FAQs

The REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout is an ethical and immersive underwater macro photography competition hosted by Solitude World in partnership with Makrogehtimmer. Taking place across two iconic muck diving destinations—Anilao, Philippines, and Lembeh Strait, Indonesia—the shootout challenges participants to capture compelling, organic images of marine life in its natural state.

But REAL FOCUS is more than a competition.

It’s a movement that blends photography, ethics, and science. In addition to competing for recognition and prizes, participants are invited to contribute to a groundbreaking 3-year marine species behaviour study, led by marine biologist Dr David Harasti. By submitting images and optional dive data, photographers help build a valuable scientific record that supports marine conservation efforts.

With its core values of respect, authenticity, and awareness, REAL FOCUS is for those who believe great underwater photography starts with care—for the ocean, for its creatures, and for the stories we choose to tell.

Break the habit. Change the current. This year’s theme is ‘Breaking the Habit’, encouraging participants to capture the natural behaviour of marine life in their untouched environments.

To participate, entrants must be guests staying at either Solitude Acacia Resort or Solitude Lembeh Resort for a minimum of 3 nights during the competition period, from February 15, 2026 – April 30, 2026.

The REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026 will be held across two world-renowned macro diving destinations:

• Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Philippines
• Solitude Lembeh Resort in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia

The competition runs from 15 February to 30 April 2026. Participants can enter by staying a minimum of 3 nights at either resort during this period. Each location offers its own unique marine biodiversity, allowing photographers to explore, capture, and contribute from either—or both—sites.

Whether you prefer the vibrant reefs of Anilao or the black sands of Lembeh, REAL FOCUS invites you to dive in, shoot ethically, and be part of a photographic and scientific experience like no other.

Yes, each image submission must be accompanied by a completed dive data sheet. This sheet should include details such as dive site, depth, temperature, observed species, abundance, and behavioural notes. This requirement supports the 3-year marine species behaviour study led by Dr. David Harasti. Submissions without a valid data sheet will be disqualified.

To participate in the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026, follow these steps:

1. Book Your Stay: Reserve a minimum 3-night stay at either Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Philippines, or Solitude Lembeh Resort in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia, during the competition period from February 15 to April 30, 2026.​
2. Register Online: Visit the REAL FOCUS registration page to secure your spot.​
3. Stay Informed: If you’re not ready to book yet but want to stay updated, you can register your interest to receive the latest news and updates about the shootout.​

By registering, you’ll join a community of passionate underwater photographers dedicated to ethical storytelling and marine conservation.​

Yes, to be eligible for the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026, participants must book a minimum 3-night stay at either Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Philippines, or Solitude Lembeh Resort in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia, during the competition period from February 15 to April 30, 2026.​

This requirement ensures that all participants have sufficient time to engage with the competition, capture their images ethically, and, if they choose, contribute to the accompanying marine species behaviour study led by Dr. David Harasti.​

For more details on booking your stay and registering for the shootout, please visit the REAL FOCUS registration page.

To be eligible for the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026, participants must stay a minimum of 3 nights at either Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Philippines, or Solitude Lembeh Resort in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia, during the competition period from February 15 to April 30, 2026. ​

Stays at other resorts or diving with different operators do not qualify for entry into the competition.​

This requirement ensures a consistent experience for all participants and upholds the competition’s commitment to ethical photography and marine conservation.​

For more details on booking your stay and registering for the shootout, please visit the REAL FOCUS registration page.

No, you do not need to be a professional photographer to participate in the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026. The competition welcomes both amateur and professional photographers who are passionate about underwater photography and committed to ethical practices.​

Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, as long as you adhere to the competition’s guidelines and ethical standards, you’re encouraged to join.

All images must be submitted through the REAL FOCUS PLATFORM. For each final edited JPEG, you must also upload the corresponding unedited RAW file(s) converted to JPEG format. This includes multiple unedited JPEGs if the final image was created using in-camera techniques like double exposure or stacking. All files should have a minimum resolution of 2700 pixels on the shortest side and be between 2MB and 5MB in size.

Submit both unedited JPEG files (converted from the original RAW files) and final edited JPEG images. Each unedited JPEG must correspond to its edited version. For images created using in-camera techniques like double exposure or stacking, multiple unedited JPEGs may be required. All files should have a minimum resolution of 2700 pixels on the shortest side and be between 2MB and 5MB in size.

