Epson Red Sea 2010 Live Daily Reports

The tricky thing about competition shoot-outs is that you can never really predict and control all the factors. You can plan ahead all of the images you would like to carry out and submit to the competition, but in most cases, a photographer participating in a shoot-out is required to be flexible and creative enough in order to adjust his plan according to the circumstances. This is obvious when it comes to those who have decided to take wonderful shark images at the shoot-out, as you are probably more likely to encounter a flying barracuda at the shores of the Red Sea in Eilat. However, surprises and challenges are also awaiting photographers with the most realistic plan. Today, for instance, although it was quite warm in Eilat, there was almost no sun visible. Therefore, underwater photographers who have planned to make use of a nice and shiny sun ball within their compositions had to reschedule their shots. Or simply go for plan B (full moon?).

All in all, the first day of the shoot-out went very well. Almost 100 photographers have already signed up for the Eilat Shoot-Out, which explains why the Isrotel Manta diving center, where the competition is based, was so busy and lively. Wondering around with underwater photo systems in all colors, sizes and brands, most photographers spent more time today underwater than they did on land, which makes you think that perhaps the purpose of the category “Fish of the Year” was misinterpreted…

Speaking of “Fish of the Year”, all photographers participating in this category were assigned to shoot a portfolio of 5 images featuring the Lion Fish. Although in such a case, you would expect quite a repetitive selection of images, I must admit I was overwhelmed by the diversity of Lion Fish images I’ve been shown today. It seems that most photographers have realized that it’s not enough to produce fine, well exposed and perfectly composed images of this fish, but that they are also required to be creative in order to introduce the Lion Fish within a different, unique and outstanding manner. Then again, although the Red Sea is usually loaded with Lion Fish, I’ve heard quite a few photographers today complaining about the relatively low number of Lion Fish found in the water these days. But of course, if you were a Lion Fish hearing about a whole category named after you, wouldn’t have you immediately made use of your magician-disappearance capabilities??

The presence of the new “Fashion & Nudity” category was very significant today as well. Most of the photographers participating in this category have planned their images way ahead and designed remarkable, colorful and sexy outfits especially for this event, which makes the diving center look so much more appealing. One of the competitors is Oren Lederman from Israel, who’s working with an experienced model named Tal Idan, featured at this short video clip.

And boy did I miss those Happy Hours at the end of each day! Well, basically, 5 o’clock pm shouldn’t be considered the end of the day, but it kind of ends up like that after 6 glasses of wine, vodka and beer. Calm music at the background, a variety of drinks and photographers finally tempted to take a short break in order to consume something else rather than compressed air. There’s such a great atmosphere during those happy hours, that for a short while, it seems like the most difficult decision you have to make in life is whether to drink wine or vodka. Then, someone usually says something about a prize worth $25,000, and before you know it- you and your lens are underwater again…

• Epson Red Sea 2009
• Fish of the Year - Epson Red Sea 2009
• Epson Red Sea 2008 Competition Webcast
• Epson Red Sea 2008 - World of Underwater Images