| Copyright | DIVE magazine reserves the right to publish winning images both in the magazine and on the website. Winning images will also be used in any future promotional material for the show and competition royalty free. |
|---|---|
| Finish | 31 January 2008 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedFilm and photography entries are now being accepted for the 2008 British Underwater Image Festival (BUIF). Following on from two hugely successful years, the third British Underwater Image Festival returns to the Go Diving! show at the Birmingham NEC on 14 to 16 March 2008.
More than £12,500 worth of prizes are available to the winners in each of the competition’s nine categories.
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PRINT CATEGORIES
THE SUUNTO OPEN CATEGORY
anything goes
FIRST: Suunto D9 with bracelet and transmitter, worth £1,150
SECOND: Suunto D9 with straps and transmitter, worth £1,020
THIRD: Suunto D6, worth £470
THE PADI DIGITAL UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER CATEGORY
Images must have been taken with a digital compact camera
FIRST: £500 cheque
SECOND: £300 cheque
THIRD: £200 cheque
THE APEKS PORTFOLIO CATEGORY.
Six prints to be arranged in two rows of three
FIRST: Apeks XTX200 regulator, worth £448
SECOND: Apeks XTX50 regulator, worth £349
THIRD: Apeks XTX20 regulator, worth £235
THE SCUBAPRO YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS CATEGORY
Photographers must be 30 years of age or younger.
FIRST: Scubapro Galileo Sol computer, worth £869
SECOND: Scubapro Aladin Tec 2G computer, worth £395
THIRD: Scubapro Aladin Prime computer, worth £235
SPECIAL PRIZES
THE CANON BEST IMAGE OF SHOW
PRIZE: Canon EOS D-SLR worth over £1,000
THE SUUNTO BEST BRITISH IMAGE OF SHOW
PRIZE: Suunto D9 with bracelet and transmitter, worth £1,150.
DIGITAL DEPOT HOTSHOTS IMAGE OF THE YEAR
(chosen from the last 12 months Hot Shots and voted for by you on the web – www.divemagazine.co.uk).
PRIZE: Olympus 760 bundle with housing, worth £199
RULES FOR PRINT STILLS
Maximum of six prints per entrant per category (Suunto Open, PADI Digital and Scubapro Young Photographer).
Maximum of one entry per person for the portfolio category.
There is no entry fee.
Prints must be 10 inches x 7 inches or 10 inches x 8 inches with a border of at least 3mm on each edge, and will be mounted by DIVE
Portfolios must be six 5 inches x 7 inches with a border of at least 3mm on each edge, accompanied by a guide showing in which order they should be viewed, with three images on top and three on the bottom – again, they will be mounted by DIVE
All prints must be labeled on the reverse with photographer’s name, category, where the picture was taken and equipment used.
The official web page: http://www.divemagazine.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=4033&v=1&sp=
Send your entries with a completed entry form to:
DIVE Magazine
British Underwater Image Festival
One Victoria Villas,
Richmond,
Surrey,
TW9 2GW.
Download the BUIF Entry form in pdf here.
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Frequently asked questions — Amateur photography contests
Who can enter amateur photography contests?
Most amateur contests welcome non-professional photographers worldwide—hobbyists, students, and emerging creators. Many explicitly exclude those who earn primary income from photography to ensure a level playing field. Always verify age requirements and amateur-status definitions on the official contest page.
Are amateur photography contests free to enter?
Many are free or low-cost: entry fees typically range from $0–$25 per submission, with student discounts or early-bird rates often available. Fee status and discount tiers are confirmed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do amateur photography contests offer?
Prizes emphasize growth and exposure: cash awards range $100–$2,500, while non-monetary rewards include mentorship feedback, online feature spots, workshop scholarships, or entry credits to advanced contests. Even without large cash prizes, these contests offer valuable confidence-building opportunities.
How do I choose which amateur contest to enter?
Prioritize contests that match your current skill level and genre interests. Look for opportunities offering constructive feedback or educational components, confirm that professional photographers are excluded (if that matters to you), and review rights clauses—even amateur contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
Frequently asked questions — Free photography contests
Who can enter free photography contests?
Most free contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of experience level or equipment. Many explicitly encourage students, hobbyists, and emerging creators—always verify age requirements or thematic restrictions on the official contest page.
Are free photography contests really free?
Yes—entry is $0 across the board. Some contests offer optional paid perks like expedited feedback or printed certificates, but submission, judging, and basic participation remain completely free. Fee status is confirmed in the Quick Facts section on each PhotoCompete listing.
What prizes do free photography contests offer?
Prizes vary widely: cash awards range $100–$5,000, while non-monetary rewards include online features, publication credits, mentorship sessions, exhibition inclusion, or gear donations. Even without cash, free contests offer valuable exposure and portfolio-building opportunities.
How do I choose which free contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose theme or mission aligns with your work. Review past winners to gauge style preferences, confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), and read rights clauses carefully—even free contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
Frequently asked questions — International photography contests
Who can enter international photography contests?
Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.
Are international photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do international photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.
How do I choose which international contest to enter?
Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.