THE Department of Tourism (DOT) and Philippine Airlines (PAL), recently unveiled the 5th Anilao underwater shootout, one of the world’s largest underwater macro photography contest.
Some photography enthusiasts from all over the world are expected to come for this “world cup of underwater photo competitions,” now on its fifth year, from November 28 to December 2 in Mabini, Batangas. Comprising the panel of judges at this year’s shootout are nature photographer and Lennart Nilsson Award winner David Doubilet; aquatic biologist and photojournalist Jennifer Hayes; Palme D’or winner Scott “Gutsy” Tuason; Singapore-based underwater photographer William Tan; Tobias Friedrich, award-winning photographer from Germany; and Yoshi Hirata, Philippines-based Japanese marine biologist.
The competition will have two classes: open class for participants with any type of camera and accessories, in which published and professional photographers will automatically be placed; and compact class, exclusively for participants using cameras without interchangeable camera lenses.
The categories for the competition will be: Macro/Supermacro, Marine Behavior, Nudibranch, Fish Portrait, and Cephalopod. Two special categories are also offered at this year’s competition: blackwater and bonfire, which feature animals found and photographed by doing either blackwater and bonfire dives; and GoPro/iPhone special beginners, a new category for participants who use GoPros, smartphones, and the like for underwater photography.
“The DOT will implement a strict “No Marine Life Manipulation” policy, and employ spotters and dive guides to help ensure the protection and conservation of marine life during the competition,” promised Undersecretary for Tourism Development, Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.