PHOTOGRAPHY. SCIENCE. ETHICS.
REAL FOCUS brings underwater photography, marine science and ethical practice together in a shootout that considers not only how an image looks, but how it was created.
MORE THAN JUST A SHOOTOUT.
Event Details
REAL FOCUS
Underwater Photography Shootout 2027
15 February to 30 April 2027
Participating Locations:
Solitude Acacia Resort, Anilao, Philippines
& Solitude Lembeh Resort, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
EVERY PARTICIPANT RECEIVES TWELVE MONTHS OF 3SIXTY WORLD
Preferred rates, added benefits and early access across Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts.
The Locations
The Shootout
REAL FOCUS 2027 brings underwater photographers together across two of the world’s most recognised destinations for macro and blackwater photography: Anilao in the Philippines and the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia.
Guests staying for a minimum of three consecutive nights at Solitude Acacia Resort or Solitude Lembeh Resort during the competition period are eligible to enter.
REAL FOCUS welcomes photographers at different stages of their journey. It is not limited to professionals, previous competition winners or those using a particular camera system. Participants are invited to develop their skills, connect with other image-makers and contribute to a competition built around creativity, honesty and respect for the marine environment.
This is not simply about producing the perfect photograph. It is about observing carefully, respecting the subject and creating an image that remains true to the encounter.
This Year’s Theme: HOW REAL ARE YOU?
GENUINE MOMENTS. HONEST CHOICES. AUTHENTIC IMAGES.
What makes an underwater image honest?
HOW REAL ARE YOU? asks photographers to consider not only what they create, but how they create it – how the moment unfolded, how the subject was treated and how much of the final image reflects their own decisions.
Guides may help locate and identify subjects, but the photographer remains responsible for the creative and technical choices behind the image. Marine life should not be touched, moved, baited, chased or staged, and the surroundings should remain as they were found.
This is not a question of status, experience or equipment. From first-time entrants to experienced image-makers, every photographer is invited to capture genuine moments, make honest choices and create authentic images.
To register your interest or book your spot for REAL FOCUS 2027 – HOW REAL ARE YOU?, head to: Register Today
DISCOVER THE THEME AND CATEGORIES
Your Entry Goes Further
TWELVE MONTHS OF 3SIXTY WORLD FOR EVERY PARTICIPANT
Taking part in REAL FOCUS 2027 brings benefits that continue beyond the shootout.
Every confirmed participant will be upgraded to the 3SIXTY World tier for twelve months upon entry. The World tier is normally reserved for registered guests with an annual qualifying spend of USD 3,001 to USD 12,000.
Benefits include:
10% year round discount on published rates for eligible direct bookings
50% discount on laundry services, equipment hire and Enriched Air Nitrox
Complimentary Wi-Fi and room or cabin upgrades, subject to availability
Early check-in and late check-out benefits
Early access to selected itineraries, workshops and promotions
Your 3SIXTY World benefits continue across Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts for twelve months, subject to availability, eligibility requirements and programme terms.
EXPLORE YOUR 3SIXTY WORLD BENEFITS
The Science Behind the Lens
EVERY DIVER BECOMES A DATA CONTRIBUTOR.
REAL FOCUS supports an ongoing three-year marine species observation study led by marine biologist Dr David Harasti. Each entry combines photography with dive data and participant-recorded observations, giving every image scientific context.
Over time, these records may reveal patterns in species presence, abundance, habitat use, environmental conditions and observed behaviour across Anilao and Lembeh, creating value that extends beyond the competition.
Be Ethical
Ethical practice is not an additional consideration applied after an image has been created. It is the foundation of REAL FOCUS.
Marine life must not be touched, moved, baited, chased or placed for a photograph. Habitats and surroundings must remain undisturbed, and every participant is expected to maintain responsible buoyancy and considerate conduct underwater.
Our ethical guidance helps photographers capture with purpose, work with patience and create meaningful images without compromising the welfare of the subject or its environment.
Focus Tools
This is more than a repository of resources; it’s a haven for honing your craft, broadening your creative horizons, and deepening your bond with the ocean. Here, artistry and responsibility intertwine, empowering you to capture not just images but the very essence of life beneath the waves.
Read More
The Judicators
The Real Focus Shootout is far more than a photography competition—it’s an immersive journey that celebrates artistry, marine conservation, and community. At its heart lies a dedicated team whose expertise and passion shape every aspect of the experience.
Read MoreDates & Deadlines
From the announcement of categories and prize pool updates to key milestones like the opening of registration, submission deadlines, and the much-anticipated unveiling of winners, this page keeps you informed every step of the way.
Read More
Prizes
Explore the prizes and rewards that recognise creativity, technical achievement and ethical integrity throughout the REAL FOCUS Underwater Photography Shootout.
Read MoreHow to Enter
Stay
Book a minimum 3-night stay at Solitude Acacia Resort or Solitude Lembeh Resort during the competition period.
Capture
Create your underwater images during your qualifying stay, following the competition categories, image-authorship requirements and ethical photography guidelines.
Submit
Before leaving the resort, provide the required unedited source files for the images you intend to enter.
Upload the corresponding final edited images through the official REAL FOCUS Submission Page by 31 May 2027.
Have Questions?
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions for information about eligibility, categories, submissions, judging, ethical requirements and participating locations.
Visit FAQs