Real Focus
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Annual Photography Awards

Real Focus

Groundbreaking. Trailblazing. First-of-its-kind REAL FOCUS bridges photography, science, and ethics to unite conscious divers in a unique shootout and marine research initiative. more than just a shootout.

About our mission

About Us

Real Focus

Groundbreaking. Trailblazing. First-of-its-kind REAL FOCUS bridges photography, science, and ethics to unite conscious divers in a unique shootout and marine research initiative. more than just a shootout.

Timeline

Strict deadlines for submissions and technical review. Ensure your RAW files are ready for verification.

Submissions

Open Period

Feb 15 — May 31, 2026

Judging

Expert Review

Results announced: June 14, 2026

Competition Guidelines

Everything you need to know before you dive in.

1. Mandatory Scientific Data

  1. This competition is also a scientific study. Every image submitted must be paired with a completed Dive Data Sheet (tracking depth, temperature, behavior, etc.). Submissions without this data will be disqualified.

2. Submission Deadlines

  • Before Check-out: You must submit your unedited RAW files (converted to JPEGs for storage) to the resort team before you depart.
  • By May 31, 2026: You must upload your final Edited versions via your 3SIXTY account. You can swap these edited versions as often as you like until this deadline.

3. Strict Ethical Conduct

  • The competition has a zero-tolerance policy for environmental disturbance.
  • No Touching/Moving: Do not touch, move, or stress marine life or coral.
  • Zero Interference: Using bait or having a guide "stage" a shot for you is strictly prohibited.
  • Immediate Disqualification: Any violation results in immediate disqualification for that entire day’s photos.

4. Editing Rules

  • Permitted: Minor adjustments (color, contrast, cropping up to 20%, backscatter removal).
  • Prohibited: Generative AI, moving/adding elements, or heavy manipulation that alters the context of the scene.
  • Double Exposure: Only allowed in the Creative Macro category and must be done in-camera.

5. Eligibility & Limits

  • Stay Requirement: You must stay at least 3 consecutive nights at Solitude Acacia (Anilao) or Solitude Lembeh between Feb 15 and April 30, 2026.
  • Quantity: You can submit up to 5 entries per category.


For the full list of rules, technical specifications, and prize details, please visit: https://solitude.world/rules-conditions/