Bristol-based Helen Wehner has been named Best British Underwater Photographer at the 2008 British Splash-In Championship at the Mount Batten Centre in Plymouth.
Photo: Helen Wehner
Photo: Cathy Lewis
Photo: Charles Erb
The British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP) and National Marine Aquarium one-day event attracted 49 photographers.
Photographers were invited to enter prints taken prior to the event as well as images taken in Plymouth waters on the actual day of the Splash-In. More than 130 images were submitted on the day and were voted for by an evening audience at Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium.
Wehner won the animal portrait category and the overall competition for her shot of a scorpionfish. Cathy Lewis, also from Bristol, picked up first prize in the close-up category for her shot of two tompot blennies. Charles Erb from the West Midlands was awarded first prize in the wide-angle category for his shot of a spider crab.
'Far from deterring competitors, the recent weather and sea conditions were an excellent drive for creativity,' said BSoUP chairman JP Trenque. 'Photographers really made the most of what was available in Plymouth waters on the day and captured some stunning images.'
Wehner wins a Tony Backhurst Scuba Travel liveaboard trip to the Red Sea.
For a full list of winners, see the BSoUP website at www.bsoup.org
