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BSoUP's Splash-in Competition 1987
by Brian Pitkin
Reproduced from in focus 22 (June 1987)
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Some of the participants in the BSoUP Splash-in 1987
at Fort Bovisand, Plymouth, Devon. [Photo: Paul Langley]
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Warren Williams (centre) being congratulated by
Brian Pitkin (left) and Brian Greaves, AGFA/Gevaert (UK) on winning
the 'On the Day' category. [Photo Peter Rowlands]
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The British Society of Underwater Photographers
held its annual Splash-In at Fort Bovisand Underwater Centre,
Plymouth on Saturday, 30th May. The event was generously sponsored by
AGFA for the second year running.
The competition comprises three classes Black and
WhIie Prints and Colour Prints taken anywhere in the world and a
unique 'On the Day' clear. where competitors were Issued with a roll
of film in the morning and had until 4.30 p.a. to expose it in
Plymouth waters before returning it for processing and subsequent
projection and judging.
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A black and white print of Warren Williams'' winning
colour slide 'On the Day' of weed in a rock pool.
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A black and white print of Ron Williamson's colour
slide of a plumose anemone which came third on the day.
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This year the number of prints entered was down on
last year's entry with only 19 black and white and 46 colour,
compared to 16 and 78 respectively in 1986
Nevertheless the standard was as high if not higher
than last year with some excellent entries. Perhaps those who did not
enter are saving themselves for Brighton '87?
All of the prints were put on display throughout
the day In the room adjacent to Reception. Volunteers manned the
display and encouraged all visitors to the exhibition to vote for
their favourite three black white and colour prints In order of
preference.
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Peter Rowlands receives his silver medal from Brian
Greaves, AGFA/Gevaert (UK).
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A black and white print of Peter Rowlands' colour
slide of a diver watching a starfish spawn which came second 'On the
Day'
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A total of 48 competitors each collected a roll of
AGFA film at the start of the day to participate in the 'On the Day'
class. Again the number of entries was down on last year when a
record 77 took part. The poor weather conditions prevailing my have
contributed to this but a number of hardy regulars failed to appear.
Each of those competing had a choice of straight underwater
photographs and/or contrived shots. The majority opted to expend
their efforts on Plymouth's abundant marine life, although a few took
props along to contrive a novelty or humorous shot. The underwater
visibility was generally poor everywhere and the competitors had a
very difficult task to take anything other than macro and close-up
shots, although some evidently did find slightly better conditions
and made the most of them to take diver shots and scenery.
By 4.30 p.m. all but a few of the exposed rolls had
been returned for processing and. whilst everybody_else relaxed, the
dark room team went into action. This year they had the capability to
process up to 124 rolls in four processes using stainless steel
spirals and dip tanks. The most difficult task was to load the
spirals in darkness and get then into the tanks. The operation ran
very smoothly and within three hours all of the films were processed.
dried and ready to be returned to their respective owners. At Just
after 8.00 p.m. the films were handed back to those who bad returned
from dinner. A few late arrivals meant that projection of the best
two from each photographer had to be delayed until 9.30 p.m.
The audience waited patiently until projection
began. Each slide was projected twice and the audience invited to
vote for their favourite three slides in order of preference and for
the best contrived shot. Following this everybody_retired to the bar
to await the results and presentation of trophies and prizes.
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Martin Edge receiving the Ocean Optics Trophy from
Brian Greaves, AGFA (UK). [Photo Peter Rowlands]
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Martin Edge's Jellyfish which won second place in
the Black and White prints category
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Mr Brian Greaves, Sales Manager of AGFA/Gevaert
kindly made presentations to the winners. Results were announced in
reverse order starting with Black and White Prints, Colour Prints and
the 'On the Day' class.
Third place for a Bronze Medal in the Black and
White Print class was MARK WEBSTER for his photograph of a turtle.
Second and winner of a Silver Medal was PETER ROWLANDS for a shot of
a wreck.
The winner of the Ocean Optics Trophy and a Gold
Medal was MARTIN EDGE (centre left page 10) for a photograph of a
Jellyfish.
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Peter Rowlands wreck shot which won second place in
the Black and White Prints category
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Mark Webster's turtle which won third place in the
Black and White Prints category.
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Third place and a Bronze Medal in the Colour Print
class went to MIKE WONG for his study of a shoal of butterfly angels.
Second place and a silver medal went to PETER HEWITT for his shot of
shrimps.
The winner of the Greenaway Marine Trophy and a
Gold Medal for his print of a fish and diver in a cave entrance was
KEVIN CULLIMORE.
The Best Contrived shot 'On the Day' was a
silhouette of an airship by TONY ROOD, which won him the Aquamatic
Trophy and a Gold Medal.
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Kevin Cullimore receives the Greenaway Marine Trophy
for the Best Colour Print from Brian Greaves, AGFA/Gevaert (UK).
[Photo Peter Rowlands]
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Kevin Cullimore's winning shot of a grouper with
diver in cave in the Colour Prints category
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Third place 'On the Day' and a Bronze Medal went to
RON WILLIAMSON for a close-up of a plumose anemone.
Second place and a Silver Medal went to PETER
ROWLANDS for his study of a diver watching a spawning starfish.
The winner of the BSoUP Trophy and a Gold Medal was
WARREN WILLIAMS for his photograph of rock pool weeds.
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Peter Hewitt's shrimp which came second in the
Colour Prints category.
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Mike Wong's butterfly fish which cam third in the
Colour Prints category.
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Following the presentation of awards BRIAN PITKIN,
the Chairman and organiser of the event. thanked BRIAN GREAVES and
all those who had helped out on the day, particularly the dark room
team comprising PETER ROWLANDS, MIKE MALONEY, PAUL LANGLEY, VIV
PEARSON and GEORGE RISTICH, those who manned the stand - MIKE and JAN
MALONEY. MARTIN and SYLVIE EDGE, BRIAN HUMPHRIES, MIKE WONG. BRYAN
STARK, those who counted votes - JAN MALONEY, VIV PEARSON and BRYAN
STARK, and MIKE WONG for transport. The Society is extremely grateful
to AGFA/Gevaert for so generously sponsoring the event and to JIM
GILL and ALAN BAX and all the staff at Fort Bovisand for making us so
welcome and ensuring our visit was so enjoyable. |