Participants may submit a minimum of five (5) entries per category.
Each entry must include:

One or more RAW/UNEDITED JPEGs converted from the original RAW file(s) that correspond to the edited image.
In cases of in-camera techniques such as double exposure or stacking, multiple unedited JPEGs may be required to verify the final result.

• One (1) final edited JPEG, and
• One or more RAW/UNEDITED JPEGs converted from the original RAW file(s) that correspond to the edited image.
  In cases of in-camera techniques such as double exposure or stacking, multiple unedited JPEGs may be required to verify the final result.

Yes, entrants can update and swap out their edited submissions until the competition’s closing date.

The final deadline for submissions is May 31, 2026. Be sure to upload your entries by this date to ensure eligibility for the competition.

Minor clean-up using AI-powered tools, such as backscatter removal and spot healing, is permitted. However, the use of AI for content creation, enhancement, or manipulation beyond standard clean-up (e.g., generative fill or adding/removing subjects) is strictly prohibited. All images must reflect authentic underwater scenes captured during the shootout period.

The REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026 features thoughtfully curated categories that celebrate ethical storytelling and the diverse beauty of marine life. Each category invites participants to explore different facets of underwater photography, aligning with this year’s theme, “Breaking the Habit.” Participants may submit up to five (5) RAW/UNEDITED images per category, each accompanied by one (1) corresponding EDITED image.​

1. Best of Show

Awarded to the single most outstanding image across all categories, this honour recognizes technical excellence, visual impact, and the essence of underwater photography. The winning image should inspire viewers, embodying a balance of beauty, creativity, and the artistry of underwater photography.​

2. Macro Traditional

Celebrating the classic beauty of close-up photography, this category focuses on sharp details, natural colours, and fine textures. Participants should capture marine life in a way that brings out its intricate details, textures, and unique characteristics. Examples might include portraits of small fish, crustaceans, and other marine creatures in their natural environment. The goal is to create an image that is both scientifically accurate and artistically compelling, allowing viewers to appreciate the tiny marvels of underwater life up close.​

3. Macro Creative

This category invites photographers to push boundaries using in-camera creative techniques only—not post-processing effects. Innovation should happen underwater, through your lens, in real time.
Explore unusual lighting, intentional motion blur, reflections, double exposures, or abstract compositions—all captured during the shootout.
The goal is to express an artistic and interpretive vision of the underwater world without relying on digital manipulation in editing software.
Creativity must remain rooted in authentic, ethical fieldwork, offering a fresh and imaginative perspective while respecting the marine environment.

4. Blackwater

Blackwater photography captures the mystery and magic of the open ocean at night, where rare and otherworldly marine species emerge from the depths. This category highlights images of pelagic species and unusual creatures often seen only in deep or nighttime dives. Think of translucent animals, bioluminescent critters, and delicate larvae. These images should emphasize the uniqueness of blackwater subjects and reveal their fascinating forms, textures, and often ethereal glow against the inky blackness of the open water.​

5. Compact/Point & Shoot

Open to compact cameras, this category encourages participants to make the most of their equipment, demonstrating skill and creativity within the limitations of point-and-shoot technology. This is an open theme, allowing for a range of styles and subjects, from macro to wide-angle shots, as long as the camera used falls within the compact category. Participants are encouraged to explore diverse subjects, focusing on compelling compositions, unique perspectives, and storytelling that make the most of the compact camera’s capabilities.​

These categories are designed to inspire photographers to break free from conventional habits and explore new creative avenues, all while adhering to ethical practices that respect marine life and their habitats.

For more details visit the Theme & Categories page.

No, each image may only be submitted to one category in the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026. This ensures fair judging and encourages participants to consider which category best reflects the intent, composition, and subject of their image.

If you have variations of a shot—such as a traditional edit and a creative reinterpretation—you’re welcome to submit different versions to different categories, as long as they are distinctly edited and aligned with the respective category’s theme.

Images will be judged in multiple rounds using a slideshow format. All entries will be anonymous, and judges will evaluate them based on ethical integrity, technical quality, and alignment with the competition’s theme.

