I am sure you will agree that this year we have had some unique winning entries, unusual subjects and rarely seen behaviour. This year, more than ever, the difficulty with which the photographer had to contend was factored in by the judges.
It’s the year of the comeback kid! In the topside category previous medal winner Ugo Gaggeri captures ‘the moment’ with a superb study of a swimmer. Israeli Ran Marom takes Gold in the Over/under section with a very similar shot to his Silver Medal winner of 2005, but better! Brian Mayes finally strikes Gold with his shot of one greedy Lizardfish. Jeff Deguzman also wins macro Gold with a pregnant Pygmy seahorse about to give birth! There’s plenty of Newbies in there too. Larissa Roorda, Aza Taza, and Mike Clark make a splash (to name but three).
This year we are introducing new awards (Grand Master), a new portfolio feature, and more categories. So get shooting, next year will be even bigger and even better!
Benny Sutton (Editor)

Mark Thomas is recognised as having entered the most consistent portfolio of entries over the year.
It is easy to work on colorful coral reefs when you’re nice and warm and have plenty of bottom-time. Mark dives all year round in UK temperatures and still produces ‘the goods’. Mark operates in conditions that test the underwater photographer to the extreme. Most of his shots were taken in one place, Capernwray Quarry. Yes, freshwater! Few subjects present themselves so Mark needs to be inventive to create underwater images.
You cannot talk about Mark without his ‘other half’ – Derek Haslam. They are inseparable like fish and chips, or Sonny and Cher (No, I don’t know which is Cher!). Indeed they dive together and pose for each other’s shots. Both are lively and popular contributors to our forums. Both were named as clear-cut favorites for the top awards by their peers.

Since there was very little between Mark and Derek in terms of u/w photo technical ability it is a good job we have a new award this year to cope with the dilemma of Mark and Derek.
We have a new award for underwater photographers who have stood the test of time with a consistent entry over a long period of time.
Derek Haslam becomes our first Grand Master.
Derek is definitely the joker with many a shot that has given us all a smile.

Quite simply Manfred has no peers when it comes to manipulated images. He is the king of u/w Photoshop and an inspiration for many others who have followed him.
He’s a multi-medal winner, having produced some stunning composite images over the years.
It’s not always clear what the message is (if any) but eye-catching they certainly are!
And BTW, he has entered some very accomplished ‘straight’ shots too!