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- Inside Scuba Issue #36
Inside Scuba Issue #36
Byron Conroy & Andy Deitsch
June 15, 2025
Welcome to Issue #36 of Inside Scuba
In Issue #36 of Inside Scuba, your essential dive into the latest in underwater photography, dive destinations, and conservation news. This past week marked World Ocean’s Day—a global reminder of the importance of protecting our oceans and the incredible life they sustain. In this edition, we explore the thrilling world of underwater photo competitions and how they shape artistic growth, reveal the benefits of joining an underwater photography society to connect, learn, and grow within a vibrant community, and provide a comprehensive guide to shark diving at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas—one of the world’s premier sites for encountering tiger sharks. Whether you’re an avid underwater photographer, a passionate diver, or simply curious about the ocean’s wonders, this issue offers valuable insights to deepen your connection with the underwater world.
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What’s happening in this edition?
Underwater Photography Competitions: How to Enter, What Winning Really Means, and Finding Your Artistic Voice
Underwater photography competitions have become a central part of the diving and underwater imaging community. From the moment digital photography took off underwater, these contests have been both a way to showcase images to a global audience and to push the boundaries of what is possible underwater with a camera. For some, these competitions are about exposure and validation. For others, they are a personal challenge. And for a few, they have become a full-time pursuit.
For a long time, I didn’t enter competitions. But then, one year when I had a bit of free time, I decided to dedicate four months to shooting with a single goal in mind: to place in the top three of a major underwater photo competition. That year, I achieved that goal, found some success, and learned a great deal about what it takes to compete.
I’m often asked about photo competitions, so I decided to write this article to share an overview of the major contests, my thoughts on the value of placing, and how to think strategically about the kinds of images that tend to perform well—because each competition is different.
Also, just a quick note: everything in this article is purely my own opinion. I have no affiliation with any competitions, no insider knowledge—just a bit of experience from entering a few and observing the types of images that consistently rise to the top. Like the competitions themselves, take this article as you will.
So, let’s take a closer look at the world of underwater photo competitions—with a bit of scrutiny and honesty. What are they really rewarding? Are they encouraging new photographers to be original, or are they fostering a culture of mimicry, where the most polished version of a familiar formula wins every time? Are they great for developing new talent and pushing creative growth, or are they turning a non-competitive hobby into a toxic battleground?
Beneath the surface of the seemingly unremarkable Lembeh Strait—a narrow channel at the northeastern tip of North Sulawesi, Indonesia—lies one of the most extraordinary, and photographically productive underwater ecosystems on Earth. Just 10 miles long and a mile wide, this iconic stretch of water is famed for hosting perhaps the highest density and diversity of rare and unusual marine life found anywhere in the ocean.
Lembeh Strait is a macro photographer’s dream, home to an often overwhelming parade of bucket list critters. From blue-ringed octopuses and hairy frogfish to wonderpus, flamboyant cuttlefish, rhinopias, and pygmy seahorses, every dive presents a new subject or new photographic opportunity. It is a place you return to again and again.
To make the most of your time in this incredible place and to help unlock your photographic potential, Byron Conroy, Andy Deitsch, and Matthew Sullivan have teamed up to lead an intensive 9-day macro photography workshop designed to elevate skills and maximize creative output. This isn’t just a dive trip—it’s a focused, hands-on photographic experience in perhaps the greatest muck diving location in the world.
The workshop, which takes place at the amazing Dive Into Lembeh resort, offers up to four dives a day with private guides, small groups, and personalized instruction both in and out of the water, including everything from image reviews, to editing sessions, to technique talks. With access to some of the Strait’s most productive dive sites, combined with expert guidance, this workshop is an opportunity to push your photography further than ever before. Whether you're refining advanced techniques or just beginning your macro photography journey, Lembeh is the perfect playground for photographers of any level.
Join Byron Conroy, Andy Deitsch, and Matthew Sullivan in Lembeh Strait and experience one of the most rewarding underwater photography destinations on Earth. The strange, the rare, and the spectacular are all waiting—just beneath the surface.
Workshop: Master’s of Macro 2026
Dates: April 18th - 27th, 2026 (9 nights)
Dates: April 27th - May 6th 2026 (9 nights) SOLD OUT
Where: Dive Into Lembeh Resort (https://diveintolembeh.com/)
Cost: $2,500 USD based on 2 people sharing a bungalow (single supplement $60 per night)
To sign-up, email Miranda Coverdale at [email protected] or contact us for more info.
In each issue of our newsletter, we will curate some top dive news from around the world. Links to each of the original articles are available.
Divernet: “Dorothea diver was found dead at 85m. The scuba diver who died in Dorothea Quarry in north-west Wales at the end of May was named as 60-year-old Tim Waples when an inquest was opened into his death in Caernarfon yesterday (11 June).”
Deeper Blue: “North Atlantic Right Whale Among the Endangered Species Highlighted In Upcoming Apple TV+ Show ‘The Wild Ones’. Featuring former Royal Marines Commando and expedition leader Aldo Kane along with wildlife and camera trap expert Declan Burley and ecological storyteller and wildlife cinematographer Vianet Djenguet, “The Wild Ones” blends high-stakes adventure with groundbreaking science and conservation.”
Divernet: “Man dies, wife and brother rescued on training dive. A man has died during an entry-level scuba training dive after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest while under water off Jumeirah Beach in Dubai on 6 June.”
