General Information And Rules

1. The 2002 Beneath The Sea Photography Competition is open to amateur photographers living anywhere in the United States, Canada or their possessions. Not eligible are professional photographers (including those promoting themselves as pro or semi-pro), underwater photo instructors, and persons who have been paid for publication of more than six photos during 2000-2001. Also not eligible are photos that have been published (or accepted for publication). The work submitted must have been taken by the individual submitting the entry and signing the entry form.

2. All entries must have been exposed underwater (no aquarium, pool or surface shots) by the person submitting the entry. Photos cannot show any disrespect for the environment.

3. Judging will be by a panel of professional photographers chosen by Beneath the Sea. Decisions of the judges will be final and will be based on composition, technique, exposure and general interest.

4. No substitutions can be offered for prize awards.

5. The right to reproduce the entry as promotion for Beneath The Sea is assumed if proper photographic credit is given. The ownership and rights remain with the photographer. Beneath the Sea, Inc. may show the competition entries continuously during the weekend.

6. A completed entry form and entry fee must accompany all submissions. Forms may be printed from this web site or duplicated or more may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to BENEATH THE SEA Photo Competition, Suite 2A, 495 New Rochelle Road, Bronxville, NY 10708 or email a request to Photo@BeneathTheSea.org.

Specific Conditions

1. An individual may submit up to six 35mm color slides and/or one video. There is an entry fee of $7 US per slide and $8 per video. Make the check or money order payable to "BTS." Do not send cash! If too many slides and/or videos or the incorrect entry fee are sent, your entry will not be accepted.

2. Awards will be given in the following categories:

• Video: Only one video may be entered. It must be in VHS format, no more than six minutes long, have a title and theme, and carry a narrative and/or music track. At least 65 percent of the video must have been shot underwater. Both tape and slipcase must be labeled with the entrant's name and the title of the tape.

• Slides: A maximum of six slides may be entered. These slides can be in the same or different categories. No more than three may be in any one category. Each individual slide may be entered in only one category. If a slide might be considered in more than one category, the choice is up to the entrant. No digital computer manipulation is allowed.

  Please do not send slides taken of photographic prints. These will not be accepted.

  Please submit duplicates, not originals, if possible.Slides must be marked with entrant's name, photo title and the category entered. Please print legibly!

  Place a large dot on the lower left-hand corner of the mount when viewed correctly on a light table. No gummed labels or glass mounts. If a slide is incorrectly labeled or mounted, it will not be accepted.

  Slide Categories are as follows:

  1. General: Wide or medium shots of divers, wrecks, reef environments, etc.
  2. Marine Life: Wide or medium shots of fish or any other vertebrates or invertebrates.
  3. Macro: The subject must be 1:3 (approximately 4"x3") or smaller.
  4. Closeup: The subject must be in the range of approximately 6"x4" to 12"x8".
  5. Northeast Cold Water: Salt water subjects taken in the waters of the east coast of US and Canada, from Maryland north.
  6. West Coast Cold Water: Salt water subjects taken in the waters of the west coasts of the US and Canada.
  7. Cold Water Wreck Diving: Photos must be taken on shipwrecks in salt (ocean) or fresh (lake) waters of the continental US or Canada, San Diego and north on the West Coast, Maryland and north on the East Coast. Subject may be wreck interiors or exteriors, artifacts, divers or marine life on wrecks, etc. It must be obvious that the photo was taken on a shipwreck.
  8. Blue Water Wreck Diving: Photos must be taken on shipwrecks anywhere in the world. Subject may be wreck interiors or exteriors, artifacts, divers or marine life on wrecks, etc. It must be obvious that the photo was taken on a shipwreck.

3. Entry Submission:

• Entries must be mailed prepaid. For best protection, pack slides for shipment with stiffeners; mark the envelope "Photos - Do Not Bend." Beneath The Sea will not be responsible for damaged entries.
• Entries will be returned only if a self-addressed return mailer with sufficient postage attached is included with the submission. Canadian entrants must use International Reply Coupons sufficient for return postage. Canadian winners may be responsible for import taxes and freight on prizes. Entries will be returned 6-8 weeks after the Beneath The Sea show. All entrants will receive a list of the winners.
• All entries must be received by December 31, 2001. Winners will be notified on or before March 1, 2002. Winning entries will be presented at the Saturday Evening Film Festival on March 23, 2002.

4. Any entry that does not meet the rules or conditions will not be eligible.