and immersed himself to learn everything he could about both the technical and artistic aspects of underwater photography. In the mid-1980s, while working as a dive instructor and on staff for scuba diving stores and dive charter companies in California and Maui, he became an underwater photography instructor. As an instructor and photo pro, he spent the next two decades showing students and customers how to use their gear to create better images, while furthering his own skills in the process. By the year 2000, after several initial successes in marketing his underwater work and with a growing list of editorial and advertising clients, he started his own underwater photography business, Andrew Sallmon Marine Photography. At that same time, he began working with the equipment manufacturer Sea&Sea and continues to work with them as an ambassador and technical rep, training and advising underwater photography retailers about the brand. After completing over 10,000 dives, 90% with an underwater camera in hand, he can still be found enjoying himself in his “local” southern California waters, or in a deep blue tropical sea someplace.

Imran Ahmad

Imran Ahmad is Asia’s most celebrated and internationally published underwater photographer. He has been capturing the magnificence of life both below and above the water’s surface for over 22 years, and is known for his experimental photography with light and motion. Imran graduated from Middlesex University, UK with a Bachelor of Arts in Filmmaking. He is an ambassador for Seacam, Blancpain, Mares, Nikon, DAN, and RGBlue Lights, and is a member of the Ocean Artists Society. He spends much of his time as a university lecturer and professional photographer, giving presentations and promoting photography in all of its aspects. He also serves as a judge for several influential photo competitions around the world. Imran currently runs workshops on conservation, underwater, travel, and commercial photography, as well as running photo dive trips around the world.

Shane Gross

Shane Gross is a Canadian underwater and conservation photojournalist known for his work in marine life photography and promoting ocean conservation. His images highlight the beauty of underwater ecosystems while raising awareness about the threats they face. Shane is an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) and a co-founder of the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective (CCPC). Shane was the Grand Title Winner of the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. His first book, Bahamas Underwater, was published in 2021 with funds raised from sales of the book going to ocean education programs in The Bahamas.

Steven Kovacs

Steven Kovacs has been fascinated by the underwater world from a very young age. Born in Canada, he began diving in the cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding Vancouver Island. In 2001, he purchased his first camera and an Ikelite underwater housing system. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Florida to pursue his passion in a more tropical setting. Steven soon developed a love for macro photography, with a particular focus on capturing underwater behaviors. Over the past 20 years, he has placed in well over 100 international photo contests. His work has been widely published in numerous books and magazines and displayed in esteemed institutions, including the Smithsonian Museum and the Venice Natural History Museum. In recent years, Steven has become an avid enthusiast of blackwater diving—an activity that involves drifting near the surface at night over deep waters to photograph rarely seen pelagic and deep-water species that ascend to shallower depths under the cover of darkness.

Tanya Houppermans

Tanya Houppermans is an underwater photographer/videographer and shark naturalist who has won numerous international awards for her photography including the Grand Prize in the Big Picture Natural World Photography Competition, First Place in the Portrait Category in the Underwater Photographer of the Year Competition, and an unprecedented three First Place awards in the World Shootout “Sharks” category. Her images have appeared in publications around the world, including National Geographic. In 2023, Tanya was elected as a Fellow into the Explorers Club due to her discoveries in shark science. She is currently an ambassador for Isotta.

Prizes

SPECIAL MENTOR PRIZES

One-on-one portfolio review sessions with the judges

Six winners each receive a unique “mentor prize,” a one-on-one video chat with one of the six members of the judging panel. An invaluable learning opportunity, the hour-long sessions offer winners the chance to go through their portfolios and discuss ways to improve their photography with a seasoned photo pro.

Various lighting equipment from Ikelite

Ikelite is a leading manufacturer in the underwater photographic industry with worldwide name recognition and global distribution in over 95 countries. Its products are used by amateur and professional photographers in a variety of wet environments from swimming pools to polar ice caps and everywhere in-between.



DS230 213Ws TTL Strobe	DS160 II 160Ws TTL Strobe	DS51 II 50Ws TTL Strobe

10-day dive packages at Lembeh Resort and Murex Bangka, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Lembeh Resort is a spectacular boutique style resort situated on Lembeh Island and perched above the beautiful Strait. The property is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and blends perfectly into the landscape. All guest cottages boast spacious verandas for perfect views of glorious North Sulawesi sunsets and an intimate connection with nature. Modern amenities including air-conditioning, mini bar, wifi internet and massage ensure your comfort and relaxation.

7-night packages at Crystal Blue Resort, Anilao, Philippines

Crystal Blue Resort is the first resort in Anilao, Philippines to be purpose-built for underwater photographers. With low guest-to-guide ratios, limited boat loads, long bottom times, and professionally trained guides, the resort ensures that guests experience the best of what Anilao has to offer. Anilao is well known throughout the world for its high-impact macro subjects, so bring your critter list along for the hunt! Crystal Blue Resort’s grounds are well manicured, organized and ready to meet the high standard of any well-traveled photographer or group. Chef prepared meals, air-conditioned rooms, nitrox, and the resort’s renowned house reef are awaiting your arrival.

