Monterey, CA — The underwater photography community is gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Monterey Shootout, taking place next weekend, August 1–3, 2025. Held in the rich marine ecosystem of Monterey Bay, this three-day competition invites divers and underwater image-makers of all skill levels to capture the beauty beneath the surface — and compete for more than $30,000 in prizes. With a low registration fee of just $35, the Shootout offers a rare opportunity to blend diving, creativity, education, and fun into a single unforgettable weekend.
2024 2nd Place Winner – Advanced Wide Angle Traditional. Photo by Sage Ono
Participants will begin diving starting at 7am Friday morning, with a strict 36-hour window to shoot and submit their photos and videos by 7 p.m. Saturday evening. That night, the famous Backscatter cocktail party welcomes attendees to unwind, mingle, and get a sneak peek at the weekend’s top moments. On Sunday, the competition culminates with a series of educational seminars hosted by some of the most respected names in underwater photography, including Erin Quigley and Mike Bartick. The day concludes with the official awards ceremony, where prizes are distributed using a unique point-based system designed to reward the broadest number of competitors.
The competition is divided into three photo categories — Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced — based on the diver’s experience level and prior accomplishments. Beginners have fewer than 50 dives and little contest history, while Advanced shooters are those with extensive experience or multiple top contest placements. The video category, open to all experience levels, emphasizes creativity and storytelling over gear alone, encouraging participants to craft compelling underwater narratives in just 3 minutes or less.
Prizes this year are especially exciting, with contributions from top industry sponsors. Winners can expect everything from high-end strobes and housings provided by Backscatter and Ikelite, to once-in-a-lifetime dive travel packages from Lembeh Resort, Crystal Blue Resort, and Clearly Cayman. Additional sponsors like Nauticam, Kraken Sports, and GoPro have ensured that prizes cover the full spectrum of underwater imaging gear — lighting, optics, accessories, and more.
Beyond the competition, the Monterey Shootout is a celebration of the diving community itself. Attendees not only improve their technical and creative skills through seminars and feedback, but also connect with like-minded ocean lovers in an encouraging and energetic environment. Strict environmental ethics are enforced throughout the event, ensuring that all images are captured with respect for marine life, in accordance with the EPIC® underwater code of conduct.
Whether you’re just beginning your underwater photography journey or are a seasoned shooter looking to test your skills, the Monterey Shootout is the ultimate chance to dive deep, learn from the best, and possibly walk away with incredible prizes — and unforgettable memories. For full details, rules, and registration information, visit the official website at www.montereyshootout.com.