A feast of photographs

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INTERNATIONALLY recognised as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world for its magnificent coral reefs, Sodwana Bay remains an integral part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and hosts the annual Sodwana Bay Shootout Festival.

This year’s photographic competition was dedicated to the late Peter Timm, a local dive master who tragically lost his life in a diving accident in June.

Attracting 53 entries, the competition recognises competitors at various skill levels, from novice to advanced and professional.

Primarily an underwater competition, the relatively new land category is increasingly gaining popularity. Material shot anywhere in Sodwana Bay can be entered into the land category, providing it was taken within the competition week.

Award-winning Richards Bay photographer, Hendrik Louw, was one of the judges, with Hugo du Toit from Canon and Allen Walker, last year’s winner.

Louw said, ‘Sodwana Bay provides a unique setting for a photography competition, with underwater wonders easily accessed, not only by scuba divers, but also right on the beach in the rock pools’.

Prizes included magazine portfolio spreads, destination prizes, accommodation packages and photography equipment.

Bridgit Luyckfasseel won the kids’ category, with Jesser Smith winning second place.

Jason Mulherron won the novice underwater category and Stephni Gouws won the novice land category.

Clayton Barnard was named overall winner in the land category, while Eve Marshall was overall winner in the underwater category.

Willem Gouws won the music video category.

‘iSimangaliso events enable environmentally responsible appreciation of the park’s world heritage values,’ said Lindy Duffield, iSimangaliso Marketing Manager and event organiser.

‘Each year the event proves to be a success as it also offers an opportunity to showcase the park and what it has to offer’.

A portion of the competition entry fee goes towards iSimangaliso’s Rare and Endangered Species Fund, designated exclusively for the introduction, protection and monitoring of these animals in the wetland park.