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Judges
Wreck & Cave Photography Judges
Frank Aron
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Frank Aron was born in northern Germany in 1970 and began diving in 1986. His father had been diving since the 1960s, and they spent every summer holiday in the Mediterranean, which fueled his passion for scuba diving. After several years with a local diving club, he became involved in technical diving. Since 1998, he has been a certified full cave diver and full trimix diver. His first trip to the Mexican peninsula, where he obtained his full cave certification, gave him a particular affinity for overhead diving that has lasted to this day. He and his companions frequently travel to France for cave diving, with dive sites like Resse and Saint George motivating them to use rebreathers for deeper penetrations (AP Inspiration and T-Reb).
In his home region, there are very few natural lakes, and those that exist often have poor visibility for diving. Quarries such as Kreidesee Hemmoor and See Im Berg in Messinghausen have been well-known since the 1990s and guarantee good conditions. After discovering several flooded remnants of the mining area in Germany that were accessible, they decided to focus on these sites as well. Frank began taking underwater photos in the 1990s with a small system camera. The fantastic visibility and impressive wall structures in the “See Im Berg” in Messinghausen inspired him to intensify his photography efforts in 2016. Sunlight beams and long shadows can create spectacular impressions underwater, leading him to keep this aspect in focus. With the help of his sister, a trained photographer, he improved his skills. He also intensified his photography in local slate mines, using strong video lights to create light and shadow effects even in overhead conditions.
German lakes are not known for their good underwater visibility while diving in man-made places like quarries and mines reveals a different picture. His mission is to showcase these spectacular underwater environments. The remnants of human labor found there serve as a testimony for the difficult conditions under which people worked here for years.
Frank Aron was born in northern Germany in 1970 and began diving in 1986. His father had been diving since the 1960s, and they spent every summer holiday in the Mediterranean, which fueled his passion for scuba diving. After several years with a local diving club, he became involved in technical diving. Since 1998, he has been a certified full cave diver and full trimix diver. His first trip to the Mexican peninsula, where he obtained his full cave certification, gave him a particular affinity for overhead diving that has lasted to this day. He and his companions frequently travel to France for cave diving, with dive sites like Resse and Saint George motivating them to use rebreathers for deeper penetrations (AP Inspiration and T-Reb).
In his home region, there are very few natural lakes, and those that exist often have poor visibility for diving. Quarries such as Kreidesee Hemmoor and See Im Berg in Messinghausen have been well-known since the 1990s and guarantee good conditions. After discovering several flooded remnants of the mining area in Germany that were accessible, they decided to focus on these sites as well. Frank began taking underwater photos in the 1990s with a small system camera. The fantastic visibility and impressive wall structures in the “See Im Berg” in Messinghausen inspired him to intensify his photography efforts in 2016. Sunlight beams and long shadows can create spectacular impressions underwater, leading him to keep this aspect in focus. With the help of his sister, a trained photographer, he improved his skills. He also intensified his photography in local slate mines, using strong video lights to create light and shadow effects even in overhead conditions.
German lakes are not known for their good underwater visibility while diving in man-made places like quarries and mines reveals a different picture. His mission is to showcase these spectacular underwater environments. The remnants of human labor found there serve as a testimony for the difficult conditions under which people worked here for years.
Frank Vasseur
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
His explorations are driven by a desire to better understand this exceptional environment. Whether in France or during expeditions abroad, each discovery of unknown galleries comes with the commitment to share tangible outputs (maps, reports, photographs, films), so that each new discovery benefits others and not only the fortunate one who made it.
After serving as a lighting technician for others, the digital age brought him to the other side of the lens. With an approach more empirical than technical, he captures places that have rarely, if ever, been photographed — through still images or video. His aim is to glorify, aestheticize, and elevate an environment that only ignorance could reduce to something nightmarish.
His explorations are driven by a desire to better understand this exceptional environment. Whether in France or during expeditions abroad, each discovery of unknown galleries comes with the commitment to share tangible outputs (maps, reports, photographs, films), so that each new discovery benefits others and not only the fortunate one who made it.
