World Shootout

Type: Competition
Frequency: Annual
Location: Eilat, Israel (on-location shootout); online worldwide (World Shootout); awards at Boot Düsseldorf from 2016 onward
Founded: 2005 (as SanDisk Red Sea Underwater Photography Competition); World Shootout global component added 2011
Organizer: David “Pilo” Pilosof
Website: worldshootout.org

Overview

The World Shootout (originally the “SanDisk Red Sea Underwater Photography Competition,” later “Epson Red Sea,” then “HP Red Sea,” and finally the “World Underwater Photo & Video Shootout”) is an international underwater photography and video competition founded and produced by David Pilosof in Eilat, Israel. The competition has two distinct components: an on-location shootout held in Eilat’s Red Sea where photographers compete in real-time without post-processing, and a global online competition (the “World Shootout”) accepting images taken anywhere in the world during a defined period.

Since its founding, the competition has awarded over $1 million in prizes, including $267,000 in cash, and has been dubbed the “Underwater Photography Olympics” by its organizer. ([1]) By 2021, it attracted 618 photographers from 54 countries across 12 categories. ([2])

The competition’s distinctive features include a National Team / Global Championship category (introduced in 2012) using “Eurovision-style” judging, a prohibition on Photoshop editing in the Eilat shootout categories, and — from 2016 onward — a live awards ceremony at the Boot Show in Düsseldorf, Germany.

History

Origins: SanDisk Red Sea (2005–2007)

The competition was created by David Pilosof, described as a “renowned underwater photographer and producer of the world famous ‘Samantha’ album.” ([3]) The first edition was held in 2005 in Eilat, Israel, sponsored by SanDisk Corporation and co-organized with “Yam,” the Israeli diving magazine, and the diving portal iDive.

The 2006 edition, the “SanDisk Red Sea 2006 Underwater Photo Competition,” was held April 24–29 at the Isrotel Ambassador Hotel in Eilat. It offered a $10,000 first prize plus a three-week diving trip for two to Papua New Guinea (valued at $15,000) in the “Best 5 Images” category. The competition was open to both amateurs and professionals, shooting with film or digital cameras. An “Images of the World” category accepted entries taken at any time and from any location worldwide. Pilosof noted that “the last competition received a great deal of attention among underwater photographers and divers from around the world.” Additional sponsors included Isrotel Hotels, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, and the Red Sea Resort Tourism Administration. ([4])

A Wetpixel forum thread from November 2007 documented community interest in the “SanDisk Red Sea Eilat Shoot-Out,” with competitors and videographers attending. One participant reported that 13 videographers competed for $7,500 in prizes including a Papua New Guinea trip. ([5])

Epson Red Sea Era (2008–2011)

By 2008, Epson had taken over as title sponsor. The “Epson Red Sea” competition continued the Eilat shootout format. Forum discussion of the 2008 results highlighted the quality of entries, with Alex Mustard commenting: “Truly amazing shots… Also bear in mind that there is no Photoshop allowed in this competition… For those who think that every great image must be photoshopped, it shows that the top guys can do it without a mouse!” ([6])

In 2010, the competition published a 210-page album compiled by Pilosof containing all nominees and winners, made available as a free PDF download. ([7]) The Epson Red Sea also launched a monthly online competition from April to August 2011, where three entries were chosen monthly by public voting and a five-judge panel, with the overall winner earning a spot at the Eilat shootout. ([8])

In September 2010, the “Epson Red Sea Images of the World” category was launched as a standalone online competition for underwater images taken anywhere in the world, with categories including linked theme portfolio, shark image, single color image, wreck image, and environmental image. ([9])

2011 — World Shootout Launches

In January 2011, Epson Red Sea announced the first World Shoot-Out as a six-day global event from August 1–6. Registered photographers could submit images taken in any natural water resource worldwide — seas, oceans, lakes, rivers, and under the ice — uploaded via internet. Categories included Destination, Wide-Angle, Macro, Shipwreck, and Amateur. Winners were announced at the Epson Red Sea Eilat event in November. ([10])

