Epson Red Sea competition 2010: winning images announced

When once a year the world’s best marine photographers come together in Eilat (Israel), it’s because they want to compete during the world’s largest marine photography competition, the Epson Red Sea competition. By now this event is known worldwide as the “International Underwater Olympics”, as underwater photographers from all over the world attend this unique photography event year after year.

This autumn, between November 8 and 13, an international group of professional and amateur photographers again showed their skill, creativity and flair in the beautiful Red Sea resort of Eilat. With combined prize money of $80,000, the sixth annual event inspired many old hands and newcomers alike to produce stunning underwater images of the unique aquatic environment of the Red Sea. More than 100 underwater photographers took part in the competition, arriving from Italy, Germany, Argentina, South Africa, France, Spain, Netherlands and many other countries. New categories were introduced to the competition this year, including “Sharks” and “Fashion & Nudity”, creating additional interest for participants and spectators, and providing the event and participating photographers with massive exposure.

On November 13th, Mark Fuller from Israel was announced as the winner of the largest category having submitted a uniquely creative and technically impressive ‘Best 5 Images portfolio’. Mark Fuller has won a $10,000 check in addition to a three-week diving trip in Papua New Guinea for two, including airfare – a $25,000 worth prize in total.

David Pilosof, producer of the Epson Red Sea event, is amazed by the great results and the high interest: “The Epson Red Sea event is becoming increasingly high profile and the level of marine and fashion photography entrants is incredible. We had a number of really great photographers who have created absolutely amazing underwater images. This year’s competition was therefore incredibly exciting, and the fantastic winning images show the high caliber of the competing photographers.”

Oren Fleisher, Epson Israel, added: “This competition challenges some of the world’s best photographers  to capture the stunning colour, detail and atmosphere of the Red Sea’s marine life – a task that can be best achieved by those aware of and considerate towards their environment.  These are challenges and goals that Epson strives to meet each day.  It’s great to be part of this success.”

Epson has a long standing connection to Red Sea conservation projects, including the Epson Red Sea competition, an international competition for underwater photographers that uses the power of great photography to highlight the beauty and fragility of this environment.  It is one of a number of photography projects which also include the Wild Wonders of Europe, that Epson support as part of its Environmental Vision 2050 Commitment.

List of categories and winners:

Best 5 Images: Mark Fuller, Israel

Best Singular Entry: Paula Faiferman, Argentina

Mayor of Eilat’s Prize: Tobias Friedrich, Germany

Judges Prize: Richard Carey, United Kingdom

Fish of the Year: Tobias Friedrich, Germany

Amateurs Category: Ammar Younis, Israel

Fashion&Nudity: Marc Hillesheim, Germany

Eilat’s Video Clip: Eytan Nadel, Israel

Children of Epson Red Sea: Liraz Shaul, Israel

More details on the competition to find at http://www.eilatredsea.com/.

Please find the Epson Red Sea 2010 images at http://eilatredsea.com/?CategoryID=401.

Alternatively, images can be downloaded for publication from: https://download.yousendit.com/RlRyS3hlUzdxRTN2Wmc9PQ