2011 Ocean Art Photo Contest Winners

$82,000 worth of prizes

Winners will be emailed prize choices within 2 weeks

Honorable Mentions are in no particular order

Complete list of winners at the bottom of this page

Special thanks to Marty Snyderman, Bonnie Pelnar, Martin Edge, and Tony Wu for judging the competition.

 

Please be sure to SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS, which are listed below

 

Quick Links to All Categories

Wide-Angle | Marine Life Behavior | Portrait | Macro | SuperMacro | Coldwater | Nudibranchs

Divers/ Fashion | Novice dSLR | Compact Wide-Angle | Compact Macro | Compact Behavior

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to thank everyone who entered the competition, and personally congratulate all the winners. The quality of the photos this year was outstanding, and the competition in WA, macro, behavior and portrait was so fierce that I decided to award a 5th place prize in those categories. And a big thanks to Michael Zeigler for helping me organize the competition – Scott Gietler

 

Best of Show

Tobias Friedrich, Best of Show

"Manta Madness"

 

 

Wide-Angle Category

Tobias Friedrich, 1st Place, Wide-Angle

"Manta Madness", taken in the Maldives

All Wide-Angle Winners

 

 

Marine Life Behavior Category

Nataliya Chervyakova, 1st Place, Marine Life Behavior

"Hunting Leopard Seal", taken at Petermann Island, Antarctica

All Marine Life Behavior Winners

 

 

Marine Life Portrait Category

Luis Miguel Cortes Lozano, 1st Place, Portrait

"Twins", taken in the Canary Islands

All Portrait Winners

 

 

Macro Category

Anders Salesjö, 1st Place, Macro

"Backswimmer at Surface", taken in a lake in Sweden

All Macro Winners

 

 

SuperMacro Category

Patricia Gunderson, 1st Place, Super Macro

"Just a Little Guy", photo of a juvenile Spiny Lumpsucker, taken near Seattle, Washington

All Super Macro Winners

 

 

Divers/ Fashion Category

Steve De Neef, 1st Place, Divers/ Fashion

"Jenjen", taken at Apo Island, Philippines

All Divers/ Fashion Winners

 

 

Coldwater Category

Lill Haugen, 1st Place, Coldwater

"Frozen Fjord", taken in Oslo, Norway

All Coldwater Winners

 

 

Nudibranch Category

Salvatore Ianniello, 1st Place, Nudibranchs

"Che Bel Riparo"

Nudibranch on featherduster worm, taken in the Mediterranean sea

All Nudibranch Winners

 

 

Novice dSLR Category

Tony Cherbas, 1st Place, Novice dSLR

"Narcissus", taken in Guam

All Novice dSLR Winners

 

 

Compact Wide-Angle Category

Jannik Pedersen, 1st Place, Compact Wide-Angle

"Diving in the Beautiful Cenotes of Mexico"

All Compact Wide-Angle Winners

 

 

Compact Macro Category

Jackie Campbell, 1st Place, Compact Macro

"Hairy Stare", Hairy frogfish, taken in Lembeh, Indonesia

All Compact Macro Winners

 

 

Compact Marine Life Behavior Category

Adrian Kaye, 1st Place, Compact Marine Life Behavior

"Jengafish", juvenile striped catfish, taken in Koh Tao, Thailand

All Compact Marine Life Behavior Winners

 

Quick Links to All Categories

Wide-Angle | Marine Life Behavior | Portrait | Macro | SuperMacro | Coldwater | Nudibranchs

Divers/ Fashion | Novice dSLR | Compact Wide-Angle | Compact Macro | Compact Behavior

 

 

Complete List of Winners

Best of Show
Tobias Friedrich, "Manta Madness"

 

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Contest Sponsors

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Kungkungan Bay Resort (KBR) is located in the very heart of the Lembeh Strait, giving access to fifty dives sites, all within minutes of their private jetty.  An intimate and exclusive resort, Kungkungan Bay Resort has a friendly, professional team who will look after your every need from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart.  All rooms are sea-facing, and their unique over-the-water restaurant inspires visitors with its spectacular views of their exclusive house reef, the Lembeh Strait, and the nearby tropical islands.  Kungkungan Bay Resort is sponsoring a 10-night all-inclusive package for 2 people upgraded to the Owner's Suite, 9 days of diving including 27 boat dives plus free unlimited shore diving, AND 9 days of their Private Guide Service.