Registration opened in May 2011 with entry fees of 35 euros per category. A comment from Adam Hanlon noted: “Frankly, this is a rip-off… 35 euros to enter the contest in any of the category.” Early bird registration (before July 1) allowed a free additional set of images per category. ([11])

HP Red Sea (2012–2013)

HP replaced Epson as title sponsor by 2012. The 8th edition of the competition ran November 4–10, 2012, in Eilat. Categories included 5 Best Images, Fish of the Year, Best Singular Entry, Fish & Fashion, the Mayor’s Prize, the Jury’s Prize, Amateur (compact cameras), and — new for 2012 — the National Team Prize, which led to the competition being billed as the “International Underwater Olympics.” First prize was $10,000 in cash. ([12])

The 2012 results: Amir Stern (Israel) won the Jury’s Prize / Best of Show with a whip goby image and also won 1st in the 5 Best Images category. The Spanish team won the National Prize. Other winners included Yuzuru Masuda (Japan, Best Singular Entry), Tobias Friedrich (Germany, Fish & Fashion 1st), David Barrio (Spain, Fish of the Year 1st), and Tore Esteban (Spain, Mayor’s Prize). ([13])

In 2012, the National Team category was introduced with “Eurovision-style” judging — national teams voted for other teams’ images. Teams of three photographers from the same country submitted combined portfolios. ([14])

In April 2013, the HP Red Sea National Team judging was held at the 40th Festival Mondial de l’Image Sous-Marine in Marseille, France, with portfolios ranked by public online votes (15%), festival visitor votes (15%), and a jury panel (70%) voting live on stage. This was also broadcast via webcam. ([15])

The 2013 World Shootout introduced a “Children of the World ShootOut” junior category for ages 7–14, requiring images taken while snorkeling or scuba diving with compact cameras. ([16])

2014 — 10th Anniversary Eilat Shootout

The 10th Eilat Red Sea competition ran September 8–13, 2014, with 67 participants from 9 countries in the on-location shootout and a separate World Shootout accepting online entries from January through July. In partnership with PADI and the BOOT show, the event launched the “Underwater Photography World Championship” team category with a $3,000 prize. ([17])

The competition also hosted an attempt at a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest live-streamed underwater event, with 200 divers descending to a shipwreck, supported by 26 diving instructors, 32 production staff, and 12 professional photographers. The photography crew was led by French photographer Christian Patron, known for photographing “The Titanic” and “The Big Blue.” The panoramic image was shot by French photographer Nicolas Baraka. Israeli technology companies SatLink and Valens provided the live broadcast from underwater. ([18])

2014 Eilat Shootout Winners:

2014 World Shootout Winners:

([19])

2015 — Move to Boot Düsseldorf

The 2015 World Shootout accepted images taken between January 1 and November 1, 2015, offering over $70,000 in prizes, with the first prize in the Dive Destination Portfolio category being a diving vacation for two in Papua New Guinea worth $25,000. The 11th Eilat Shootout ran August 31 – September 5, 2015, with over $80,000 in prizes including a $10,000 first prize. ([20])

Winners were announced at the BOOT show in Düsseldorf in January 2016, marking the first time the awards ceremony moved from Eilat to BOOT. The event was live-streamed on YouTube, with 448 photographers from 37 countries having participated. Pilosof was described as having “initiated the first World ShootOut competition in 2011, breaking all boundaries and introducing an international competition as never featured before.” ([21])

The 2015 edition included three sub-competitions: the real-time shootout (images from Jan–Nov 2015), the Global Championship (national teams), and Video Clips of the World (any clip, any time). Categories included Dive Destination - 5 Best Images, Wide Angle, Macro & Super-Macro, Amateurs, Sharks, and Wrecks of the World (B&W). ([22])

David Pilosof promoted the competition at trade shows, appearing at both EUDI in Milan (February 2013) and the Dive Show in the UK (October 2015). ([23], [24])

