News

Australian-based underwater photographer Shannon Conway has won this year's DIVE-sponsored British Society of Underwater Photographers' (BSoUP) Open Portfolio competition.

The 44-year old Briton beat entries from former winners Alex Mustard, Jane Morgan and Alan James to take first prize.

A total of 23 portfolios were judged by the audience of underwater photographers at the BSoUP end-of-year meeting in South Kensington, London on 19 December.

JP Trenque, the newly appointed BSoUP chairman, said: 'This year's Open Portfolio trophy has a special meaning because it coincides with the Society's 40th anniversary. I am extremely pleased for Shannon to have received it, as it celebrates the accomplishments of a very dedicated and accomplished photographer. I'm sure we'll enjoy a lot more of his work in the very near future.'

Conway said: 'Many thanks to everyone at BSoUP who have all been an inspiration to me. Giving approval to my images has motivated me to persist when struggling to get that image I desire.'

Conway, who took his images in Bali, Australia and Palau with a Nikon D2X, wins a trophy and a cheque for £100, donated by DIVE. The annual Open Portfolio is open to BSoUP members and non-members. For more information, see www.bsoup.org.