Sodwana Bay, underwater jewel of
iSimangaliso Wetland Park world heritage site, will once again host one of the
country’s premier photography events. Now in its 14th year, the iSimangaliso
Sodwana Bay Shootout is a unique competition where entrants enter footage and
images taken exclusively during the three days of the competition at Sodwana
Bay. While the key event is still the underwater photography contest, this is
no longer reserved only for divers. Last year was the first time that a “Land”
category was opened, which allowed entries taken anywhere in the immediate
vicinity of Sodwana Bay. With great prizes on offer, this category is expected
to prove very popular and enables non-divers to share the spoils.
The competition recognises photographers at
various skill levels from novice through to advanced and professional entrants.
There are great prizes for the various techniques and categories as well as for
the overall winner. A panel of respected industry professionals is responsible
for the judging of the entries. Merit is given to entries that depict
recognition of the iSimangaliso World Heritage Values which include;
superlative scenic beauty, sense of place, exceptional biodiversity and unique
ecological processes.
The competition is concluded with a well-attended
prize giving event displaying winning images and video footage.
Judges will be looking for originality,
excellence, relevance, reflection of Park core values and stunning subjects
such as the Sodwana sea creatures above, submitted during last year's Shootout.
Brian Ring, chairman of the organising
committee stressed that the competitions has adopted the Conservation Rules
established by EPIC. “Marine life should never be stressed or endangered for
the sake of a photo or video clip,” he says. “Conservation rules will apply to
all entries and decisions will be final. All competitors are asked to watch the
“Hands off the reef’’ video, hosted on YouTube”.
In line with all iSimangaliso events, 30%
of the entry fees is donated towards the iSimangaliso Rare and Endangered
Species Fund, to support the protection, monitoring and introduction of species
in the park such as white and black rhino, oribi and eland.
Competition dates are September 25 to 28. Entry
R300 (R50 for children) and entries should be submitted to www.sodwanashootout.co.za
or email to entries@sodwanashootout.co.za
For more information emailinfo@sodwanashootout.co.za
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