7-night liveaboard trip with Dive Damai

Dive Damai has the most varied travel itineraries in the diving industry in the world’s best diving locations. The Dive Damai fleet sets a new standard for safety and comfort: Our vessels have been specifically designed for cruising and diving in the tropical waters of Indonesia with passenger well-being our top priority. We specialize in small groups receiving personalized service on purpose-built traditional wooden schooners with a dive-guide-to-guest ratio of 1 to 4. We started what will become the industry standard!

7-night packages with Eco Divers Lembeh, Indonesia

Eco Divers’ highly experienced Lembeh guides know every inch of the Strait and will show you where the best critter action can be found. You’ll stay in a unique location, the only white sandy beach in Lembeh Strait, and all rooms have an amazing ocean view. Elegantly furnished and air-conditioned throughout, each double bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with Western-style toilet, shower and hot and cold running water.

7-night packages at Solitude Lembeh Resort, Indonesia or Solitude Acacia Resort, Anilao, Philippines

Welcome to Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts, a forward-thinking collection of resorts and liveaboards committed to crafting exceptional experiences in breathtaking locales known for their vibrant marine life and welcoming communities. From its inception, our founders shared a vision to establish an intimate portfolio of boutique liveaboards and resorts that prioritize hospitality, value, and the well-being of guests and staff alike. Our unwavering dedication ensures that every guest is treated as a VVIP, with warm and sincere hospitality from the moment of arrival. Our devoted team wholeheartedly strives to provide outstanding service, creating indelible memories for each guest in our care. Join us in discovering extraordinary moments in some of the world’s most captivating destinations.

7-day packages at Gulen Dive Resort, Norway

Gulen Dive Resort is located in western Norway, in the coastal area of Sogne Fjord, the world’s largest. The diving centre is surrounded by many unique and varied dive sites, ranging from big WWII wrecks to icy nature dives. The resort’s house reef is home to more species of nudibranchs than anywhere else in Europe—all found in the same place. Gulen Dive Resort is a Netto-positive dive travel company, meaning it releases fewer CO₂ emissions or other related gases that damage our global environment than it captures with its sustainability program.

7-night trip to the Solomon Islands aboard the Solomons Master

Master Liveaboards was founded in 2004 as Worldwide Dive and Sail (WWDAS) with a simple aim, to push the boundaries of liveaboard diving. They designed, built, and operated their own vessels from day one. It started with the tiny Sampai Jumpa and quickly expanded into Siren Fleet, with liveaboard yachts dotted around Southeast Asia. Master Liveaboards now fully encompasses the Siren Fleet, and their vessels ply not only the waters of the Galápagos, but also Bikini Atoll, Solomon Islands, Truk Lagoon, Indonesia, Bikini Atoll, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Palau, the Egyptian Red Sea, and the Maldives. They continue to take divers to the best dive locations in the world aboard custom-built liveaboard boats that feature the very latest in both equipment and vessel specifications. The aim remains simple: to push dive industry standards and provide guests with an unsurpassed liveaboard diving experience.

9-night liveaboard trip with MV Oceania, Papua New Guinea

MV Oceania is the newest addition to liveaboard diving in the waters of Papua New Guinea. Working out of Walindi Plantation Resort, MV Oceania commenced operations in January 2019. She is a 88-foot catamaran accommodating up to 16 guests in fully rebuilt cabins and guest areas. Itineraries include the waters of the Bismarck Sea and beyond, for diving trips on some of the most biodiverse reefs in the world.

7-night dive package at Walindi Dive Resort, Papua New Guinea

Walindi Resort is a small dive resort, situated on the shores of Kimbe Bay, Northern New Britain, Papua New Guinea. New Britain is the largest of Papua New Guinea’s Islands. Walindi’s accommodation consists of 12 self contained, comfortable bure style bungalows spread along the beach front, and surrounded by rainforest gardens. The bungalows are constructed of local materials and timbers, with thatched roofs. They are all fully screened, with private bathroom, a kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities, and ceiling fans. Laundry service daily is included in the tariff.

7-night package at Atlantis Puerto Galera or Atlantis Dumaguete, Philippines

With small dive groups, five-star service, a dedicated camera room in each resort, and top-class cuisine, Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards offer a great opportunity to dive Philippines’ premier destinations, Puerto Galera and Dumaguete, from their two beachfront dedicated dive resorts, as well as Apo Reef, Coron, Tubbataha, and Visayas Safari off their liveaboard Atlantis Azores. Dumaguete features dark volcanic sand, with rich macro life and excellent critter diving, while Puerto Galera boasts vivid reefs, incredible formations and rich marine life. The Atlantis liveaboards, Atlantis Azores and The Infiniti, offer divers the opportunity to explore remote locations, covering the best dive sites in a week.

