A Letter from the Judges...

The Ultimate Diver Challenge was a fantastic event which gave the participants the opportunity to put their diving skills to the test in a really fun manner. The underwater challenges were very well designed as well as being fun to complete. The Discover Cozumel Land Challenge was a whirlwind tour of some of Cozumel's lesser known as well as infamous landmarks where we learned more about the organizations and structures while completing tasks such as looking for a message in a bottle, and playing a round of miniature golf.

Of course, our favorite part was the Photo Challenge. We began with a briefing on how to win a photo contest, along with several tips and tricks for getting great shots. We reviewed how to shoot certain types of fishes. It was really a great pleasure to watch the diver's underwater photography skills and fish identification knowledge increase tremendously. We enjoyed giving them photo assistance during the week. It was a great thrill to help them go from novice to more advanced photographers.

If you want to know what our advice was on how to win a photo contest, then I invite you to join us at the 2009 Ultimate Diver Challenge.

Nancy and Larry Boucha www.scubasystems.org Photo Judges, 2008 Ultimate Diver Challenge

A Letter from Jodi Swenson...

The Photo Challenge of the Ultimate Diver Challenge really was an amazing transformation for me. I was never interested in carrying a camera underwater because I thought it was too much of a hassle. I was afraid I would miss too many things on the dive, and I would have to know how to work the darn camera.

Early on in the week my obvious frustration and discontent related to photography were quite noticeable when I returned to the boat. It was Nancy Boucha's infectious enthusiasm and photo tips that compelled me to keep trying. The more I kept taking the camera on the dives, the more I learned some amazing things. It really is fun to take pictures. My frustration in the beginning was uncooperative subjects and trying desperately to get that special shot. Then I learned to just let the photo opportunity come to me. Doing that removed a great deal of the stress. I learned that I didn’t miss things on the dive but actually saw more. Instead of just seeing everything pass me by, I was learning to really look at what I was seeing.

As the week went on I caught myself saying ,“That would make a great photo” both above and under the water. And once I became less intimidated by the camera I started to feel more in control by learning what the camera could do for me.

Yes, Nancy Boucha has created a photo enthusiast.

Jodi Swenson

Congratulations to Conrad Rucker

Congratulations to Jodi Swenson

Congratulations to Jodi Swenson

(overall photo contest winner)