Calling all shark photographers!

Sharks in Focus 2013 - A photography competition aiming to change attidues about sharks through imagery.

From their recent press release:

The Shark Trust has spent over 15 years raising public awareness about the issues facing sharks and challenging the common Jaws stereotype. After the huge success of previous competitions the Shark Trust will be launching their third shark photography competition, in association with Diver Magazine, on the 1st May.

Ali Hood, Director of Conservation, stated:

‘Shark photography features prominently in our work, as it’s a great way to engage the public and challenge people’s perceptions of sharks by showcasing and celebrating their diversity, as well as highlighting their vulnerability.’

Judging the images will be three renowned experts in the field of underwater photography - Alex Mustard, whose distinctive style has gained international recognition, Michael Aw, a multi-award winning nature photographer, and Andy Murch, a freelance photojournalist specialising in sharks and rays. Supporters will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite image via Facebook to champion the public’s choice.

The winner of Sharks in Focus 2013 will win a bespoke package of activities based in the Southwest of England. This will include shark watching and snorkelling/diving with tour operator Charles Hood off the Cornish coast and a sleep-over with the sharks at Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium, amongst other exciting activities. The best shots will also make up the Shark Trust themed 2014 Diver Calendar. All entrants will gain the satisfaction of having contributed to shark conservation and will have their work widely appreciated and showcased through the activities of the Shark Trust.

The competition will run until the 28th August, so be sure to submit your entries in plenty of time. To find out more, or to enter the competition, visit www.sharktrust.org/competition.

The Shark Trust 

Established in 1997, the Shark Trust is the UK registered charity that works to advance the worldwide conservation of sharks through science, education, influence and action.

The Trust is an effective and well respected advocate for sound shark management and protection; a founder member of the Shark Alliance; the Secretariat of the European Elasmobranch Association and a membership organisation, which provides a link between the public and the science community.

The Trust works through cross-sectoral collaboration and where possible works with governments and industry to attain sustainable goals.

Sharks in Focus 2013

Sharks in Focus 2013 is a Shark Trust photography competition, supported by Diver Magazine, that aims to change attitudes about sharks through imagery. The contest is open to everyone and images of all types of shark encounter are welcome. Entrants can submit their images to the following categories:

Shark! – The White Shark has become infamous, and even has its own theme tune.  However there are over 500 species of shark found worldwide, let’s celebrate them all!

Shark Personality – Sharks are known as formidable predators but they can also be playful, lazy, calm, shy and inquisitive…how do you see them?

Best of British – British waters are home to over 50 species of shark, skate and ray, including some of the fastest and rarest in the world – here’s your chance to help us showcase them.

Skates & Rays – These flat, cartilaginous fish are closely related to sharks, and with over 600 species worldwide, there are more than enough to choose from!

Human Encounters – This category provides an opportunity to explore the relationship between humans and sharks, whether positive or negative.

Diver Magazine - A diving magazine that covers every aspect of the sport, especially in the realms of gear testing and surveys, diving holiday destinations, and advances in technology and techniques. www.divernet.com.

Charles Hood – A Cornwall based tour operator, providing expeditions to encounter Blue Sharks and Basking Sharks. www.charleshood.com.

National Marine Aquarium - A registered charity committed to promoting a sympathetic understanding of the sea through programmes of education, conservation and research. www.national-aquarium.co.uk.

For more information and media interviews contact:

The Shark Trust on +44 (0) 1752 672020 / 07855 386083.

The Shark Trust

4 Creykes Court

The Millfields

Plymouth

Devon, UK

PL1 3JB

www.sharktrust.org 

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!