Partnered by Solitude World & Makrogehtimmer
Capture with purpose.
Compete with heart.
Real Focus.
REAL FOCUS is an underwater photography shootout built around creativity, ethical practice and a deeper understanding of the marine world.
Held at Solitude Acacia Resort in Anilao, Philippines, and Solitude Lembeh Resort in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia, the shootout brings photographers together across two remarkable underwater environments. Participants are invited to observe more carefully, work more patiently and create images that reflect both personal vision and respect for the subject.
REAL FOCUS also connects photography with science. Each entry contributes images, dive data and participant-recorded observations to an ongoing three-year marine species observation study led by marine biologist Dr David Harasti. Over time, these records may reveal patterns across the two participating marine environments.
At the heart of REAL FOCUS is a simple belief: a powerful underwater photograph does not need to be manufactured.
Marine life should not be touched, moved, baited, chased or placed for the sake of an image. Surroundings should not be rearranged to improve a composition. Guides may use their knowledge to locate and identify subjects, but they do not build the photograph. The photographer remains responsible for the camera, lighting, buoyancy, composition, timing, approach and final image.
This is where technical ability meets personal responsibility.
REAL FOCUS is not asking photographers to be perfect. It is asking them to be honest – about how an encounter unfolded, how the image was created and how their presence affected the world in front of the lens.
The shootout welcomes photographers at different stages of their journey. It is not limited to professionals, previous competition winners or those using a particular camera system. Its categories provide space for traditional technique, creative experimentation, blackwater photography and developing photographers finding their voice.
Your REAL FOCUS Participant Benefit
Every REAL FOCUS 2027 participant will be upgraded to the 3SIXTY World tier for twelve months upon entry, providing preferred rates, early access and additional benefits across Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts.
Benefits are subject to availability and the applicable 3SIXTY programme terms.
EXPLORE YOUR 3SIXTY WORLD BENEFITS
Photography With a Wider Purpose
REAL FOCUS also connects photography with marine research.
In 2027, submitted images and their accompanying observational data will continue to contribute to the multi-year species study led by marine biologist Dr David Harasti. Information such as location, depth, water temperature, habitat and observed behaviour helps turn an individual photograph into part of a wider ecological record.
The competition may end, but the information gathered through it can continue to support understanding.
This Year’s Theme: How Real Are You?
GENUINE MOMENTS. HONEST CHOICES. AUTHENTIC IMAGES.
How Real Are You? asks each photographer to consider where assistance ends and authorship begins.
The subject is found, but not positioned.
The scene is observed, but not arranged.
The moment is captured, but not manufactured.
Your equipment does not answer the question. Neither do your awards, experience or following.
Your image does.
This is more than a competition.
It is a question of authorship, integrity and intention.