The level is very high, and hundreds of underwater photographers from around the world compete for glory and spectacular prizes. Thousands of images are entered in the eight categories, and only the very best of them are awarded a medals or honourable mentions.

Norwegian underwater photographer Christian Skauge was awarded an Honourable Mention in the ’Macro Unrestricted’ category for his image showing a rare nudibranch photographed on the house reef of Gulen Dive Resort on the Norwegian west coast.

One of very few images from cold water making it to the top this year, this colourful critter caught Skauge’s eye on a dive in April last year – and the jury in Chicago was also fascinated by the shell-less, little seaslug.

- Nudibranchs are fantastic macro subjects. They offer colours and shapes nowhere to be found on land, Skauge says. He is very proud of his accomplishment, despite not winning a medal this time around.

- An Honourable Mention in an international competition of this magnitude is very, very satisfying. It feels good to be recognized by a jury with of some of the best underwater photographers in the world, says Skauge.

Christian Skauge hosts a ’Nudibranch Safari’ in cooperation with Gulen Dive Resort at the end of march each year, and therefore knows both the subjects and the house reef at the resort like the back of his hand. He has shot several winning images here, and was awarded a gold medal in the same competition three years ago with an image of a deep-sea jellyfish.

- Underwater photography is fun because it is very challenging. As divers we also find subjects few other photographers ever get to see, and that adds to the experience, Skauge explains.

Christian Skauge is a former Norwegian and Nordic Champion, and has been awarded several times in international competitions. If you’d like to see more of his images, please visit www.scubapixel.com.

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