The Kona Classic event is dedicated to providing a healthy, learning, adventurous experience. The goal is to have divers capture as many images as possible while maintaining the highest regard for the environment, in an atmosphere of friendly competition, expression, and learning.

Environmental Guidelines
The judges will screen all submissions of images or video footage for exhibits of any of the following behaviors. If theses behaviors are found in the images or while the images are being captured the images and the individual will be disqualified.

1. Gear dragging or visibly damaging the environment
2. Kicking up sand
3. Animals showing signs of stress
4. Animals viewed in an unnatural state or location
5. Animals being fed
6. Marine life being touched
7. Exhibiting poor buoyancy control
8. Exhibiting behavior that is detrimental to the environment

Photo Judging Criteria
All submissions will be judged on four criteria:

1. Technical Quality (lighting, exposure, focus)
2. Difficulty
3. Composition
4. Visual Impact

Eligibility Classification

Open – All eligible photographers

Point and Shoot – Must be using a Point and Shoot Camera. For example: Sea & Sea Cameras - MX 5, MX 10. Judges will decide what is a point and shoot camera. Demos will be available.

Image Submission Guidelines and Categories

35mm Slide Film and Digital
Image submissions may enter one submission in each category. All slide submissions will be marked with a SPOT on the LOWER LEFT HAND CORNER ON THE FRONT SIDE as viewed on a light table. This should be the only marking on the front of the slide. On the back of the side CLEARLY mark the slide with the TITLE, CATEGORY/CLASS and ENTRANTS NAME.

Film Competition Guidelines
Participants are encouraged to shoot as much film as they like. Participants may shoot the slide film of their choice. The competition will be based on the honor system. Only images taken during the actual date and time of the event are eligible for the competition. Judges will have the final say as to whether an image was taken during the festival.

All film must be processed at Zac’s Photo during the week of the competition. (Photo Participants will receive discounted rates.)

Digital Competition Image Submissions and Guidelines
Participants may enter one submission in each category.
Only images taken during the actual date and time of the event are eligible for the competition.
Digital images may only use image manipulation software (ie: Photoshop) as follows:

• An image may be manipulated by software for contrast, brightness, and color only.
• No image can be manipulated to remove back scatter
• No image can be cropped
• Images manipulated by software aside from contrast, brightness, and color will only be allowed to be entered in the "Best Creative Image" category
• Judges reserve the right to request the original unmanipulated camera file.

NOTE: Digital Camera participants are encouraged to bring laptops to view, manipulate and download pictures.

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