n the pursuit of that breathtaking image or unforgettable wildlife encounter, the underwater world is often viewed as a place where time is fleeting, and opportunities are rare. Divers and photographers alike strive to capture perfect moments—whether it’s the elusive swim of a turtle, the delicate motion of a nudibranch, or the imposing presence of a manta ray gliding into view. But in this pursuit, over time, a series of bad habits has crept into common practice, driven largely by the pressure to succeed, the expectations of others, and sometimes, the limits imposed by dive schedules.
These habits, if left unchecked, not only endanger the integrity of the underwater environment but also undermine the very essence of responsible diving and photography. For both divers and dive guides, ethical behaviour should never take a backseat to the desire for “the perfect shot.”
To address these growing concerns and inspire a change, **REAL FOCUS UW Shootout 2026** has chosen the theme *Breaking the Habit* as the foundation for its launch. This competition is not just a celebration of underwater photography; it’s a call to action—an opportunity to re-educate, implement, and prioritise ethical practices within the diving and photography communities.
*Breaking the Habit* seeks to bring awareness to the small, simple actions we can take to sustain and preserve the magic of the animals and locations we hold so dear. It challenges divers and photographers to reflect on their habits, rethink their approach, and redefine what success means—not in terms of the perfect shot but in the legacy we leave behind. Through this theme, the Shootout aims to spotlight the beauty of the marine world while fostering a deeper understanding of our responsibility to protect it for generations to come.
By aligning artistry with sustainability, *Breaking the Habit* is a step forward in ensuring the underwater world remains as pristine and awe-inspiring as the photographs it inspires.
The Temptation of Time and Opportunity
We’ve all been there: limited time underwater and an infinite list of sights to behold. The pressure builds as we descend into these vibrant worlds, knowing our dive is constrained by a ticking clock. As a result, divers can feel tempted to push boundaries—hovering too close to fragile corals, chasing after elusive creatures, or even nudging marine life into more favourable positions for that coveted photograph. This urge is especially heightened during underwater photography competitions, where participants might feel that a split-second opportunity could make or break their entry.
Yet, in the rush to capture a fleeting moment, we forget that the ocean operates on a different time scale. Its inhabitants move with purpose, and its ecosystems evolve at their own pace. As divers, we are visitors, not disruptors.
The Role of Dive Guides
Dive guides play a crucial role in this dynamic, often feeling the weight of responsibility for delivering unforgettable experiences to their guests. But in trying to meet expectations, some may find themselves crossing lines—pointing out creatures that would rather remain hidden, coaxing marine life into view, or inadvertently encouraging behaviours that harm the environment.
While a guide’s primary task is to provide guests with the best underwater experience possible, it’s essential to remember that this should never come at the cost of the marine ecosystem. The role of a dive guide should be seen as a facilitator, not an influencer. Their knowledge of local waters and their ability to spot elusive species is invaluable, but their actions must always be anchored in a commitment to ethical practices.
Changing Expectations: A New Approach
For divers and photographers alike, it’s important to recognise that expectations—whether set by oneself or others—are often at the root of unethical behaviours underwater. We set ourselves up for disappointment when we expect nature to bend to our will. It’s time to reframe our mindset and reset our approach to wildlife encounters.
Instead of focusing on “getting the shot” at all costs, we should place greater value on the experience of simply being present in the underwater world. The beauty of these encounters lies not in the perfect framing of an image but in the unfiltered, organic interactions we have with marine life on its own terms. When we let go of expectations, we allow ourselves to observe and capture these moments in a way that honours the natural environment, rather than exploiting it.
The Pressure of Perfection: How It Affects the Ocean
The desire for perfection, whether for personal satisfaction or to meet the standards of competitions and social media, has led to numerous poor practices in the underwater photography community. Some of the more harmful behaviours include:
- Manipulation of Marine Life: Moving or disturbing animals to achieve better angles, or using objects like sticks to coax animals into position.
- Repetitive Stress: Constant exposure to bright strobes and flashes can cause stress to sensitive species like seahorses or octopuses.
- Habitat Disruption: In the rush to secure a photograph, careless finning or grabbing onto rocks can cause irreversible damage to coral and delicate habitats.
Each of these practices, while seemingly small in the moment, contributes to a larger issue of marine ecosystem degradation. Over time, the cumulative impact can be profound. As divers and photographers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our presence leaves no trace. This can only be achieved by aligning our goals with the ethics of conservation.
The Dive Guide’s Ethical Role in Competitions
Within the context of underwater photography competitions, the role of the dive guide becomes even more nuanced. Dive guides are often sought after for their ability to locate elusive species, and their knowledge can greatly enhance a photographer’s chances of success. However, their involvement must always adhere to strict ethical guidelines.
For instance, a dive guide may assist a photographer by pointing out where an interesting species might be hiding, but they should not manipulate the environment to ensure the subject is visible or well-lit. Similarly, holding a light source or adjusting an animal’s surroundings to improve the shot is strictly off-limits.
Instead, dive guides should encourage photographers to take the time to observe and wait for natural behaviours to unfold. This may require patience, but the reward is far greater: an image that captures the true essence of the marine world, untouched and undisturbed.
Reinforcing Ethical Diving in Photography Competitions
To emphasise the importance of ethical behaviour, photography competitions should prioritise ethics as a key judging criterion, placing it on par with technical and artistic merit. This shift in focus helps to send a clear message: protecting the underwater environment is more important than capturing the “perfect” image.
Competition organisers should ensure that participants fully understand these principles from the outset. By highlighting the importance of ethics in all stages of competition—whether through participant briefings, judging criteria, or real-time supervision during dives—competitions can help foster a culture of respect for marine life.
Moving Forward with Responsibility
As the diving community grows, so does our collective responsibility to protect the underwater world. By redefining our approach to dive photography and interactions with marine life, we not only ensure that the ocean remains healthy and vibrant but also elevate the standards of the diving community. This can only be achieved through a commitment to ethical practices, an understanding of the delicate balance within marine ecosystems, and a willingness to prioritise the well-being of the ocean over personal gain.
Let us break the cycle of poor habits by resetting expectations and embracing the beauty of nature as it is. The ocean offers us profound experiences and endless opportunities for discovery, but only if we respect its rhythms and creatures with patience and care.