 

 

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Walindi resort, in Kimbe Bay Papua New Guinea, has been voted to have the "best diving from a resort anywhere in the world" by reader surveys. The liveaboard FeBrina, one of the most famous liveaboards in the world, cruises from her home port, Walindi, visiting areas further afield such as Witu Islands, Fathers Reefs – some of the best diving on the planet. Unusual critters, 900 species of fish, sharks, barracuda, jacks and more await you. Walindi is sponsoring 14 nights in Papua New Guinea – 10 nights on the Febrina, 4 nights at Walindi + the prize includes 4 nights at Loloata. 18 nights total!

 

 

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SMY Ondina, a romantic and modern wooden schooner, runs fantastic Indonesia liveaboard adventure safaris to dive Komodo, Fak Fak, Flores, Sulawesi and the Raja Ampat area – some of the most amazing waters in the world. Eight air-conditioned double cabins with en suite bathroom guarantee a level of comfort you’ll appreciate. The SMY Ondina is sponsoring an 11 day trip on their liveaboard for ANY of their scheduled cruises + 50% off your companion

 

 

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Experience the Socorro Islands (aka the Revillagigedos Archipielago) and explore fantastic areas while diving with giant mantra rays, sharks, large yellow fin tuna and wahoo, dolphins, whale sharks and humpback whales.  All this from the comfort of the Rocio Del Mar.  Rocio Del Mar is sponsoring a trip to the Socorro Islands and 50% off a companion.

 

 

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Kararu liveaboard scuba diving adventures visits a range of remote and exciting locations in the Indonesian archipelago. From the famous islands of Komodo to the historically important Banda Sea and as far as Raja Ampat and Fak Fak , our cruises offer something for every scuba diver. Kararu Dive Voyages is sponsoring an 11 day trip on the vessel KLM Aurora.

 

 

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Wananavu is a true Fijian experience – offering an island paradise experience with mainland convenience.  From beginners to experienced divers, there is something for everyone at Wananavu.  Wananavu is sponsoring 5 nights' accommodations for two people in best room category available, plus 3 days of 2 tank diving, all meals, and Nadi Airport transfers.

 

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The Maluku Divers Resort in Laha is one of the must visit locations in any diver’s Indonesian dive list. The only dedicated dive resort in Ambon, the facility was built specifically with divers in mind and boasts the most unique and comfortable accommodations in the whole of Maluku.  Maluku Divers Resort is sponsoring a one-week package for two people which includes 7 nights' accommodations, 6 dive days and 18 dives.

 

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The Nautilus Explorer is a luxury safari boat specializing in pampering small groups of scuba divers on unique diving adventures up and down the west coast of North America. Our beautiful ship was custom-designed and built for divers with features including a sparkling-clear hot tub, ample fresh water to shower whenever you like, extensive sound proofing with near-silent generators, cabins with side-by-side beds, and safety second-to-none.  Nautilus Explorer is sponsoring any trip to Socorro or Guadalupe.

 

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The Aggressor Fleet and Dancer Fleet offer scuba divers and underwater photographers 15 of the most fascinating dive destinations worldwide, with liveaboards in Alor, Belize, Cocos, Fiji, Galapagos, Komodo, Maldives, Palau and more.  The Aggressor crews work tirelessly to make every guest feel at home and every dive the best ever.  The Aggressor Fleet is sponsoring a trip on the Aggressor Utila to Honduras.

 

 

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Light & Motion is the company behind the popular Sola dive and photo lights as well as several video housings. Light & Motion is sponsoring with their Sunray LED 2000x Light System.