Yes, judging for the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026 is entirely anonymous. Judges do not receive any identifying information about the photographer or the location where the image was taken.

This ensures a fully merit-based review, where each image is evaluated solely on its visual impact, technical execution, ethical integrity, and alignment with the theme—without bias toward the individual, resort, or dive site.

It’s part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and celebrating true photographic skill and storytelling.

The competition emphasises ethical photography, meaning all images should be captured without disturbing marine life or their habitats. Participants must follow strict guidelines: no physical interaction with marine animals, no repositioning, and ensuring that natural behaviours are left undisturbed.

You may use dive guides to help locate subjects during your dives, but positioning, handling, or manipulating marine life—either by you or your guide—is strictly prohibited.

REAL FOCUS upholds a strong ethical code that protects marine life and prioritises authentic encounters. Subjects must not be moved, coaxed, staged, or disturbed in any way. Dive guides must also respect these principles when supporting participants.

The aim is to celebrate moments that occur naturally in the underwater world—moments you discover through patience, observation, and skill. This approach not only ensures fairness but also reinforces the values of conservation and responsible underwater photography.

In the context of the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout, any action that alters, disturbs, or influences marine life or its natural environment for the sake of a photo is considered manipulation—and is strictly prohibited.

Examples of unethical behaviour include:

• Touching, moving, or handling marine life
• Prodding, poking, or using objects to direct or reveal a subject
• Altering the environment, such as lifting rocks or repositioning coral or debris
• Blocking or trapping animals to prevent them from leaving a scene
• Using flash or strobes excessively in a way that causes distress or repeated exposure to sensitive species
• Having guides or assistants manipulate animals on your behalf

This code of conduct applies to both the photographer and any dive guides or assistants involved.

REAL FOCUS promotes respectful, observational photography—capturing subjects as they are, where they are, without interference. Ethical photography ensures that marine life remains safe, and that the integrity of both the moment and the image is preserved.

For the first time, REAL FOCUS is partnering with marine biologist Dr. David Harasti to support a 3-year species behaviour study. Participants are invited to contribute dive data and additional images—beyond their competition entries—to help track marine life behaviour, habitats, and distribution in Anilao and Lembeh. This collaborative effort blends photography with meaningful scientific contributions.​

For the first time, REAL FOCUS is partnering with marine biologist Dr. David Harasti to support a 3-year species behaviour study. Participants are invited to contribute dive data and additional images—beyond their competition entries—to help track marine life behaviour, habitats, and distribution in Anilao and Lembeh. This collaborative effort blends photography with meaningful scientific contributions.​

Yes. Contributing to the science initiative is now a mandatory part of the REAL FOCUS Shootout.

Every competition image must be accompanied by a completed dive data sheet, which will be provided to all participants. This ensures your images contribute meaningfully to the 3-year marine species behaviour study led by Dr. David Harasti.

The process is simple, non-intrusive, and designed to fit naturally into your dive experience—focusing on key observational details that support real-world research. By entering, you’re not just competing—you’re becoming part of something bigger.

As part of your official entry to the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026, you’ll be required to complete a simple data sheet for each submitted image. This is a core part of the competition’s integration with the 3-year marine species behaviour study led by Dr David Harasti.

The data sheet will be provided to all participants and is designed to be quick and easy to complete—requiring only basic observational information such as dive conditions and subject details. You won’t need to share in-depth scientific analysis; just honest, firsthand observations to accompany your images.

This process ensures that every image not only tells a visual story but also becomes a meaningful contribution to marine research. Further instructions and support will be given at the time of registration and during your stay.

Dr. David Harasti is a globally recognized marine biologist specializing in the behaviour and conservation of marine species such as seahorses, sharks, and pipefish. He is leading the scientific aspect of REAL FOCUS, analyzing the data submitted by participants to identify patterns in marine life behaviour across two biodiverse ecosystems.

Your contributions will be part of a long-term research project that aims to document species trends and biodiversity shifts in muck diving environments. The findings may contribute to scientific publications, conservation strategies, and an improved understanding of species health in these regions.

The prize pool, already worth an impressive 25,000 USD, is just the beginning! Prizes will be awarded across a thrilling range of categories, including Best of Show, Traditional Macro, Creative Macro, Blackwater, and Compact/Point & Shoot. Expect an exciting array of rewards, from cutting-edge gear and travel adventures to state-of-the-art photography equipment and other unique treasures crafted for underwater photography enthusiasts. Stay tuned as the excitement builds!

