Pro Dive International

Pro Dive Monthly Underwater Photo Contest

Each month Pro Dive will sponsor a monthly underwater photography contest for great prizes and bragging rights. The goal of our monthly underwater photography contest is to help promote the beauty and conservation of our local wrecks, reefs and marine ecosystems in Fort Lauderdale and Southern Florida.

A different theme will be presented each month with different prizes awarded to the winners every month. The contest is open to all amateur underwater photographers; participants can submit up to three images for each theme (the first entry for each month is free; each additional entry is $5.00 - Entry fees are waived for the March 2010 Contest) Photos of participants and winners will be publicized on our web site, newsletter and social web pages.

March 2010 Contest
Theme: Divers
Submission Deadline: March 31, 2010
1st Prize:  PADI Nitrox Diver Specialty Certification

The March Contest theme is Divers. This contest is about you and your dive buddies; Show us what you and your friends do for fun underwater. Get creative, have fun, get goofy, but stay safe.

*Note: For this month's contest you will need to submit a model release with any of your images that feature anyone who may be recognizable in your images. Model release form

Please read the rules carefully. By submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to all rules and guidelines of the contest.

RULES:

1. Eligibility - The Pro Dive Underwater Photography Contest is open to all amateur photographers. Amateur photographers are those who earn no more than 20% of their income from their photography. Eligible photos are those that have not been published or accepted for publication and must have been taken by the person submitting the entry. Pro Dive Staff are ineligible to compete in the contest.
2. Judging - Photos will be judged anonymously by professional photographers and the Pro Dive Staff. Prize(s) will be awarded only to the winning entry(s) that the contest judges deem worthy. Prize(s) may not be awarded if no acceptable entries are received. All decisions will be final.
3. Use of Photos - Ownership and copyright of all entries remain with the photographer. Pro Dive reserves the right to publish the winning photos without compensation for marketing and educational purposes, including, but not limited to publication on the Pro Dive website and social web pages, in brochures, graphics and advertising, or for future contest promotion. Photographers will be credited in such uses, whenever possible, and will otherwise retain the rights to their work.
4. Categories & Entry Fees - Contestants are limited to 3 entries per theme. The first entry each month is free; each additional entry is $5.00. Entry fees are waived for the March 2010 Contest.
5. Winner Announcements & Notification - Winners will be notified & announced April 5, 2010. Announcements of winners will be made on our websites and social web pages and in our monthly newsletter.

SUBMISSION:

1. Entry Formats & Resolution - All entries must be high resolution digital files in JPEG format. Digital images can have a maximum image size of 4 Mega Pixels (2272 x 1704) and minimum image size of 2 Mega Pixels (1600 x 1200). Higher resolutions and/or larger sizes are strongly encouraged. Images should not be more than 4 MB in size.
2. Photo Guidelines - Images may be optimized (adjusted while maintaining the integrity of the image), but not altered such that an image does not reflect the original subject matter. Multiple exposures, digitally stitched photos and images containing any manipulated or added content will not be accepted.
3. Model Release - Each photograph that includes identifiable subjects (people) must be accompanied by a separate, signed release form from each identifiable subject in the photograph. Releases that cannot be verified for authenticity by Pro Dive, for any reason (including missing, incorrect or incomplete contact information on the release form) will result in the disqualification of the entry. You must upload a signed model release when submitting an image containing any identifiable people.
   Download Model release Form(PDF)
   
   
4. Where to Submit - Entries should be submitted electronically to photocontest@prodiveusa.com and accompanied by an official entry form. Please submit only one image per email to insure that no submissions are bounced back due to file size.
   
   

5. Download Official Contest Form (PDF)

   Download Official Contest Form (Word doc)
   
   

6. Description Statement-Each photograph must be accompanied by a brief statement indicating the details of the photograph including: Subject, location, date, and the depth at which underwater photo was taken, etc.
7. Submission Deadline: All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, March 31, 2010.

PRIZES:
1st Prize:   PADI Nitrox Specialty Certification

Prizes are non transferable and may not be redeemed for any substitutions. In the event that a Prize Winner chooses not to accept the Prize, they forfeit any and all claims to that Prize, which will be dealt with according to the discretion of Pro Dive International. All awards will be made at the discretion of the judges. If a suitable image is not found amongst the entries, a prize may not be awarded for each placement or contest. The return of any prize or prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.