Digital Online was realised in 2009 by Marcelo Mariozi, a professional underwater photographer, newly relocated to Dubai who had previously been involved in the organisation and set up of underwater photography competitions in his native country of Brazil. As there were no underwater photography competitions existing in the UAE at the time, Digital Online was introduced by EDA for resident photographers and to develop a relationship and human interaction with those unfamiliar with the underwater world and environment. The film category was introduced as an extension to the competition in 2012 to share motion pictures.
The event, now in its fifth year, has seen the steady growth of underwater photography participation, with the enthusiasm and passion stepping up to another level. The event, which saw over 120 guests attend, has attained equal success within the non-divers who come to support the participants at the Awards and Exhibition night, to view and enjoy the still and motion pictures of our underwater world.
We would like to thank all our sponsors who have made these competitions possible and the wonderful prizes they have provided for 2013. We would also like to thank our printing sponsor, Print Works, who printed the 143 images on display at the exhibition.
Rules for 2013
PHOTOGRAPHY
1. UAE and Musandam only
Photographers can enter their photographs into three categories; Fish, Macro and Wide Angle. Entrants may enter one image per category, which can only have been taken in the UAE or in the Musandam.
2. International image
Photographers can enter one image of their choice of any category, taken anywhere in the world.
Fish: Photographs of whole fish and/or fish parts as the main visual element (not mammals, crustaceans, molluscs etc.) taken with any lens, portraying its natural behaviour and environment.
Macro: Photographs taken with close-up equipment, portraying underwater flora and/or fauna. The main element not being fish.
Wide Angle: Photographs taken with a wide-angle lens (or adapters that provide an equal field-of-view), with or without human presence, portraying the natural beauty of the underwater environment.
VIDEO
Marine life: Show off creative editing skills showing the local water marine life. Maximum duration including credits: 5 minutes.
Wreck video: Getting good wreck footage can be a challenge due to the size of most wrecks and the generally limited ambient light. Get creative with those found here. Maximum duration including credits: 5 minutes.
Digital Online judges include professional documentary film photographer Ali Khalifa Bin Thalith, underwater photographer Warren Baverstock, Wild Planet Productions’ Jonathan Ali Khan, wildlife photographer Nuno Sá and EDA’s Ally Landes and Reema Abbas. “I would like to give a warm welcome to the new additions of Digital Online’s judges this year, we are proud to have some of the top underwater photographers in the UAE and in the world as part of the panel,” EDA Vice Chairman of the Board Mr. Essa Al Ghurair said. “We’ve noticed that this year’s competition has taken underwater photography to another level yet again, with entries showing real talent in shots taken to share the beauty of our marine life with everyone. Being the UAE’s only underwater photography and film competition, it will enhance the diving industry within the UAE and the region.”
Emirates Diving Association was established in 1995 by the instructions of HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE, as a federal voluntary and non-profit organisation, registered with the General Authority of Sports and Youth welfare and accredited by UNEP with a mission to conserve, protect and restore the UAE’s marine resources by understanding and promoting the marine environment and promote environmental diving.
This year’s prize giving ceremony was held at DUCTAC in the Gallery of Light at Mall of the Emirates like the year before. All the entries were shown on big prints and most of the winners were present to receive their prizes. The positive development in the dive community and especially with the underwater photographers is displayed in the exhibition, which portrayed local underwater life through excellent shots from both professionals and amateurs. The overall quality of the photos have further improved from last year, showing the highest quality on international level considering technical and creative aspects. Like every year, EDA was supported by sponsors who offered great prizes from dive gear to diving trips to local destinations and even international ones, for example a week dive trip to Sipadan island in Malaysia. The prizes where handed by Essa Abdulla Al Ghurair, Khalfan Khalfan Al Muhairi, Omar Al Huraiz and Rashid Al Hajji and sponsors of the individual prizes. The exhibition was unfortunately only for one day, but you can see all submissions and the event photos on www.outdooruae.com.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants of the photo competition from the whole OutdoorUAE team.