The prize pool boasts an incredible collection worth over USD$25,000 —and that’s just the beginning! More thrilling prizes will be revealed as the event draws closer, so stay tuned for even greater surprises!

Best of Show

• USD$5000 voucher sponsored by Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts for any Solitude Liveaboard and Resorts location or itinerary, excluding Tubbataha itineraries.

Traditional Macro

• 10 day stay for one person including diving & nitrox at Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Philippines.

Creative Macro

• 10 day stay for one person including diving and nitrox at Solitude Lembeh Resort in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.

Blackwater Macro

• 7 day stay for one person including diving & nitrox at Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Philippines.

Compact/Point & Shoot

• 7 day stay for one person including diving and nitrox at Solitude Lembeh Resort in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.

Check out more prizes from our sponsors—FOTO CORE, GULL, and Mini Gear—on the PRIZE page.

Prizes will be granted based on the final decisions of the judging panel after the competition concludes. Winners in each category will be informed via email, and announcements will be made during the closing ceremony or, if necessary, through the competition website or online platforms. Prize distribution will be coordinated directly with the winners following the announcement.

Yes, participants are eligible to win multiple prizes if they submit entries across different categories and those entries meet the judging criteria for each respective prize.

Prizes that cannot be collected in person will be shipped to the winner’s address. Details of shipping will be coordinated with the winners to ensure timely and secure delivery. International winners may need to accommodate additional shipping time.

Yes, by entering the competition, you consent to your images being used by Solitude Resorts, their partners, and sponsors for promotional purposes related to this and future competitions. However, your data will not be shared with third parties outside of the listed sponsors.

If you encounter any issues while uploading your images for the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026, please reach out to the Solitude World team through one of the following methods:​

• Email: emailus@solitude.world​Solitude World

For additional assistance or inquiries, you can also visit our Contact Us page.

No. All competition entries for the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026 must be submitted through the REAL FOCUS PLATFORM—our official platform for image uploads and data collection.

Submissions via email, file transfer services, or third-party platforms (e.g., WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive) will not be accepted.

Using 3SIXTY ensures that every image is properly tracked, paired with its required dive data, and judged fairly and anonymously. If you encounter any issues with the platform, please reach out to the Solitude support team.

Participants are encouraged to use the following hashtags when sharing their competition-related images or experiences on social media:
#RealFocus2026
#SolitudeWorldRealFocus2026
#MakrogehtimmerRealFocus2026
#SolitudeLembehRealFocus2026
#SolitudeAcaciaRealFocus2026
#EthicalPhotographyRealFocus2026

After Announcement of Winners and Runners-Up, please include:
#BestOfShowRealFocus2026
#TraditionalMacroWinnerRealFocus2026
#CreativeMacroWinnerRealFocus2026 
#BlackwaterWinnerRealFocus2026
#CompactPointAndShootWinnerRealFocus2026
#TraditionalMacroRunnerUpRealFocus2026
#CreativeMacroRunnerUpRealFocus2026 
#BlackwaterRunnerUpRealFocus2026
#CompactPointAndShootRunnerUprRealFocus2026

Other Suggested Hashtags:
#ConservationThroughLens  
#InspireThroughImagery
#RealFocuaUWShootout
#breakingthehabit
#SWUWShootout

For any questions about the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026—including registration, submissions, travel details, or the science initiative—please reach out to the Solitude World team:

• Email: emailus@solitude.world
• Or visit our Contact Us page

We’re here to help make your experience seamless, inspiring, and informed—every step of the way.

Yes, you can participate in both locations of the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout 2026. To be eligible, you must book a minimum 3-night stay at each resort—Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Philippines, and Solitude Lembeh Resort in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia—during the competition period from February 15 to April 30, 2026.​

Staying at both resorts allows you to experience two of the world’s premier macro photography destinations, each offering unique marine biodiversity and photographic opportunities. By participating at both locations, you can diversify your portfolio and contribute more extensively to the accompanying marine species behaviour study led by Dr. David Harasti.​

For more details on booking and registration, please visit the REAL FOCUS registration page.