BSoUP's Splash-in Competition 1993

What a corker!

by Brian Pitkin

Reproduced from in focus 48 (June 1993)

This year's winner of the BSoUP Trophy and a gold medal for the best photograph taken 'On the Day' was none other than BSoUP's Chairman, BRIAN PITKIN. His shot of a male corkwing wrasse in breeding colours beat more than eighty other slides taken in Plymouth waters on Saturday 12 June at the British Society of Underwater Photographers' annual Splash-in. Despite the north westerly gales sweeping across the Sound on the day of the competition, the event, sponsored by AGFA (UK) Ltd and held at Fort Bovisand Underwater Centre, attracted a total of fifty-three underwater photographers.

Male corkwing wrasse by Brian Pitkin, winner 'On the Day'

Brian Greaves, AGFA (UK) Ltd presenting Brian itkin with the BSoUP Trophy.

Brian's winning shot was taken in the harbour, literally within half an hour of the close of the competition, using a Pentax LX camera with a 55mm macro lens at 1/60th at f11-16 in a Hugyfot housing with a Sunpak Marine 32 flashgun on half power with a one-stop diffuser. "The corkwing wrasse was building and guarding its nest on a weed covered rock in about 3 metres of water. It approached the camera lens repeatedly in an attempt to drive me away", said Brian, "and I took the opportunity to take a dozen shots at a variety of different angles before time dictated I hurry ashore to hand in my film for processing." Brian has been taking photographs for many years but until last year when he won the Macro category at the Isle of Man Splash-in has only had very limited success in competitions. He did however shoot most of the underwater photographs for Reg Vallintine's recent book "Learn to Scuba Dive in a Weekend", published by Dorling Kindersley.

Alan James, second 'On the Day', receiving his silver medal.

Andy Hirst, third 'On the Day'

Runner-up 'On the Day' was ALAN JAMES for his macro-photo of a Jewel Anemone. Third place went to ANDREW HIRST for his portrait of a Pipe Fish. Alan and Andrew were presented with silver and bronze medals respectively by AGFA (UK) Ltd's Product Sales Manager, Mr Brian Greaves.

The winner of the Aquamatic Trophy and a gold medal for the most humourous shot taken 'On the Day' went to MARTIN PARKER for a shot of his buddy with "fish and chips".

Les Kemp, winner in the Open Prints category

Les' winning shot in the Open Prints category of a diver in cave

In addition to the 'On the Day' category, underwater photoaphers were invited to submit up to three British and three Overseas prints taken prior to the event. A total of eighty-five prints were entered and displayed during the evening for members and their guests to choose their favourite three. The overall winner of the prints category was LES KEMP for his photograph of a diver with a torch in the mouth of a cave. Les was presented with the Greenaway Marine Trophy and a gold medal.

Seal by Charlie Hood, runner-up in the Open Prints category and winner in the British Prints category.

Charlie Hood receives his silver medal.

Dave Peake receives his award for coming third in the British Prints category

Diver with anemone by Les Kemp, which came fourth 'On the Day'

Tompot blenny by Martin Edge. The original print came third in the Open Prints category and second in the British Prints category

Martin Edge

Peter Rowlands in the dark room hanging processed film to dry