The worldwide community of underwater photographers is small in scale, but mighty with our shared love of the ocean. Being out of the water for 2+ years felt foreign to many of us. How glorious it was to not only spend precious moments underwater again, but also to reunite with our fellow image-makers at the 19th Digital Shootout in Bonaire at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort!

During this year's two week-long workshop for underwater photographers, an international mix of 65 guests and 20 staff gathered for the sharing of photography and editing techniques, checking out the newest underwater imaging gear, exploring and relishing in the tranquil calm of Bonaire below the surface and capturing meaningful images of marine inhabitants with like-minded dive buddies old and new. While this year's Shootout offered a new two-week schedule – 3 boat dives daily, 24-7 shore diving available, late afternoon seminars, evening image critiques or inspirational presentations by the pros – the hit-the-ocean-finning energy makes for a contagious learning environment for improved underwater imaging.
Manufacturers and their reps bring thousands of pounds of cameras, housings, strobes, lights and accessories to the Shootout each year for guests to try out the newest underwater imaging gear available. The Demo Gear program is second to none, as no other underwater photography event has as much gear to demo as the Shootout. Please visit our GEAR TESTS page for reviews by our on-location pros of the latest cameras, housings and accessories.

Even while learning, we like to have FUN! Check out the SHOOTOUT LIFE section to experience the diving, the learning and the camaraderie shared by this amazing group of passionate image-makers.

While it's called the Digital Shootout, the focus of this event is learning. Our participants range from budding beginner to veteran shutterbug, and regardless of skill level, everyone goes home having learned something new. Year after year, the organizers – Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo and Under Exposures – collect some amazing prizes to award at the event's end when even the budding beginner has gained skill and confidence to enter into our friendly competition. You'll find beautiful imagery in photos and videos that depict the wonders of the ocean in the CONTEST RESULTS section.

JOIN US in 2023 for the 20th annual Digital Shootout, held in Little Cayman at the Little Cayman Beach Resort! Whether new to the Shootout or a long-time friend, the camaraderie amongst like-minded individuals is unmatched! See you in Little Cayman!

“There is no greater education than one that is self-driven.”
— Neil deGrasse Tyson