Calling on all budding sponge photographers, young and old, to showcase your photographic skills at the 9WSC and win the title of ‘Best Sponge Photograph 2013' (plus prizes!).

What are the criteria for ‘best' sponge photo ? None! The ‘best' will be determined in the ‘eyes of the beholders' (i.e. the other delegates). Photos can be entered under the following 3 categories:

1. Micro (close up shots with a spongy theme e.g. spicules, macro shots underwater, microscope shots etc)
2. Macro (sponge scenes, landscape shots which highlight spongy beauty, integration with other critters etc)
3. Research (research at work doing spongy science, can be above and below etc)

This will be a digital photographic competition, so no need to have your best images printed, and photos will be exhibited via digital media (projected screen and flatscreen)..

Who can enter? Entry is open to all registered delegates (and registered accompanying persons).

What is the entry fee? Entry is free so start submitting your best photos now!

What is the prize?  Prizes will be awarded to the best photo and runner up in each category.

Who can vote? All registered delegates (and registered accompanying persons) will be invited to vote for their top three (3) favourite sponge photographs in each category.

What format should my image(s) be in? Photographs must be in JPEG format, at 300 pixels per inch, 2362 pixels on its longest side, RGB colour, JPEG setting 10 or higher. Please prefix the filename with your surname followed by "A, B, C" if you a submitting 3 images (eg "Smith_A_sponge.jpg")

How do I submit my photographs? Prior to the conference event please email David Abdo (Dave.Abdo@fish.wa.gov.au) with your intention to submit photographs for the competition.  David will provide you with a link to the appropriate dropbox file to deposit your images.