Epson submerges itself in underwater photography competition

Epson have risen to a new photography challenge by plunging deep beneath the ocean as the sponsor of an underwater photography competition.

Blending the world of diving, conservation and tourism, this was an event that allowed both professional and relative newcomers to photography to take part in a host of categories to best show off the beauty and power of underwater imaging.

Titled 'World of Underwater Images' participants were invited to the Red Sea resort of Eilat in Israel by competition organiser and veteran underwater photographer David 'Pilo' Pilosoff. Being the innovative force behind many underwater fashion and nude photography campaigns, Pilo was the ideal person to spearhead this competition.

When talking about the artistic rationale behind this event, Pilo said "I took part in many photography competitions, but I always felt that something was missing - some sort of financial reward that could help and encourage photographers to continue joining these competitions and adventures. Epson rose to the challenge, allowing us to run this prestigious competition."

This year, a new category was introduced called 'Winning and Donating', where 11 photographers from different underwater photography magazines in various countries were chosen to create a photographic 'case study' on different fish. The results were incredible, which wasn't a surprise with Eilat being a globally recognised area for stunning underwater marine life, as well as being a firm favourite for scuba divers. And in the true spirit of fairness and conservationism that Epson endorses, winners could donate their prize money to the environmental organisation of choice, ensuring that marine and wildlife continues to be protected.

View the winning photographs.