After serving as a lighting technician for others, the digital age brought him to the other side of the lens. With an approach more empirical than technical, he captures places that have rarely, if ever, been photographed — through still images or video. His aim is to glorify, aestheticize, and elevate an environment that only ignorance could reduce to something nightmarish.
Cesare Balzi
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Cesare started his diving activity in 1991. Since 2003, he has been a Technical Instructor, and since 2004, a Technical & Trimix Instructor Trainer.
Cesare has a great interest in wrecks and their historical events. He has taken part in many IANTD Expeditions: in 2003 on the Austro-Hungarian wreck Szent Istvan in Croatia, in 2004 he was in charge of security on the German transatlantic wreck Wilhelm Gustloff in the Baltic Sea, in 2005, after having founded the Italian Battleship Regina Margherita, he was in Albania for the expedition on it, and he also localized the hospital ship Po. In 2007, still in Albania, he discovered two other Italian ships: the torpedo boat Intrepido and the steamship transport troops Re Umberto.
Over the years, he has managed numerous other explorations on wrecks in the southern Adriatic Sea, including Albania and Montenegro. In 2007, he co-directed a research project to find and identify contemporary wrecks to promote and develop Albanian culture and improve tourism along its coasts. This project was approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports of the Republic of Albania.
Since 2012, Cesare has also collaborated with SCUBAZONE, the Italian diver magazine, and the SCUBAPORTAL website, where he writes articles about wrecks. Since March 2015, he has been a member of The Explorers Club of New York. Today, he continues to collaborate with NAUTICA MARE Verona, DIVING GROUP Portofino, and LORENZO SUB Diving Center Fiumaretta La Spezia, where he is in charge of training instructors.
Currently, he is participating as an IANTD Diver in the HETIDA project, which approaches safeguarding and protecting Europe’s coastal and underwater cultural heritage from the effects of climate change and natural hazards in a holistic manner that includes risk management, protection, and preparedness.
Cesare started his diving activity in 1991. Since 2003, he has been a Technical Instructor, and since 2004, a Technical & Trimix Instructor Trainer.
Cesare has a great interest in wrecks and their historical events. He has taken part in many IANTD Expeditions: in 2003 on the Austro-Hungarian wreck Szent Istvan in Croatia, in 2004 he was in charge of security on the German transatlantic wreck Wilhelm Gustloff in the Baltic Sea, in 2005, after having founded the Italian Battleship Regina Margherita, he was in Albania for the expedition on it, and he also localized the hospital ship Po. In 2007, still in Albania, he discovered two other Italian ships: the torpedo boat Intrepido and the steamship transport troops Re Umberto.
Over the years, he has managed numerous other explorations on wrecks in the southern Adriatic Sea, including Albania and Montenegro. In 2007, he co-directed a research project to find and identify contemporary wrecks to promote and develop Albanian culture and improve tourism along its coasts. This project was approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports of the Republic of Albania.
Since 2012, Cesare has also collaborated with SCUBAZONE, the Italian diver magazine, and the SCUBAPORTAL website, where he writes articles about wrecks. Since March 2015, he has been a member of The Explorers Club of New York. Today, he continues to collaborate with NAUTICA MARE Verona, DIVING GROUP Portofino, and LORENZO SUB Diving Center Fiumaretta La Spezia, where he is in charge of training instructors.
Currently, he is participating as an IANTD Diver in the HETIDA project, which approaches safeguarding and protecting Europe’s coastal and underwater cultural heritage from the effects of climate change and natural hazards in a holistic manner that includes risk management, protection, and preparedness.
Stacy Chee
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Stacy’s diving journey began at the age of 19, inspired by National Geographic. Determined to explore the unknown, she became the first Malaysian woman to dive beyond 100 meters, driven by a simple dream: to see the elusive lanternfish. Although she has not yet encountered it, Stacy cherishes the journey itself — the challenges, discoveries, and personal growth — as the true reward of technical diving.
