14th CMAS Underwater Photography World Championship

The 14th CMAS Underwater Photography World Championship is a prestigious international competition organized by the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), which is the World Underwater Federation. This event brings together the world's best underwater photographers to compete in various categories, showcasing their skills in capturing the beauty and diversity of underwater life.

History

The CMAS Underwater Photography World Championship was first held in 1985, and it has since become a biennial event. The competition aims to promote underwater photography as an art form and to raise awareness about marine conservation. The 14th edition of the championship continues this tradition, attracting participants from all over the globe.

Competition Categories

The championship typically features several categories, including:

• **Wide Angle**: Photographs that capture large scenes or subjects, such as coral reefs or schools of fish.
• **Macro**: Close-up images of small subjects, highlighting intricate details and textures.
• **Fish**: Images focusing on fish, showcasing their behavior, colors, and patterns.
• **Theme**: A special category that changes with each championship, often reflecting current environmental or artistic themes.

Judging and Criteria

Entries are judged by a panel of experts in underwater photography and marine biology. The criteria for judging include:

• **Technical Skill**: The photographer's ability to use lighting, composition, and camera settings effectively.
• **Creativity**: The originality and artistic expression demonstrated in the photograph.
• **Relevance to Category**: How well the image fits the specific category it was entered in.
• **Impact**: The emotional or visual impact of the photograph on the viewer.

Importance of the Championship

The CMAS Underwater Photography World Championship plays a significant role in:

• **Promoting Marine Conservation**: By highlighting the beauty and diversity of underwater ecosystems, the competition raises awareness about the importance of protecting marine environments.
• **Advancing Underwater Photography**: The event encourages photographers to push the boundaries of their craft, leading to innovations in techniques and equipment.
• **Fostering International Collaboration**: The championship brings together photographers from different countries, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among participants.

Also see

• Underwater photography
• Marine conservation
• Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques
• Photography competitions