Part of the REAL FOCUS series The Ethical Lens: Meet the Professionals Redefining Ethics Below the Surface Why ethical interactions are shaping a new era in underwater storytelling Jacob Guy doesn’t just film the ocean—he listens to it. Through the glassy lens of his camera, Jacob has built a career around documenting the underwater world …
Imagine descending into a world of vibrant corals, graceful manta rays, and curious sea turtles. The ocean is a place of wonder, an ecosystem thriving with life. But with every dive, we have a choice—either to leave no trace or to unknowingly contribute to its decline. Ethical diving isn’t just about following rules; it’s about …
Tiny, yet captivating, the harlequin shrimp is one of the ocean’s most dazzling invertebrates. Highly prized by divers and photographers due to its striking colours and unique behaviour, spotting one can make any dive unforgettable. To help you get started, we’ve created this complete guide to harlequin shrimps, where you can learn more about their …
The competition emphasises a balanced approach, where technical skill, creativity, and most importantly, ethical conduct are taken into account. Each submission will be judged according to the following criteria: Ethical Integrity Priority on Ethical Behaviour: Judges will place a strong emphasis on ethical conduct. Images that demonstrate respect for the marine environment and its inhabitants …
Photo Elements To support photographers in crafting impactful and ethically responsible underwater images, we’ve gathered the following essential photography tips and suggestions. These guidelines will help you not only capture the beauty of the ocean but also highlight the importance of respecting marine life and environments. Working with Natural and Artificial Light Capturing Natural Behaviour …
Macro photography invites us to explore the tiniest wonders of the underwater world, revealing intricate details and vibrant patterns hidden from view. But to stand out in the REAL FOCUS Shootout 2026, it’s not just about capturing sharpness or perfect composition—it’s about pushing the boundaries of creativity to craft truly captivating and abstract imagery. From …
In 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 …
Ethical Underwater Photography: A Commitment to Marine Conservation Underwater photography offers a window into the enchanting world beneath the waves, revealing the beauty and diversity of marine life. However, with this privilege comes a responsibility to ensure that our actions do not harm the delicate ecosystems we seek to showcase. Ethical underwater photography is about …
Purpose: Ethical underwater photography is more than just capturing stunning images—it’s a commitment to protecting the marine environment and ensuring that future generations can experience its wonders. The ocean is a delicate ecosystem where even small actions can have lasting effects. As photographers and divers, we have a responsibility to engage with the underwater world …
Have you ever marveled at pictures of sea critters that are taken by underwater photographers? More often than not, these creatures are found during a macro dive, a type of dive that allows us the chance to encounter some of the ocean’s most fascinating marine life. Macro critters are typically much smaller than pelagic species, but …
Did you know that there is a creature in the ocean that uses coconut shells as its home? Meet the coconut octopus! This clever and curious creature is highly sought after by divers and underwater photographers alike, particularly for its quirky ability to use coconut shells or other objects as shelters. If you’re planning to take …
Known as one of the ocean’s masters of camouflage, the frogfish is a fish with a quirky appearance and unique hunting techniques. Because of their intriguing appearance and elusiveness, the frogfish are particularly popular among divers and underwater photographers. If you seek unique and extraordinary marine encounters, spotting a frogfish in its natural habitat should …