Lembeh Resort, Indonesia have partnered with Gulen Resort, Norway in an 8 day contest that aims to pit the critter-laden Lembeh Straits against the equally critter rich Gulen in the Atlantic. The event is going to be held from 20 to 28 May 2016 and the winning images will be decided by public vote on Facebook

Press Release

2016 Lembeh Gulen Critter Shootout

20th – 28th May 2016

The first ever International shootout is coming and this is an event not to be missed! This epic competition takes place not just in two different countries, but on two different continents, in two different hemispheres with contestants going head to head and being led by two of the world’s best, heavy-weight underwater photographers.

Alex Mustard and Tobias Friedrich will each lead a team from across the globe and contestants will shoot out over 3 themed competition days which include Fish, Invertebrate Life and Nudibranch.

Lembeh Resort in North Sulawesi Indonesia will host one team and Gulen Dive Resort in Norway will host the other. So why is this event such a milestone? How can these two locations be compared? Both Lembeh and Gulen and are among the best spots in the world for photographing critters – albeit under very different conditions. Photographers will have to adapt to their surroundings and battle it out for the best images. The event will commence with 3 training days and training tips and hints will be shared live with photograph critiques through Facebook – look out for the team leaders comments to improve your own photography techniques.

It’s not only the 32 contestants and their team leaders who are involved. In an attempt to bridge the gap between these two destinations and to bring together underwater photographers from around the world this event is being judged by the public – BY YOU! At the end of each competition day images will be unloaded to the “Lembeh Gulen Critter Shootout” Facebook page for judging. This is where YOU play a part. By liking the page in advance of the event, as images are uploaded you will be able to “Like” what you consider to be the winning shots. You’ll be able to post comments on them and check back to see how our professional team leaders commented. By seeing the professional critiques you are bound to pick up invaluable hints and tips which can be applied to your own underwater photography attempts to improve your images including lighting tips and techniques and advice on composition and camera settings.

The event has gathered huge interest from the media and will be reported in leading dive magazines and online forums across the world so remember to cast your votes and leave your comments – who knows, you could even be quoted in your favourite dive magazine!

With thousands of dollars worth of prizes and cash rewards at stake this is going to be a fight to the end. Which side of the globe will capture the best shots? Who has the best critters? Which team leader will be crowned the winner of this prestigious event? It’s up to you – YOU vote, YOU decide. Like the Facebook page now to be involved in pre-event discussions, tips, photography critiques and of course, your chance to vote!

Do you want to join in? Places are still open for contestants – one week of intensive training with the best of the best plus incredible diving and phenomenal critters! Interested? Message the event organizers through Facebook for more information and to secure your spot.