posted by Sharon Rainis on 11/13/2008
Epson Red Sea 2008 Competition Webcast
Today was the last and final day in which photographers who
participate in the "Eilat Shoot Out" category were allowed to take
images and to submit them to the competition. Since most photographers
work with a check list for their portfolio, which usually consists of
a few macro shots, wide angle shots, day and night shots and so on,
they were quite aware of what is missing for a complete portfolio and
worked under great pressure to finalize their planned ahead shots. In
addition, a session was conducted a night before by the judges of the
event, who provided information regarding the general guidelines of
the judging process and how to choose the final images which are
submitted to the competition. Participants, who were now more educated
than ever, did their best in order to adjust their selection of images
according to this essential information.
Aside from macro and wide angle images, some underwater photographers
Aside from macro and wide angle images, some underwater photographers
also like to enhance their variety of styles by submitting images that
involve human models. This is generally a great thing to do, but only
if one ignores the low temperature of the water here in the Red Sea in
the month of November. Since underwater models look so much better in
a bathing suit (or nothing, if you were really lucky to find such a
dedicated model) rather than in a wetsuit, this task becomes somewhat
more complicated during this time of the year, though I did find myself
modeling for two photographers eventually. What can I say? They’d
better win a prize and make me famous, as my nose is still dripping
and as much as I admire polite people, I cannot bear to hear another
"Bless you" tonight...
I got the chance to have a short conversation with Adam Butler today, a talented English photographer who tends to shoot artistic underwater shots. Together with this beautiful wife, they keep coming up with creative ideas which spice up the traditional compositions usually adapted by underwater photographers. This year they came up with a few unique ideas, which integrate the natural beauty of the Red Sea with imaginary concepts. I think that the great thing about this couple is that aside from their obvious desire to go back home with a prize, they also enjoy the process and therefore make the most out of this competition.
Another person I had spoken with is Noam Kortler, an Israeli well
known underwater photographer who had won many international
competitions in the recent years. Noam was chosen to represent Israel
and the "Yam" magazine in the "Winning & Donating" category, and was
quite disappointed with the fish he had allotted, as it is black,
small and fast moving (were you expecting a blond?!). After having a
short glimpse in his wonderful pictures, I can confidently and
officially declare that it is really all about the photographer. I
guess you could say that like humans, each fish has a certain
potential, and it is up to the photographer to reveal its beauty.
The Happy Hour today was the happiest ever, as at some point we went out of beer, and therefore had no choice but to proceed with Vodka instead. This resulted in a great mood, loud laughter and photographers who finally revealed their most confidential professional secrets.
Tomorrow the judging process begins, and photographers are finally free to enjoy a day in the sun, doing nothing but hoping for a fat check. Good luck to you all!
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To all the participants and specially to the Winners! Congratulations!!! Good job guys!
posted by Shurflo on 04/13/2009
It was the most emotional moment when Noam Kortler from Israel was announced as the winner of Epson Red Sea 2008 on the rewards ceremony evening, which took place at the Isrotel Yam Suf Hotel on Saturday night, November 15th 2008. Wonderful webcast. I liked that.
posted by Jesson on 05/20/2009
