Judges

Below are our devoted Underwater Project judges witout whom this Project would be impossible so THANK YOU all!.

Mathieu Meur

Mathieu Meur

Underwater Photography Judge

Mathieu Meur is an underwater photographer based in Singapore. He authored a PADI Underwater Digital Photographer Distinctive Specialty in 2001, co-authored An Essential Guide to Digital Underwater Photography in 2004, as well as its sequel An Advanced Guide to Digital Underwater Photography in 2007. Mathieu is a regular contributor to international diving publications, and has been a speaker or judge at numerous international underwater photography events. Mathieu is always happy in the water, be it capturing the beauty of large reef denizens, majestic wrecks, or the tiniest of subjects. 

Stephen Wong - Takako Uno

Stephen Wong & Takako Uno

Underwater Photography Judges

Full time husband and wife marine photojournalists, Stephen & Takako’s works have been published in over 20 countries and 100 individual journals & publications, including National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Nature’s Best, Unterwasser & GEO. Their works have appeared in more than 40 photo exhibitions, including Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History & Monterey Bay Aquarium. In 2009, both of them have been inducted as members of the prestigious “Ocean Artists Society”. Their images have received dozens of awards in international photo competitions, including four times in the renowned BBC Wildlife Photo Contests. Takako has discovered four new species of Nudibranchs. Stephen and Takako’s images have appeared in over 70 books, including co-authorship of “Sipadan-Mabul Islands”, “Celebrate the Sea” & “Gorontalo Hidden Paradise”. The couple’s signature publication, “An Ocean Odyssey” - a 240-page wide blue pictorial anthology, has received broad international acclaims. Stepen and Takako are also official judges of the 2011 Underwater Festival.

Gary Bell

Gary Bell

Underwater Photography Judge

Gary Bell is an award winning nature and wildlife photographer and was one of the judges for the Australasian Underwater Photographer of the Year competition. His underwater images have featured in major magazines and books throughout the world, limited edition coins, postage stamps, newspapers, advertisements and signage. Gary's latest coffee table book, The Great Barrier Reef - A World Heritage National Park, contains more than 250 vibrant portraits of the Great Barrier Reef. He has worked on assignment for National Geographic magazine and Television division, Australia's CSIRO Division of Fisheries, Australian Geographic magazine, Travelling in Australia magazine and other nature related journals. In 2003, Gary and his wife, Meri, launched OceanwideImages.com - one of the world's most comprehensive collections of marine life pictures.

Kevin Deacon

Kevin Deacon

Underwater Photography Judge

Kevin Deacon is considered one of Australia’s most experienced, accomplished and highly published underwater photographers. His images have received international acclaim and have graced the pages of prestigious books and magazines through out the World during the past 25 years. Kevin’s expertise and experience includes organizing and leading adventure dive and underwater photography / video tours to exotic locations throughout the world. As a keen naturalist he also enjoys introducing divers to the incredible biodiversity of the marine world. As an expedition leader Kevin has been responsible for many successful expeditions and photo shoots for other notable photographers & naturalists such as Jean Michel Cousteau & David Doubilet, National Geographic.

Tim Hochgrebe

Tim Hochgrebe

Underwater Photo Judge

Apart from being the founder of the Underwater Festival, Tim Hochgrebe has been filming marine life since 1999. Under the name Planula Productions he has produced the documentary Byron Underwater as well as the more 'experimental' underwater production Marine Passions. Tim worked as professional underwater videographer in Byron Bay for 7 years and is now too busy organising the Underwater Festival and the busy webportal underwater australasia to devote enough time to continue his career as a film maker.