Our World Underwater Photography and Video Competition 2012 is Open for Entries

Details of the 7th international photography and video competitions, Our World Underwater and Deep Indonesia, have been announced, with prizes on offer totalling $100,000 .

Scuba diving experts and underwater photographers can now submit their images to be in with a chance of scooping one or more of the world-class prizes.

Organisers of the elite international underwater photography competition, Matt Weiss and Eric Cheng, said in a recent statement:

"We are thrilled to announce the 7th annual Our World Underwater and DEEP Indonesia competitions. The quality of entries from photographers all over the world shows that underwater photography is truly a growing global art form. It is always an honour to showcase and award the talented winners of the competitions."

Image by: Foto Bob, en Flickr.

The competition celebrates the talent of scuba diving photographers as well as the natural beauty of the world's underwater environment.

The submitted photographs will be shown to millions of readers and will also feature in photography and travel magazines and websites across the world. The winning videos will be used as episodes of the iTunes-featured DiveFilm Podcast Video.

A panel of judges made up of industry experts including professional photographers, cinematographers and magazine editors will select the winners of the 15 categories and the results will be announced live on stage at the Our World Underwater film festival and expo in Chicago which takes place from 17th-19th February, 2012.

Image by WhitcombeRD, on Flickr.

There are thousands of dollars worth of underwater photography and video prizes up for grabs and the winner of the best image will receive an additional cash prize of $1,000.

Divers of all levels are invited to enter the competition and they can submit images taken during scuba diving holidays in remote destinations, recreational excursions to their favourite underwater spots, or professional photo shoots.

Image by Christian Loader, on Flickr.

Entry fees for the competition is $10 per image or video entered and 15 per cent of entry proceeds will be donated to marine conservation efforts that will help restore the ecosystem of scuba diving destinations across the world. Images must be submitted by 23rd January, 2012.

Scuba diving is becoming one of the most popular activities to enjoy during holidays and once certified, divers can access some of the world's most breathtaking natural underwater sites. Popular destinations for scuba diving adventures include the Caribbean, Malaysia, Mexico, Australia, Sharm el Sheikh and the Maldives.