2015 Controversy

Following the 2015 results announcement, photographer Alex Tattersall posted a detailed complaint on the Wetpixel forum’s Copyright Issues section, raising concerns about the competition’s judging and ethics. The issues included: suspected subject herding (animal manipulation) in a winning macro image; an image taken outside the required time frame; failure of winning team portfolios to meet published judging criteria; anonymous jury panels; and last-minute prize swapping after judging. Tattersall reported that evidence from “a not insignificant group of people” had been “ignored and stonewalled” by the organizer. The post generated discussion about broader competition ethics in underwater photography, with several community members expressing support for reform. ([25])

2016 — World Shootout 2016

The 2016 World Shootout offered prizes including $1,500 cash in macro and amateur categories, $2,000 in video, $16,000 in team prizes, and $20,000 in the Destination category. Entries had to be taken between January 1 and November 1, 2016, with winners announced at BOOT Düsseldorf in January 2017. ([26])

Results: Virginia Salzedo won Best of Show, and the USA Team won the Global Championship. Evan Sherman won the Video Clip category with his film “Not so Silent World.” ([27])

2017 — Italian Team Wins Championship

The 2017 World Shootout offered eight categories including Amateur, Wide Angle, Macro, Fish & Fashion, and Sharks. Images had to be taken between November 2, 2016, and November 1, 2017. ([28])

Results were announced live at BOOT Düsseldorf in February 2018. The judging team included Roni Sofer, Ariel Fuchs, Kurt Amsler, Aaron Wong, and Alberto Muro Pelliconi.

2017 Winners:

([29])

At the 2018 BOOT show, Adam Hanlon photographed Pilosof at the World Shootout booth alongside Howard and Nadav Rosenstein of Fantasea and Victor Tsui of AOI. ([30])

2018 — Mike Bartick Wins; Conservation Campaign

The 2018 competition expanded to 10 categories, adding country-specific “Photographer of the Year” awards for Germany (sponsored by Unterwasser magazine), Italy, and France, each offering 1,000 euros. The main categories offered prizes including a $20,000 Papua New Guinea trip (Best 5 Images), $10,000 (Championship), and $7,000 (Sharks). ([31])

Results were announced at BOOT Düsseldorf in January 2019, with entries from 641 photographers representing 37 countries. Prizes exceeded $70,000 in total. ([32])

2018 Winners:

Pilosof commented on the competition’s evolution: “It’s amazing to see how every year again photographers manage to surprise us with new and creative concepts, compositions and techniques. Just when you’re certain you’ve seen it all, you bump into a jaw-dropping image.” ([33])

The 2018 ceremony featured the “FREE LONGI” conservation campaign, initiated by Pilosof after participant Guillaume Bussiere (France) submitted a Sharks Category image of a Red Sea oceanic whitetip shark entangled in rope. The World Shootout team published a campaign seeking help, and a French research team successfully tracked and rescued the shark. Presenter Sharon Rainis noted: “This is a beautiful example of how us, underwater photographers, play the important role of delivering the magic, the beauty and sometimes — the stress of the underwater world.” ([34])

2019 — Expanded Categories

The 2019 edition expanded to 14 categories, adding a “USA Photographer of the Year” category where US-based photographers were automatically entered alongside their main category submissions. The top prize remained a $20,000 diving vacation. Results were planned for announcement at BOOT on January 25, 2020. ([35])

2021 — COVID Era; Online Awards

After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 2020 edition, the 2021 World Shootout adopted a “Pictures of Your Life” concept, allowing photographers to submit images captured “anywhere and anytime” — relaxing the usual date restrictions due to pandemic closures. The competition offered 12 categories including new additions: Black Water, Humoristic Image, Environmental & Conservation, and Wrecks of the World. Entry was free of registration fees. ([36])

Due to the cancellation of BOOT Düsseldorf because of COVID restrictions, the awards ceremony was held as a live online event on the competition’s Facebook page on January 29, 2022. ([37])

2021 Results: 618 photographers from 54 countries submitted thousands of images across 12 categories. The international jury selected 10 outstanding images from all submissions, and Petros Michelidakis, director of Boot Düsseldorf, chose the overall winner.

