Prestigious and pioneering watchmaker, Blancpain, is to partner with the Ocean Photography Awards, becoming the competition’s Main Partner for 2021.
The partnership represents a continuation of the Swiss Brand’s commitment to the pursuit of a healthier ocean. It also pays homage to the significant historical links Blancpain has with the ocean, having launched the world’s first modern diving watch, the Fifty Fathoms, in 1953 – a landmark moment in its near 300-year history. Collaborations with ocean explorers, marine scientists and boundary-pushing underwater photographers have typified the 70 years since – as has the company’s support for ocean conservation initiatives, resulting in the protection of more than four million km2 of the ocean. The Ocean Photography Awards is the next addition to the Brand’s rich ocean story.
The Ocean Photography Awards have a simple mission: to communicate the beauty of the ocean, as well as the many perils it faces. The Awards are inclusive, open to all photographers (amateurs and professionals, divers and surfers, young and old) and are a celebration of the talent and commitment of the ocean photography community around the world. The Awards are a platform through which ocean artistry is shared with millions – art that is enjoyed and discussed, art that puts the ocean centre stage in people’s hearts and minds.
Will Harrison, founder of the Ocean Photography Awards, said: “We are delighted and humbled to have Blancpain partner with us for 2021. Blancpain’s commitment to ocean exploration and conservation is part of its fabric, its identity – a passion and pursuit that has seen it achieve significant ocean conservation wins and exploration firsts over many years. That ocean authenticity and integrity are a very welcome addition to OPA2021.”
Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain, said: “The Blancpain Ocean Commitment centres on the principle that people can only respect and protect what they love, and can only love what they know. In continuation of the Fifty Fathoms’ role in the opening up of the underwater world, Blancpain has been supporting those who best raise awareness of ocean issues and especially those who convey a positive message insisting on the inspiring beauty of what is intact. Thus, we are proud to become Main Partner of the Ocean Photography Awards, which aim at sharing the oceans’ hidden wonders and their importance for life on Earth.”
The Ocean Photography Awards 2021 are officially launched and open for entries. Winners, including the overall winner – the Ocean Photographer of the Year™ 2021 – will be announced in September 2021. A stunning London exhibition will follow in the same month.
The full judging panel, made up of members of the SeaLegacy Collective, is: Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, Shawn Heinrichs, Andy Mann, John Weller, Ami Vitale and Andre Musgrove. More information on each of the judges can be found on the Ocean Photography Awards website.
The Ocean Photography Awards are produced by Oceanographic Magazine, in support of ocean conservation charity SeaLegacy.
Blancpain introduces the Female Fifty Fathoms Award photography prize
With the aim of inspiring future generations, Blancpain, main partner to the 2021 edition of the Ocean Photography Awards (OPA) competition, is launching the Female Fifty Fathoms Award, a new category designed to reward women’s achievements in the field of ocean photography.
Produced by Oceanographic Magazine, in support of ocean conservation charity SeaLegacy, the objective of the Ocean Photography Awards annual competition is to communicate the beauty of the ocean, as well as the many perils it faces. To achieve this goal, it calls on the talent and sensitivity of any individual involved in photography and using the ocean as their subject. Open to all, the contest is inclusive: amateurs and professionals, divers and surfers, young and old alike. It consists of six categories that deliberately leave the door open to interpretation, as well as an overall Ocean Photographer of the Year™ prize. The 2021 programme has been enhanced by a great new addition with the introduction of a complementary category in the form of the Female Fifty Fathoms Award, a prize introduced and awarded by Blancpain.
Despite their inclusive nature, the Ocean Photography Awards tend to attract a vast majority of masculine participants. Through the Female Fifty Fathoms Award, together with the competition organisers, Blancpain wishes to encourage women to share their perspective on the underwater world while promoting their involvement in the realms of diving, ocean photography and raising awareness of the ocean cause in order to inspire future generations. Candidates for the Female Fifty Fathoms Awards have to be pre-nominated for the competition by a person for whom they represent a source of inspiration. Photographers selected and who confirm their participation are required to follow the Ocean Photography Awards’ standard judging process. Amongst the many prizes, the winner of the Female Fifty Fathoms Award will receive a timepiece from Blancpain‘s Fifty Fathoms diving watch collection. She will also enjoy the benefit of being present on the Brand’s platforms, as well as in its communication materials used to raise awareness of the beauty of the ocean. Her name will thus be associated with renowned photographers such as Ernest H. Brooks II or Ellen Cuylaerts, both contributors to Blancpain‘s Edition Fifty Fathoms publications.
The Female Fifty Fathoms Award celebrates uncompromising femininity, addressing every woman who pushes the boundaries and innovates; pioneering, passionate women with a forward-looking approach and a firm commitment to the ocean.
Are you inspired by a particular photographer? Local or international, amateur or professional, famous or not, share her work to inspire more women to join the ocean community.
Links and information:
» www.oceanographicmagazine.com/opa
» www.blancpain-ocean-commitment.com
» www.blancpain.com
Ocean Photography Awards Gallery