5-night package at Siladen Resort & Spa, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Siladen Resort & Spa, an exclusive boutique dive resort on Pulau Siladen, sits in the heart of Bunaken National Marine Park, a global marine biodiversity hotspot. Since 2003, this international resort has offered exquisite comfort and unforgettable diving in North Sulawesi. The resort’s spa provides traditional treatments and natural therapies for ultimate relaxation. Siladen’s sister resort on Bangka Island, Coral Eye, allows guests to combine two exceptional destinations in one vacation, experiencing some of Indonesia’s best dive sites. Together, these resorts offer divers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich underwater worlds of North Sulawesi while enjoying luxurious accommodations, delicious food, and world-class amenities.

5-night package at Coral Eye Bangka, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Discover Coral Eye, a unique dive resort on North Sulawesi’s pristine Bangka Island. This eco-friendly haven, sister to the acclaimed Siladen Resort & Spa, offers divers the chance to experience some of Indonesia’s best dive sites by combining both resorts. Originally a marine research outpost, Coral Eye now welcomes dive enthusiasts and marine biologists alike. The resort’s sustainable design, crafted by local artisans, seamlessly blends comfort with environmental consciousness. Featuring thoughtfully integrated social areas, work spaces, and private zones, Coral Eye provides warm, attentive service in a serene setting. Immerse yourself in vibrant underwater worlds by day and unwind in blissful comfort by night at this diver’s paradise.

Backscatter Hybrid Flash Package and Backscatter Mini Flash 2 Ultimate Package

The world’s leading retailer of underwater imaging equipment, Backscatter has been serving underwater photographers and videographers of every skill level, from point-and-shoot to professional, for over 30 years. Headquartered in Monterey, California, Backscatter lives by the philosophy, “We dive, shoot and service everything we sell,” and has created some of the most essential gear used by underwater shooters, including the FLIP filter system for GoPro and the Mini Flash and Optical Snoot. The company also offers comprehensive gear reviews and other educational online content as well as specialized underwater photo and video trips. Every purchase from Backscatter always includes free lifetime tech support.



Backscatter Hybrid Flash package (including Backscatter Hybrid Flash, Nitecore Dual 21700 Battery & Dual USB Charger Package, Backscatter Hybrid Flash Flat Diffuser Package, Backscatter Hybrid Flash Dome Diffuser Package, Backscatter Hybrid Flash Ambient Blue Diffuser Package, Backscatter Hybrid Flash IR Filter)


Backscatter Mini Flash 2 Ultimate Package (including Backscatter Mini Flash 2, Backscatter Optical Snoot (OS-1), Backscatter Color Filter System, Nitecore Dual 21700 Battery & Dual USB Charger Package, Backscatter Universal Fiber Optic Cable)

Marelux Apollo S Strobe, SOFT Lite Snoot and Other Accessories

Founded in California USA, Marelux has grown to become a front runner in the expansive domain of underwater photography. Every product we develop, from our industry-leading mirrorless camera housings to state-of-the-art snoots and strobes with patented design, is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. Our dedication isn’t limited to creating durable and reliable equipments; it’s about creating a new chapter where underwater photography becomes more accessible, safer, and enjoyable. As we continue to grow and evolve, our focus remains steadfast: to empower underwater photography enthusiasts around the world, ensuring that every dive is an opportunity to capture the unparalleled beauty of the aquatic realm.



Apollo S Strobe	SOFT Lite Snoot


Automatic Vacuum Pump	Flexibuoy

Various lenses and accessories from Inon

Inon designs and manufactures a wide range of underwater imaging equipment, from arm systems and GoPro accessories to housings and strobes. Their catalog includes the S-220 and D-200 strobes, and an extensive range of close-up and wide-angle lens attachments that have become the go-to conversion lenses for countless underwater photographers.



UFL-G140 SD Semi-fisheye Conversion Lens with SD Front Mask for GoPro	UCL-G100 SD Close-up Lens with SD Front Mask for GoPro	SD Selfie Set S (Carbon Telescopic Arm SS, SD Front Mask for GoPro, Ball Adapter for GoPro)

Vouchers for use in the Isotta online shop

Since 1967 Isotta’s family has marketed high-end equipment for underwater video, photography and lighting, starting its own production in 1980. In four decades of development, the company has always offered its customers cutting-edge signature red products that are fully manufactured in Italy. With extensive industry experience, we strive to build the highest-quality products to keep photographers around the world comfortable when shooting underwater and their cameras protected from the elements, empowering them to frame memorable moments in water.




Vouchers valued at €300, €200 or €100 can be used on www.isotecnic.it

One-year membership to The Underwater Club online underwater photography school and club

The Underwater Club is the first online underwater photography school and club, with members in 12 countries. The self-paced courses include 40 modules, 46 quizzes and over 16 hours of video-based tuition, covering beginner and advanced photographic skills. Monthly online meetings alternate between expert masterclasses and photo critiques sessions, where club members get feedback on their images. These continue on the private club forums, where resident photo pro Nicolas Remy is available to answer member questions, provide feedback on their images, and offer guidance for entering competitions.



One-year membership to The Underwater Club includes access to 12 webinars and past webinar recordings, as well as photo coach support on the club forums