A printed 174-page competition album was produced alongside a digital version. ([38])

Pilosof reflected on the competition’s history: “It all started with us, 16 years ago in Eilat. The Eilat competition grew and became the leading event in the world of underwater photography, with candidates coming from all over the world.” He noted prizes totaling over $1 million, including $267,000 in cash. ([39])

Competition Format

Eilat Shootout (On-Location)

The Eilat component is a “real-time” competition: photographers must physically travel to Eilat, don diving equipment, and shoot during the designated days. No post-processing or Photoshop editing is permitted — photographers rely solely on their skills, equipment, and conditions. The event typically runs over 5–6 days and includes social events such as opening cocktail parties, screening nights, and an award ceremony. ([40], [41])

World Shootout (Global Online)

The World Shootout accepts images taken anywhere in the world during a defined entry period (typically January through November). Minor enhancements using imaging software (color and contrast adjustments) are permitted, but content-altering edits (moving, removing, or implanting elements) are prohibited. Environmental conservation regulations must be followed. ([42])

Global Championship / National Teams

Introduced in 2012, the National Team category allows teams of three photographers from the same country to submit a combined portfolio. The Global Championship has grown into one of the competition’s signature events, with prizes reaching $16,000 for the winning team. Judging has used various formats, from Eurovision-style vote-offs to jury panel decisions. ([43], [44])

Categories (Evolution)

The competition’s categories expanded significantly over the years:

Best Picture of the Year

From 2017 onward, the “Andromeda” statuette (the “Boot Düsseldorf Directors’ Prize”) was awarded for the Best Picture of the Year, selected by Petros Michelidakis, director of Boot Düsseldorf. ([45], [46])

Title Sponsors

PeriodSponsorEvent Name
2005–2007SanDiskSanDisk Red Sea Underwater Photography Competition
2008–2011EpsonEpson Red Sea / Epson Red Sea World Shoot-Out
2012–2013HPHP Red Sea World of Underwater Images
2014–presentVarious/Self-fundedWorld Shootout / Eilat Red Sea

Notable Winners (All Years)

YearCategoryWinnerCountryPrize
2012Jury’s Prize / Best of ShowAmir SternIsrael—
20125 Best ImagesAmir SternIsrael—
2012National TeamSpanish TeamSpain—
2014Portfolio / 5 Best ImagesEyal CohenIsrael$10,000
2014National TeamSpanish TeamSpain$3,000
2015Dive Destination Portfolio(announced at BOOT 2016)—$25,000
2016Best of ShowVirginia Salzedo——
2016Global ChampionshipUSA TeamUSA—
2017Best Picture of the YearFranco TulliItalyAndromeda statuette
2017Best 5 ImagesJeff MilisenUSA$20,000
2017Global ChampionshipItalian TeamItaly$16,000
2018Best Picture of the YearAndy SchmidSwitzerlandAndromeda statuette
2018Best 5 ImagesMike BartickUSA$20,000
2018Global ChampionshipItalian TeamItaly$10,000
2021Overall WinnerHannah Le Leu——

Significance

The World Shootout occupies a unique niche among underwater photography competitions by combining an on-location event heritage (Eilat’s no-Photoshop real-time shootout) with a global online submission model. Its partnership with Boot Düsseldorf from 2016 onward gave it prominent European visibility, with live-streamed awards ceremonies reaching a global audience. The competition’s emphasis on team competition (the Global Championship / “Underwater Photography Olympics”) and substantial prize pools — with top prizes consistently at $10,000–$25,000 — differentiated it from other underwater photo contests.

