Nautilus Scuba Club Photo Contest Winners

Nautilus Scuba Club Cairns Annual Underwater Photographic Competition and Exhibition

The Nautilus Scuba Club Cairns, Annual Underwater Photographic Competition and Exhibition, now in its 16^th year, had 407 images entered for 2023. The competition is judged by two accomplished photographers in the form of Gary Bell and Mark Spencer, supported by Cairns Regional Council and has some of the biggest names in the scuba diving industry as sponsors. All the images were displayed at the Cairns Tanks Arts Centre and had 6,000 people pass through the exhibition from the 26^th July to the 20^th August.

The Awards Night, attracted 120 club members, dive industry personalities and event sponsors. There were five ‘Open Categories’ (DSLRs, Mirrorless and compact cameras), where up to a maximum of three images per category can be entered. This year, Andrew Watson won both first and second place in Wide Angle. The Macro section was won by Phil Woodhead and second place went to Libby Sterling. The Portrait section was won by Kevin Coombs second place by Tracey Hale. The marine animal Behaviour themed section was won by Libby Sterling, with second place going to Ann Coombs while the Beauty of the Great Barrier Reef themed section was won by Cathie Cummins with Libby Sterling in second.

There were also two portfolio sections where five images were submitted to demonstrate the photographer’s range of skills using either a DSLR and mirrorless cameras or a compact camera. The DSLR/mirrorless camera section was won by Kevin Coombs and second place by Alison Smith. The compact camera section was won by Brian Abrook and second place going to Glenn Abbot. Additionally, there was the ‘Club Members Choice Award’ with this section won Brian Abrook and second place went to Ann Coombs. The ‘People’s Choice Award’, where the public attending the exhibition voted for their favourite was won by Emile Kuruchi and second place went to Phil Woodhead. The judges also awarded several ‘Highly Commended’ awards in all the respective sections.

The Winning Categories

Kevin Coombs – Portrait 1^st place. Prize donated by Coral Sea Dreaming Dive & Sail (trip for two).

Andrew Watson – Wide Angle1^st place Prize donated by Volivoli Beach Resort

Libby Sterling – Behaviour 1^st place. Prize donated by Lissenung Island Resort

Phil Woodhead – Macro 1^st place. Prize donated by Tufi Resort & Sharkskin

Cathie Cummins – Great Barrier Reef 1^st place. Prize donated by MBDE

Emile Kuruchi – Peoples choice Prize donated by SSI

Brian Abrook – Members Choice Prize donated by Deep Sea Divers Den

Brian Abrook – Compact Portfolio. Prize donated by Walindi Plantation Resort

Kevin Coombs – DLSR Portfolio Prize donated by Digital Diver & Ilelite