Dive Magazine: “Winners of the United Nations World Ocean Day photo competition. The winners of the twelfth annual Photo Competition for United Nations World Oceans Day have been announced at a celebration of the United Nations World Oceans Day in Nice, France.”
Scuba Diving Magazine: “Scuba Diving Magazine's 21st Annual Photo Contest Now Open. Each year, Scuba Diving magazine accepts entries for the annual Through Your Lens underwater photography contest. This contest is open for just three weeks and is live as of today. Yep, you heard us right, start prepping those photos and be sure to submit them before the July 7, 2025 deadline.”
Deeper Blue: “The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) announced it had won a silver and gold medal at the 46th Annual Telly Awards. The awards honor excellence in video and television production. Hurricanes and the Ocean features the animation of WHOI Senior Science Illustrator Natalie Renier and is narrated by Scott Dickson. The feature provides a visual explainer of how hurricanes form and the various factors that contribute to their intensity. The feature offers an in-depth look at the biggest storms on our planet.”
The Underwater Photography Show: Alex Mustard and Matt Sullivan break down the winning images from OGPICOTY, announced last week. Their discussion goes beyond praise—they offer honest insights into what works, what doesn’t, and why, making it a thoughtful and refreshingly candid critique.
Why Join an Underwater Photography Society?
Whether you’re new to underwater photography or a seasoned shooter, joining an underwater photography society can open up a world of opportunities to grow, connect, and share your passion. These societies offer more than just a chance to improve your technical skills — they provide a vibrant community of like-minded enthusiasts, a gateway to global competitions, and access to top-tier presentations and mentorship programs. Better still, many societies offer remote access and recorded meetings, making participation possible no matter where you live.
Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Build a Community
Societies connect you with fellow underwater photographers who share your passion. You can network, make friends, find dive buddies, and even travel with other members. Many clubs offer both in-person and virtual meetups, creating opportunities to engage whether you live nearby or not.
2. Learn and Grow
Societies often host monthly meetings with educational presentations from world-renowned photographers. Topics range from conservation storytelling to exploration diving. Many clubs also offer mentorship opportunities where experienced members help guide beginners and intermediates.
3. Competitions and Feedback
Most societies offer monthly photo and video contests that encourage regular shooting and improvement. These contests are a great way to gain constructive feedback and recognition. Some also offer major awards with impressive prizes.
4. Access to Meetings, Recordings, and Archives
With remote access becoming standard, most clubs offer hybrid or online-only meetings. Many also record sessions and maintain an archive of past presentations that members can revisit anytime.
5. Unique Programs and Travel Opportunities
Clubs often organize official or informal dive trips, both locally and abroad. These trips combine social engagement with photography opportunities and often center around iconic locations.
6. Choosing the Right Society for You
When selecting a society, consider your location, time zone, skill level, and areas of interest (e.g., macro, video, conservation). Some clubs have strong regional dive communities, while others prioritize international speakers or competitions. Look at meeting formats, mentorship options, and how active the society is on social media or online forums.
Now, let’s look more closely at three standout underwater photography societies and what makes each unique.
Tiger Beach Shark Diving Guide: Best Time, Operators, and What to Expect
Diving in Tiger Beach, Bahamas
Just twenty miles (32 kilometers) off the west end of Grand Bahama lies one of the most iconic shark diving destinations on the planet: Tiger Beach. This shallow, sandy plateau is renowned for offering reliable and close encounters with tiger sharks in clear, warm waters.
The site also frequently hosts lemon sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, and, depending on the time of year, the occasional great hammerhead. It is the tiger sharks that are the main draw, though. I have dived a few of the world’s other tiger shark destinations, such as Fuvahmulah in the Maldives, and none of them come close to offering what Tiger Beach does.
On my first ever dive at Tiger Beach, I was lucky enough to meet the famous shark Emma. She is a well-known female shark that has been seen in these waters for many years. It was one of the most incredible sights underwater—the sheer size and presence of such an incredible animal made the whole trip worth it within the first few seconds.
The mighty Emma, she makes all the other tiger sharks look small
These shark encounters unfold in warm, shallow water where visibility often stretches beyond twenty meters (66 feet). The topography of Tiger Beach is relatively flat, making it ideal for stationary diving. Most dives here take place between six and twelve meters (20–40 feet) deep, allowing for long bottom times, easy surfacing, and ample natural light. It is this combination of consistent shark presence, accessible depth, and good visibility that makes Tiger Beach such a magnet for underwater photographers and big animal enthusiasts from around the world.
Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster
The new Netflix documentary Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster delves into CEO Stockton Rush's pursuit of becoming a prominent innovator and the ill-fated underwater mission that ultimately challenged the cost of unchecked ambition in the ocean's vast depths. While the Titan submersible's tragic expedition to the Titanic's wreckage captured global attention in June 2023, the critical choices that led to the catastrophe have not been uncovered with this level of detail until now.
Check out the the trailer.
Summary
As we wrap up this issue, remember that every dive and every photograph is an opportunity to connect more deeply with the ocean and its remarkable inhabitants. From honing your skills in photography competitions and workshops to experiencing the awe of shark encounters at Tiger Beach, there is always more to explore and learn beneath the waves. Stay curious, respect the environment, and keep sharing your underwater stories—because together, we can grow a community that celebrates and protects the beauty of our blue planet. Until next time, dive safe and shoot well.
Andy & Byron
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