The competition also demonstrated photography’s conservation potential through initiatives like the 2018 “FREE LONGI” campaign, where a competition entry directly led to the rescue of an entangled shark. ([47])

However, the competition faced criticism regarding judging transparency, with concerns raised in the Wetpixel community about anonymous jury panels, suspected image manipulation in winning entries, and adherence to published rules. ([48])

Timeline

References

Sources

  1. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2022: Awards Ceremony 2021 World Shootout ↩
  2. Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2022: Results World Shootout 2021 ↩
  3. Wetpixel article, Mar 7, 2006: Sandisk Red Sea 2006 Underwater Photo Competition ↩
  4. Wetpixel article, Mar 7, 2006: Sandisk Red Sea 2006 Underwater Photo Competition ↩
  5. Forum thread: Sandisk Red Sea Eilat Shoot Out ↩
  6. Forum thread: Epson Red Sea 2008 Eilat Shootout ↩
  7. Wetpixel article, Feb 15, 2011: Epson Red Sea Releases 2010 Competition Album ↩
  8. Wetpixel article, Mar 30, 2011: Call For Entries Epson Red Sea 2011 Online ↩
  9. Wetpixel article, Sep 18, 2010: Call For Entries Epson Red Sea Images Of The World ↩
  10. Wetpixel article, Jan 5, 2011: Epson Red Sea World Shoot Out ↩
  11. Wetpixel article, May 29, 2011: Registration Opens For Epson World Shootout ↩
  12. Wetpixel article, Oct 24, 2012: Final Call Hp Red Sea Shoot Out ↩
  13. Wetpixel article, Nov 19, 2012: Results Of Hp Red Sea Shoot Out Announced ↩
  14. Wetpixel article, Oct 10, 2012: Underwater Photography Olympics To Be Held In Eilat ↩
  15. Wetpixel article, Apr 14, 2013: Hp Red Sea National Team Category At Marseille 2013 ↩
  16. Wetpixel article, May 6, 2013: Call For Entries World Shootout Junior Category ↩
  17. Wetpixel article, May 31, 2014: Contest World Shootout 2014 ↩
  18. Wetpixel article, Sep 17, 2014: Results Eilat Red Sea And World Shoot Out 2014 ↩
  19. Wetpixel article, Sep 17, 2014: Results Eilat Red Sea And World Shoot Out 2014 ↩
  20. Wetpixel article, Dec 28, 2014: Announcing The World Shootout 2015 ↩
  21. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2016: World Shootout Announces Live Broadcasts ↩
  22. Wetpixel article, Oct 22, 2015: Call For Entries World Shootout 2015 ↩
  23. Wetpixel article, Feb 19, 2013: Show Report Eudi Milan ↩
  24. Wetpixel article, Oct 26, 2015: Show Report Dive 2015 ↩
  25. Forum thread: The World Shootout Competition ↩
  26. Wetpixel article, Jul 21, 2016: Call For Entries World Shootout 2016 ↩
  27. Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2017: Results Of World Shoot Out Announced ↩
  28. Wetpixel article, Sep 21, 2017: Call For Entries World Shootout 2017 ↩
  29. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2018: Live On Stage World Shootout 2017 ↩
  30. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2018: Show Report Boot 2018 ↩
  31. Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2018: Final Call For Entries World Shootout 2018 ↩
  32. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2019: 2018 World Shootout Results Announced ↩
  33. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2019: 2018 World Shootout Results Announced ↩
  34. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2019: 2018 World Shootout Results Announced ↩
  35. Wetpixel article, Oct 21, 2019: Call For Entries World Shootout 2019 ↩
  36. Wetpixel article, Jul 15, 2021: Call For Entries 2021 World Shootout ↩
  37. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2022: Awards Ceremony 2021 World Shootout ↩
  38. Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2022: Results World Shootout 2021 ↩
  39. Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2022: Results World Shootout 2021 ↩
  40. Wetpixel article, Sep 17, 2014: Results Eilat Red Sea And World Shoot Out 2014 ↩
  41. Wetpixel article, Mar 7, 2006: Sandisk Red Sea 2006 Underwater Photo Competition ↩
  42. Wetpixel article, Dec 28, 2014: Announcing The World Shootout 2015 ↩
