IT’S that time of year again when photographers, both amateur and professional, have the chance to put their creativity to the test on land and undersea as they go in search of the most photogenic, or simply weird, creatures of the deep.
The 15th annual iSimangaliso Sodwana Bay Shootout, from Monday to Saturday next week, will this year be held during the school holidays.
While the six-day photography and videography competition has become immensely popular in the immediate area, the event has recently grown to encompass far more.
In addition to the original underwater component, a ‘land’ category was introduced three years ago, encouraging land lovers to participate.
‘Anybody in the diving industry already knows that this is the best time of year to get wet in one of the world’s top 10 scuba diving destinations,’ said iSimangaliso’s Marketing and Brand Manager, Lindy Duffield.
According to Melanie Taljaard, Chairperson of this year’s event, ‘There is a wonderful selection of prizes this year. Canon has given huge support as the major sponsor, including incredible camera equipment prizes.
Other prizes include portfolio prizes from media houses, dive equipment, and, for the overall winner, a destination prize to the magnificent Thomga Beach Lodge.
While primarily a photographic competition, the Sodwana Bay Shootout is a festival to be enjoyed by everyone. The week’s events include live music from, among others, Emmanuel Castis, Three Coffees and a Sugar and Paper Plane City.
There are also sand-sculpting competitions, marine educational walks by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Sharklife.
A portion of the entry fees is allocated to iSimangaliso’s Rare and Endangered Species fund, which is dedicated to the introduction and monitoring of the park’s rare species.
For entries, visit www.sodwanashootout.co.za.
