Here is an invitation to participate in an underwater photo contest. If you are not an underwater photographer you may know someone who is.

Dear Fellow Diver:

I want to personally call your attention to a very special award that will be given to an underwater photographer; maybe you or someone you know. In case you are not familiar with the history of the Northern California Underwater Photographic Society, I would like to tell you how we are trying to bring the past, present and future together.

Bob Hollis of Oceanic was one of the founding members and continues to be one of our trusted supporters. Bob Commer joined soon after the club was formed and stayed very active attending meetings and special functions right up until his death in 1999. A group of the old timers got together with Bob's family and they set up a trust fund with the proceeds going towards promoting our annual international photo competition -- the SEA series.

To kick it off $500 was designated towards a cash prize for this year and a special plaque will be presented to the ONE PERSON deemed by the special panel of judges to have demonstrated outstanding achievement in underwater photography. This year Wakatobi Dive Center in Sulawesi has contributed a credit voucher for $2,000.00. In years to come the earnings from the fund will be the cash prize.

Unlike most other competitions where the rules say you cannot have won more than . . . or earn more than . . .or teach u/w photography. . . . etc. the Bob Commer award can be won by anyone, even a professional photographer (what ever that is).

Yes, we have been told "A real professional would never enter a contest." Maybe/maybe not. However, many of you may in some way, be a professional but not making a living at it. We decided it would be easier to administer if we took off all restrictions. All formats are welcome.

So, here's your chance! Go to www.ncups.org and take a look. While there check us out. Especially look at our sponsor page. We are very proud of donations provided for our amateur competitors. All entries received in the various categories will also be eligible for the Bob Commer award. We are confident that the recipient of this award will be proud to be named the best of the best.

We will respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your attention.

Harriette Fisher
NCUPS Marketing Manager

PS Deadline for entries (postmarked) is September 14, 2001

hmmm, choochoo's swmbo, idaho diver...you folks have some good ones.

someone should pass this onto joe miller too. marty?