 

 

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Some consider Lissenung Island Resort the ultimate paradise. Imagine a small tropical island covered in palm trees, surrounded by a white sandy beach, a beautiful house reef and some of the best diving in the world. Lissenung Island is located just off Kavieng, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. Nestled amongst natural surrounds, traditionally built bungalows accommodate a max. of 14 guests. Forget your high heels, tropical attire is our dress code.  At Lissenung Island Resort, personal service is guaranteed and a visit here is truly exclusive!
Lissenung is sponsoring a 10 night stay at their resort + diving.

 

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Bilikiki offers liveaboard dive trips in the Solomon islands, from ships consistently rated among the best live-aboards in the world, with some of the best diving in the world. You'll have a good opportunity to see sharks, mantas, dolphins, and turtles, barracuda, and more varieties of coral than almost anywhere. Bilikiki is sponsoring an 7 night trip on one of their liveaboards.

 

 

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Bluewater Photo is the first premiere underwater photo & video store to open in Los Angeles county. It is run by well-known underwater photographers Scott Gietler, Mark Strickland and Todd Winner.  They dive everything they sell, so be sure to contact them with any questions you may have.

 

 

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Kosrae Island is truly a hidden treasure, tucked away in the Federated States of Micronesia on top of some of the most lush and healthy coral reefs in the world. Kosrae Nautilus Resort caters to divers who are looking for remote, uncrowded, pristine reefs. They offer complete dive, accommodations and meals packages. Kosrae Nautilus resort is sponsoring a week-long dive vacation for 2.

 

 

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Villa Markisa is an exclusive resort located on the north east coast of Bali. Nestled at the foot of Bali’s most famous volcano “Gunung Agung”, the private bungalows offer individual service and great attention to detail. Bali's famous Liberty Wreck is minutes away, and the house reef has hundreds of nudibranch species.  Villa Markisa is sponsoring a 7-night stay in the deluxe bungalow, full board, and diving.

 

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Since 1969 Mike Ball has been setting standards in the Australian dive industry with exceptional liveaboard expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Mike Ball is sponsoring a 4-night, 14-dive adventure to the pristine Ribbon Reefs north of Cooktown and the remote Coral Sea.

 

 

 

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A cruise on board the Hans Christian Andersen has all the makings of a fairytale come true.  HCA is sponsoring an 8-day / 7-night live-aboard in the Philippines which will take their Northern Route, which visits the breathe-taking beauty of the limestone peaks of Northern Palawan, Tubbataha Reefs (Mecca of Philippine diving), or the Southern Route which is rich in both wide angle, macro photo opportunities and topside activities.

 

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Atlantis Dive Resorts offer one of the best outstanding value for a first class dive vacation in the world today. They are located in Dumaguette and Puerto Galera, Philppines. Atlantis Dive Resorts is sponsoring a 7-night dive vacation at either resort.

 

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Siladen resort and spa is an upmarket resort, located in the heart of Bunaken marine reserve in Sulawesi in an exclusive location, with unbelieveably great diving just minutes away. They offer an elegant and relaxing atmosphere. Siladen resort is sponsoring a week-long dive vacation.

 

 

 

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Ikelite has a long history of making strobes, dive lights, underwater housings and more for photographers worldwide since 1962, and are famous for their commitment to excellent customer service.  Ikelite is sponsoring a DS161 Substrobe with charger and two PCa LED flashlights.

 

 

 

 

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Sipadan  Kapalai dive resort is an oasis on stilts in paradise. You have mind-boggling diving with big fish nearby at Sipadan island, a great house reef just steps from your door and wonderful critters at Mabul.

 

 

 

 

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Recsea is the manufacturer of some of the finest, most compact aluminum housings on the planet – known for their light weight, precise controls and excellent ergonomics. Recsea is sponsoring a Canon G12 housing.

 

 

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Sea & Sea is on of the best known names in underwater imaging equipment, offering high-quality housings, strobes and much more.  Sea & Sea is sponsoring a YS-110a strobe, and a YS-01 strobe.

