San Carlos Beach in Monterey (click to enlarge)
The Monterey Shootout is happening this weekend! The shootout is an underwater photo competition focused on fun, education, with a goal to inspire new underwater image-makers. The Northern California Underwater Photo Society (NCUPS) has been running this weekend-long event for 35 years.
The Monterey Shootout is a great way to meet new dive buddies, learn how to take underwater photos, attend informational seminars, and explore new sites. This friendly shooting competition has awards for advanced shooters and fantastic prizes to the new underwater photographers, and it’s open to all amateur photographers and/or videographers of all ages and abilities – except professionals. Industry professionals, including those who lead photo trips, or refer to themselves as a “Professional Underwater Photographer” are not eligible to compete in the Monterey Shootout.
The Shootout begins on Friday with an introduction to underwater photography class offered by Jim Decker. Dive boats depart both morning and afternoon. The shootout continues on Friday and images need to be delivered by the 7:00pm deadline. Saturday will be concluded with a cocktail party at Backscatter. Registration for the full weekend is only $25 and includes the cocktail party, entry into the competition, and all of the seminars.
Second place 2014 Winner Bill Morgan, intermediate wide-angle (unrestricted) category.
On Sunday, accomplished underwater photographer Mike Bartick will be teaching a seminar focused on lighting. Mike is a marine wildlife photographer and photo pro based in Anilao, Philippines. He has an insatiable love for finding unique animal life, observing and photographing animal behavior and sharing his insight and knowledge with others. Mike has also been the managing editor and photo editor for California Diver Magazine.
Richard Salas will teach another seminar Sunday at 11am. Richard graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in 1979, where he was first introduced to diving and underwater photography. During his last year and a half of school he was mentored by Ernest Brooks II.
A complete list of seminar presenters and judges is listed here.
The Shootout concludes Sunday evening, with prize selection will taking place from 3:00-5:00. (To see the complete schedule, please click here).
Come on down and join the Shootout! Regardless of your skill level, the Monterey Shootout is a great way to learn more about diving, underwater photography, and enjoy all that beautiful Monterey has to offer.
For more information on the Monterey Shootout, visit the official website here.