  43. Wetpixel article, Oct 10, 2012: Underwater Photography Olympics To Be Held In Eilat ↩
  44. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2018: Live On Stage World Shootout 2017 ↩
  45. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2018: Live On Stage World Shootout 2017 ↩
  46. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2019: 2018 World Shootout Results Announced ↩
  47. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2019: 2018 World Shootout Results Announced ↩
  48. Forum thread: The World Shootout Competition ↩
  49. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2016: World Shootout Announces Live Broadcasts ↩
  50. Wetpixel article, Mar 7, 2006: Sandisk Red Sea 2006 Underwater Photo Competition ↩
  51. Forum thread: Sandisk Red Sea Eilat Shoot Out ↩
  52. Forum thread: Epson Red Sea 2008 Eilat Shootout ↩
  53. Wetpixel article, Sep 18, 2010: Call For Entries Epson Red Sea Images Of The World ↩
  54. Wetpixel article, Feb 15, 2011: Epson Red Sea Releases 2010 Competition Album ↩
  55. Wetpixel article, Jan 5, 2011: Epson Red Sea World Shoot Out ↩
  56. Wetpixel article, Oct 10, 2012: Underwater Photography Olympics To Be Held In Eilat ↩
  57. Wetpixel article, Nov 19, 2012: Results Of Hp Red Sea Shoot Out Announced ↩
  58. Wetpixel article, Apr 14, 2013: Hp Red Sea National Team Category At Marseille 2013 ↩
  59. Wetpixel article, May 6, 2013: Call For Entries World Shootout Junior Category ↩
  60. Wetpixel article, Sep 17, 2014: Results Eilat Red Sea And World Shoot Out 2014 ↩
  61. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2016: World Shootout Announces Live Broadcasts ↩
  62. Forum thread: The World Shootout Competition ↩
  63. Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2017: Results Of World Shoot Out Announced ↩
  64. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2018: Live On Stage World Shootout 2017 ↩
  65. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2019: 2018 World Shootout Results Announced ↩
  66. Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2022: Results World Shootout 2021 ↩
  67. SanDisk Red Sea 2006 (article) ↩
  68. Call for entries: Epson Red Sea Images of the World 2010 (article) ↩
  69. Epson Red Sea 2010 competition album (article) ↩
  70. Call for entries: Epson Red Sea 2011 online (article) ↩
  71. Epson Red Sea World Shoot-Out 2011 (article) ↩
  72. Registration opens for Epson World ShootOut 2011 (article) ↩
  73. Underwater Photography Olympics in Eilat 2012 (article) ↩
  74. Final call: HP Red Sea shoot out 2012 (article) ↩
  75. Results: HP Red Sea shoot out 2012 (article) ↩
  76. HP Red Sea National Team at Marseille 2013 (article) ↩
  77. World ShootOut Junior category 2013 (article) ↩
  78. World Shootout call for entries 2014 (article) ↩
  79. Call for entries: World Shootout 2014 (article) ↩
  80. Contest: World Shootout 2014 / PADI partnership (article) ↩
  81. Results: Eilat Red Sea and World Shoot Out 2014 (article) ↩
  82. Announcing the World Shootout 2015 (article) ↩
  83. Call for entries: World Shootout 2015 (article) ↩
  84. World Shootout live broadcasts at BOOT 2016 (article) ↩
  85. Call for entries: World ShootOut 2016 (article) ↩
  86. Results: World Shoot Out 2016 (article) ↩
  87. Call for entries: World Shootout 2017 (article) ↩
  88. Live on stage: World ShootOut 2017 at BOOT 2018 (article) ↩
  89. Show report: BOOT 2018 (World Shootout booth) (article) ↩
  90. Final call: World Shootout 2018 (article) ↩
  91. 2018 World Shootout results (article) ↩
  92. Call for entries: World Shootout 2019 (article) ↩
  93. Call for entries: 2021 World Shootout (article) ↩
  94. Awards ceremony: 2021 World Shootout (article) ↩
  95. Results: World Shootout 2021 (article) ↩
  96. Show report: EUDI Milan 2013 (Pilosof mention) (article) ↩
  97. Show report: Dive 2015 (Pilosof mention) (article) ↩
  98. SanDisk Red Sea Eilat Shoot-Out forum thread (forum) ↩
  99. Epson Red Sea 2008 Eilat shootout forum thread (forum) ↩
  100. The World Shootout Competition (controversy) (forum) ↩