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.

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.

Murex Resorts are professional, friendly, family-run resorts in North Sulawesi. Murex Manado is situated on the seafront in a small village outside of Manado and enjoys easy access to Bunaken Marine Park, famed for its stunning wall dives, pristine soft and hard corals, and resident green sea turtles. Murex Bangka is a tropical paradise nestled on the white sandy shores of Bangka Island. Surrounded by lush rainforest and vibrant coral reefs, the resort offers a serene escape for divers and nature lovers alike.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Solitude Acacia 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.

Master Liveaboards offers world-class scuba diving liveaboard holidays across some of the most iconic destinations on the planet, including the Red Sea, Maldives, Palau, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Truk Lagoon, Bikini Atoll, Indonesia, the Galápagos Islands, and Cocos Island. Each vessel is purpose-built or refitted for divers, with spacious cabins, well-designed dive decks, and expert crews. For nearly two decades, Master Liveaboards has combined high-quality service, outstanding diving, and a commitment to safety. Guests enjoy seamless itineraries, professional guidance, and unforgettable encounters with marine life, whether exploring remote reefs, wrecks, or world-renowned big-animal destinations.

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.

Wakatobi Dive Resort is located in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia and situated within the Wakatobi Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that is home to one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth. The resort combines an upscale diving operation delivering exceptional service to its guests with a reef conservation program which, in guaranteeing the pristine quality of the reefs for those guests, delivers sustainable income and development support to the local communities. From its famous house reef to its world-class liveaboard, Pelagian, Wakatobi is the epitome of luxury eco-tourism.

Nestled in the breathtaking coastal town of Dumaguete, Philippines, Silver Reef Dive Resort, offers a serene and idyllic retreat for those seeking a tranquil escape. With its stunning ocean views, world-class diving opportunities, and impeccable service, this resort is the perfect destination for both adventure enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. Silver Reef Dive Resort boasts a range of well-appointed rooms to suit every traveler’s needs. From spacious deluxe rooms to luxurious suites, each accommodation is tastefully designed with a harmonious blend of contemporary elements and local touches. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant marine life through exhilarating dives, unwinding by the poolside, or indulging in a soothing massage treatment, Silver Reef Dive Resort promises an experience that will leave you longing to return.

Kraken Sports originally started as a dive torch company with the aim of providing quality dive torches at great prices, with excellent customer service. The company now also produces imaging tools and photography products, including camera housings and strobes. Kraken Sports is located in London, Ontario, Canada.

Kraken Sports KR-S160 strobe

SUBNOX is a pioneering company founded by underwater cameraman Kay Burn Lim, specializing in the development of advanced underwater lighting products designed for videographers and the general scuba diving community. The company aims to enhance the quality of underwater cinematography by providing reliable and innovative lighting solutions that cater to the unique challenges of illumination and filming in aquatic environments.

SUB10KEF 10,000-lumen (93 CRI) wide-angle video light with the ability to switch between daylight color (5600K), and ambient water color for 6–13m (20–43ft) or 13-20m (43–66ft)

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)

Realizing that everyone had smartphones but could barely use them underwater, DIVEVOLK was founded with a mission to develop an unprecedented underwater touchscreen smartphone housing. The introduction of underwater touchscreen technology unlocked the potential of powerful smartphone operating systems to perform underwater photography, entertainment, communication, and research, with endless possibilities. Building on this technology, DIVEVOLK further developed the SeaLink underwater signal transmission system, enabling smartphones to connect to the Internet even in deep water, simplifying underwater communication and live streaming, making them accessible to everyone.

DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Plus Ocean Kit

Dive Lantern was founded in Perth, Western Australia in 2021 by Nik Johnson, whose combined passion for diving and technology first led him into the dive light industry in 2015. Dive Lantern is the culmination of that passion, experience and the partnerships built over that time. We have dived all around the world, in a variety of conditions, and this experience has shaped our designs and emphasis on customer service. Dive Lantern is the exclusive distributor for Divevolk in Australia and New Zealand.

Mantis 7000

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

Located in Malakal, Sam’s Tours is open-air, spacious, and right on the water with magnificent views of the Rock Islands. Our facilities are cozy, welcoming, and built for comfort and relaxation. Our Guest Service Center is your one-stop shop for registration and information about tours, dining, and more. Watch the stunning sunsets and enjoy fresh local food at Bottom Time Bar & Grill. Our custom-built boats are made for maximum safety and comfort. Each boat is equipped with twin two-stroke engines, VHF Radios, DAN Emergency Oxygen Kits, First Aid Kids, and a full canopy for sun protection. All of our captains are licensed and experienced with Palau’s waters and reefs.

Aquatica manufactures an extensive line of underwater housings for today’s finest digital cameras. At Aquatica, every housing is machined in-house from a single solid aluminum block to strict tolerances, on a five-axis highly specialized machine. It is then anodized to military specifications and powder-coated with special environment-resistant paint. The end result is a highly refined hand crafted tool that when placed in the hands of a skilled underwater photographer helps produce impressive professional images. The company also manufactures the world renowned Technical Lighting Control (TLC) strobe arms, trays and accessories. Aquatica and TLC are the brands preferred by some of the top professional underwater photographers and are well known for their optical quality and superior level of craftsmanship.

Inon, a renowned underwater photography brand hailing from Japan, has carved a niche for itself in the realm of aquatic imaging with its unparalleled innovation and dedication to excellence. With roots deeply embedded in the rich maritime culture of Japan, Inon has emerged as a leading force in the underwater photography industry, captivating enthusiasts and professionals alike with its cutting-edge equipment and advanced technology. From compact cameras to sophisticated lighting systems and accessories, Inon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of underwater imaging has earned it a reputation for delivering exceptional quality and performance in the most challenging aquatic environments. With a legacy built on precision engineering and a relentless pursuit of perfection, Inon continues to inspire photographers worldwide to explore the depths and capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the underwater world.

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.

Coupon valued at €300 ($350 approx.) can be used on www.isotecnic.it

The Underwater Club is the first online underwater photography school and club, with members in 18 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