From Dive Cayman

Calling all underwater photographers! It is with great excitement that CITA is once again hosting the Underwater Photography Competition in conjunction with the 8th Annual International Underwater Film Festival. The photography competition is open to anyone — professional or amateur, local or visitor — who wishes to submit photos to be considered in the contest (all photos must be taken in the Cayman Islands). A full list of rules and regulations can be found on the official entry form at www.cita.ky/photocompetition.

The contest is open for submissions through 12 noon EST on Monday, 29 October 2012. The esteemed photographer Cathy Church will be leading a panel of judges to determine the winners. Cathy Church is well known around the world, both for her beautiful underwater photographs as well as for teaching thousands of divers how to also enjoy their adventure in this field.

Winners will be announced at the Underwater Film Festival on Thursday, 8 November 2012 (location TBA). Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place photos in each of the following five categories:
• Cayman Wrecks
• Turtles
• Critter/Macro
• Scenic (cannot include turtles, stingrays and/or wrecks)
• Creative (includes opportunity for advanced photo editing)

Prizes include Camana Bay gift cards, Caybrew beer and the winning images printed on canvas by Cathy Church and exhibited at both the International Underwater Film Festival and Camana Bay.

In addition, a ‘Best in Show’ award will be given to one of the first place photos as an overall best of the best! This grand prize winner will receive a trip on the Aggressor Fleet to a location of their choice (Cayman, Belize, Turks & Caicos or the Carib Dancer in the Bahamas.) The ‘Best in Show’ prize is valued at $2,695, and includes accommodation, diving, air, weights, weight belts, all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, local beer and wine.

For more information on the Underwater Photography competition, contact CITA at [email protected] or 1.345.949.8522

International Underwater Film Festival
The International Underwater Film Festival is in its 8th year and is an event that coincides with the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF). The film festival is an evening where we show a variety of underwater films new and old, artistic and scientific. Some of the ISDHF inductees are invited to show a film, which is especially unique for guests as these ‘celebrity’ scuba divers are able to both introduce and answer questions about their film. This year, Divers Alert Network (DAN) is the presenting sponsor for the event and CITA looks forward to working with them on making the Film Festival another wonderful, educational event for the 200+ attendees. Part proceeds of the Underwater Film Festival will go to support diver safety and training as well as local environmental efforts.