Winners have been announced for the NCUPS Sea 2005 underwater photo contest.  As usual, Wetpixel was well-represented in the list of winners.  Congratulations, everyone!  There are some really beautiful shots in there.

Also, it’s apparent that in general, the quality of slide entries is starting to suffer as a result of the mass migration to digital.  The last time I judged the NCUPS Sea competition, the Best of Show for slides ended up being a digital image printed to slide.

Some comments from the judges for image improvement:

• Get tight in on the subject, fill the frame.
• Pay attention to what’s in your negative space.
• Check your orientation. Try taking horizontal and/or vertical images to fit the subject.
• Don’t have competing subjects in your images.
• Digital photographers should check histograms while shooting the subject and watch for clipping of highlights and shadows.
• Don’t over edit your image.
• Use sharpening and saturation tools sparingly.
• The judges liked the prints that were ready to frame and put on their walls.
• They liked the prints with good paper and printer/processor quality.
• The mat should not compete with your print for attention.

Most of the comments during the video judging pertained to exposure, color
and white balance.

• Watch your white balance, exposure and use lights for proper color.
• They liked a video with a good story, or theme.
• The use of titling should be limited.
• A good narration allows you to watch the video, not the titles.
• Use good and if possible original music.