 

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Club Ocellaris is a dive resort, underwater photography center, and secret of many famous photographers. Situated in Anilao, Philippines, it is near some of the best macro and nudibranch diving in the world. Club-O is sponsoring a 7-night stay at the resort including meals and diving.

 

 

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Two Fish Divers is located in an unbelievable great location on Bunaken Island, Sulawesi – close to excellent diving. They also have a resort in nearby Lembeh, so an underwater photographer can split their time between the two resorts. Experience beautiful corals, lots of fish, amazing small critters, and some larger exciting creatures including reef sharks, turtles and barracudas.

 

 

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Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire is a resort where you can DIVE DIVE DIVE, take part in a multitude of activities including Bonaire's excellent drive and dive shore diving, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Bonaire's calm clear waters and multitude of fish are perfect for underwater photography.

 

 

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Aquamarine Diving Bali is well known for specializing in custom Bali dive safaris for divers and underwater photographers. They offer fast boats, great accommodation options and experienced guides that know where all the best photo subjects are.

 

 

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Kona Honu Divers is locally owned and operated. From the moment you step into the shop or prepared to board one of our boats, the "Honu One" or the "Honu Iki", you become part of our "ohana" or family.  Our dives are guided by knowledgeable instructors who brief you on what to expect to see before you enter the water. Encounters with dolphin, turtles, and manta rays are common in the placid Kona waters and other visitors make special appearances to assure that every dive can turn into something extraordinary.

 

 

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Loloata Island Resort, just minutes from the Port Moresby airport in Papua New Guinea, means great diving, and a chance to observe some of the world's greatest coral reefs and meet a myriad of marine animals in their natural habitat. Underwater photo enthusiasts find a dazzling array of great fish, corals and invertebrate subjects only minutes away from the dock aboard a new deluxe dive boat. Loloata is sponsoring a 4-night stay in conjunction with the premiere prize from Walindi/Febrina.

 

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Sea Saba is your paradise in the Caribbean. It offers unspoiled diving with no cruise ships or shopping malls. They pride themselves on the highest levels of service.

 

 

 

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 Olympus has been an innovative leader in cameras and underwater housings for beginners and pros alike. Olympus is proud to offer a new compact camera and underwater housing as a prize.  

 

 

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Tulamben Wreck Divers is located in Tulamben, Bali at a fantastic location near the liberty wreck. They offer nitrox, a huge plus, and the owner Tony has a reputation for great service, a wide range of accomodation options and affordable diving.

 

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ReefNet has been developing unique marine technologies for more than 15 years. Their products combine smart engineering with elegant design, solving problems with style. Prizes from Reefnet include their famous Subsee diopter and adapter for supermacro photography.

 

 

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Dyron specializes in high-quality underwater lenses and accessories for DSLR, compact and video shooters and is sponsoring the Shootout with a 20mm wide angle lens for 67mm port and a +7 diopter 77m macro lens.

 

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 Scuba Club Cozumel is the island's first dedicated dive resort built by divers, for divers. Scuba Club Cozumel is located right on the waterfront just a mile south of town. Scuba-Cozumel is the in-house dive op with a fleet of seven dive boats that board from a private pier just footsteps from your comfortable room. All meals are scheduled around the diving. SCC offers NITROX and free unlimited shore diving.

 

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ThinkTank Photo is a leader in creating great products for photographers. They specialize in camera bags, travel bags, belts, covers and more.

 

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Diving Unlimited is known worldwide for making drysuits and undergarments of the highest quality – proudly made in San Diego, California.

 

 

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Ultralight is the leading maker of arms, trays and clamps for the underwater photography community – making only high quality products built to last. 

 

 

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Quick Links to All Categories

Wide-Angle | Marine Life Behavior | Portrait | Macro | SuperMacro | Coldwater | Nudibranchs

Divers/ Fashion | Novice dSLR | Compact Wide-Angle | Compact Macro | Compact Behavior

• 2011 Ocean Art Photo Competition rules, judges, categories, prizes
• 2010 Ocean Art Photo Contest Winners