The integrity of REAL FOCUS depends on more than the final judging. Its Field Experts – the Dive Guides, Rangers and Scientist – each have a clear role, alongside the judging panel.
Together, they support safe diving, ethical image-making, meaningful observation and a fair competition.
The Field Experts
The Dive Guides
Dive guides support participant safety, navigation and the location and identification of marine subjects.
They do not position subjects, alter the surroundings, hold or aim lights or snoots, or direct the creation of a photograph. The photographer remains responsible for the camera, lighting, buoyancy, composition, timing and approach.
The Rangers
Rangers are designated team members responsible for supervising participant conduct and compliance with the competition rules, both underwater and throughout the shootout.
A dive guide may also be appointed as a Ranger. When performing both roles, the guide continues to support safety, navigation and subject location, while also observing, documenting and reporting potential rule violations.
Rangers may intervene when conduct threatens marine life, the surrounding habitat or diver safety. Suspected violations will be referred to the organisers for review, with any action reflecting the nature and severity of the circumstances.
The Scientist
Dr David Harasti, Marine Biologist and Research Lead
Dr David Harasti brings scientific depth and long-term ecological perspective to REAL FOCUS. With more than two decades of experience in marine research and conservation, his work includes threatened marine species, biodiversity, habitat use and marine protected areas.
Dr Harasti leads the ongoing three-year marine species observation study connected with REAL FOCUS. Images, dive data and participant-recorded observations may reveal patterns in species presence, abundance, habitat use, environmental conditions and observed behaviour across Anilao and Lembeh.
His role helps ensure that each contribution has value beyond the competition while remaining grounded in careful, non-intrusive observation.
The Judging Panel
The REAL FOCUS 2027 judging panel brings together experience in marine science, traditional and creative macro photography, blackwater, technical diving and photographic education.
Eligible images are judged anonymously, with attention to authenticity, originality, technical execution, composition, visual impact and storytelling.
Dr Georg Nies HEAD OF JURY, Germany
Dr Georg Nies is a marine biologist and underwater photographer with more than 35 years of experience. He is also SEACAM’s dealer and service partner in Germany. As Head of Jury, Georg brings scientific understanding, technical precision and a strong commitment to ethical underwater photography.
Imran Ahmad, Malaysia
Imran Ahmad is a professional underwater photographer and founder of ESCAPEINC Asia. Known for his creative use of light and movement, he has spent more than two decades photographing, teaching and judging internationally. Imran brings a strong eye for originality, visual impact and purposeful image-making.
Lilian Koh, Singapore
Lilian Koh is an award-winning underwater photographer known for her macro work, creative lighting and attention to small, easily overlooked subjects. As an experienced workshop leader, she combines technical understanding with an instinct for composition, detail and authentic marine behaviour.
Dr Alex Tattersall, United Kingdom
Dr Alex Tattersall is an underwater photographer, educator and founder of Underwater Visions, the UK importer and distributor of Nauticam equipment. Known for his creative approach to macro photography and advocacy for marine animal welfare, Alex brings imagination, technical insight and ethical awareness to the panel.
Ram Yoro, The Philippines
Ram Yoro is a scuba instructor, technical diver and widely published underwater photographer. He is a pioneer of Bonfire Diving and co-author of Guide to Anilao and Legends Beneath the Waves: Philippines. His experience across blackwater, caves, wrecks and tropical reefs brings both local knowledge and broad photographic perspective to the judging process.
View more inspirational images from the Judicators in The Gallery!