CITA opens underwater photography competition

(CNS): The annual Underwater Photography Competition hosted by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) is now open for submission. The competition is open to anyone — professional or amateur, local or visitor — but all photos must be taken in the Cayman Islands. All photos must be entered by noon on 25 October. The judges will be Cathy Church, Ellen Cuylaerts and Patrick Weir and the winners will be announced at the 9th Annual International Underwater Film Festival on Wednesday, 13 November, and afterwards displayed at the festival. (Photo by Peter de Maagt)

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place photos in each of the following five categories: Fish/Turtles/Stingrays; Unusual; Critter/Macro; Scenic; Creative (includes opportunity for advanced photo editing).

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place photographs in each category. Prizes, which value over CI$4000, are as follows:

1st place: CI$200 gift certificate to Diver's Supply in Grand Cayman, party keg of White Tip Lager by the Cayman Islands Brewery, winning image printed on canvas (16×20) by Cathy Church's Photo Centre.

2nd place: CI$100 gift certificate to Divers Supply in Grand Cayman, case of White Tip Lager by the Cayman Islands Brewery, winning image printed on canvas (11×14) by Cathy Church's Photo Centre.

3rd place: CI$50 gift certificate to Divers Supply in Grand Cayman, winning image printed on canvas (8×10) by Cathy Church's Photo Centre.

In addition, a ‘Best in Show’ award will be given to one of the first place photos as an overall best of the best. This grand prize winner will receive a trip on the Aggressor Fleet to a location of their choice (Cayman, Belize, Turks & Caicos or the Carib Dancer in the Bahamas.) The ‘Best in Show’ prize is valued at US$2,795, and includes accommodation, diving, air, weights, weight belts, all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, local beer and wine.

The International Underwater Film Festival, which coincides with the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, is an evening where a variety of underwater films (new and old, artistic and scientific) are shown.

This year, Divers Alert Network (DAN) is the presenting sponsor for the event. Proceeds from the Underwater Film Festival go to support CITA's marine conservation efforts, including the Dive 365 project.

A full list of rules and regulations can be found on the official entry form at www.cita.ky/photocompetition. For more information on the Underwater Photography competition, contact CITA at info@cita.ky or 345-949-8522.

See flyer below.