Arthur Kingdon chosen as best British underwater photographer

Wiltshire-based underwater photographer Arthur Kingdon won the British Splash-In Championship, an underwater photography competition held in Plymouth waters on Saturday 7 July. Organised by the British Society of Underwater Photographers, this annual event has been running for over 30 years and is now organised in association with the National Marine Aquarium.


39 competitors from all around Britain gathered at the Mount Batten Centre, hoping that the recent bad weather would not affect the underwater visibility too much. They were greeted with glorious sunshine, although the conditions underwater were challenging. Over a hundred images were ultimately submitted by the photographers. They were projected at the National Marine Aquarium against the impressive backdrop of the Atlantic Reef tank for the audience to select their favourite shots in each of the four categories.


Alan James “who is now retiring from BSoUP Splash-In competitions” took the close-up and fish categories while Arthur Kingdon won the wide-angle category. Kingdon was also chosen by a panel of judges as the overall best British underwater photographer for his split-level (above and underwater) shot of a diver in front of the Mewstone, winning a liveaboard trip to the Red Sea, courtesy of Tony Backhurst Scuba. Jim Tyrwhitt-Drake was voted the best Beginner and Martin Davies captured the Humorous/Creative category.


After the awards ceremony, award-winning photographer James commented: “Having attended so many enjoyable and successful BSoUP Splash In competitions, I feel that it is time to move over and to offer my assistance to the organisers of this excellent event”.


This year’s panel of judges consisted of Kelvin Boot, Director of the National Marine Aquarium, BBC newsman and celebrated underwater film-maker John McIntyre, and veteran UK underwater photographer Peter Rowlands, the editor of online Underwater Photography Magazine (www.uwpmag.com).


Said Martha Tressler, chair of BSoUP: “The pictures produced by this competition impress me every year. Striking images were created by competitors ranging from experienced photographers with high-end SLR cameras to beginners with small digital compacts. The venue provided by the National Marine Aquarium was a fantastic setting for the evening event”