As an instructor, Stacy’s philosophy goes far beyond skills training. She emphasizes rational thinking, independence, and composure — qualities essential both underwater and in life. By encouraging her students to solve problems and think for themselves, she helps them grow not only as divers, but as confident, self-reliant individuals.
Stacy’s diving journey began at the age of 19, inspired by National Geographic. Determined to explore the unknown, she became the first Malaysian woman to dive beyond 100 meters, driven by a simple dream: to see the elusive lanternfish. Although she has not yet encountered it, Stacy cherishes the journey itself — the challenges, discoveries, and personal growth — as the true reward of technical diving.
As an instructor, Stacy’s philosophy goes far beyond skills training. She emphasizes rational thinking, independence, and composure — qualities essential both underwater and in life. By encouraging her students to solve problems and think for themselves, she helps them grow not only as divers, but as confident, self-reliant individuals.
Achim Schloeffel
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Achim has been a key figure in technical diving since the 1990s. He was born in 1971 - diving since 1978 - more than 11.000 dives so far.
In 2002 Achim founded THE-INNER-SPACE.COM. A company dedicated to the highest quality dive training and exploration around the world. THE-INNER-SPACE.COM still serves as a resource center for the diving community all over the world. From 1999 until 2008 Achim taught various courses and levels in technical diving for GUE where he was one of a handful of Tech 2 instructors.
Achim's greatest passion for diving was, and is to this date the exploration of the underwater world. Be it an unexplored wreck, or an uncharted cave. In his pursuits throughout the years, he took part in various professional diving expeditions all over the world. Knowing that many divers share his interest in exploration, but most lack the skills and knowledge to perform true exploration in difficult environments in a safe way, Achim decided that it was time for him to move forward and remedy this situation. He formed ISE - Inner Space Explorers (www.is.expl.com)
He was also the first person to ever dive through the British channel in 2012 using an experimental Bonex Shuttle Scooter.
Achim's extensive experience and passion for exploration make him a key figure in the diving community. We are thrilled to announce that Achim Schlöffel is officially joining the OrcaTorch brand ambassador family! He will work with us to share his deep knowledge and expertise. We look forward to collaborating with Achim to bring more innovation and inspiration to diving.
Connect — Facebook Website
Founder and president of InnerSpace Explorers (ISE)
Author of Book The Recreational Diver in German and English published 2007, Book "Der Tod taucht mit" published 2021 - in english 2024
Avid writer, photographer, filmmaker and speaker/presenter
From Achim, "..my customers always asked for the most rigorous and demanding training. They want to get the real experience, feel the real limit, and in the end know that they had to give everything. When I realized that I could not offer that anymore I knew it was time to move on..."
Achim has been a key figure in technical diving since the 1990s. He was born in 1971 - diving since 1978 - more than 11.000 dives so far.
In 2002 Achim founded THE-INNER-SPACE.COM. A company dedicated to the highest quality dive training and exploration around the world. THE-INNER-SPACE.COM still serves as a resource center for the diving community all over the world. From 1999 until 2008 Achim taught various courses and levels in technical diving for GUE where he was one of a handful of Tech 2 instructors.
Achim's greatest passion for diving was, and is to this date the exploration of the underwater world. Be it an unexplored wreck, or an uncharted cave. In his pursuits throughout the years, he took part in various professional diving expeditions all over the world. Knowing that many divers share his interest in exploration, but most lack the skills and knowledge to perform true exploration in difficult environments in a safe way, Achim decided that it was time for him to move forward and remedy this situation. He formed ISE - Inner Space Explorers (www.is.expl.com)
He was also the first person to ever dive through the British channel in 2012 using an experimental Bonex Shuttle Scooter.
Achim's extensive experience and passion for exploration make him a key figure in the diving community. We are thrilled to announce that Achim Schlöffel is officially joining the OrcaTorch brand ambassador family! He will work with us to share his deep knowledge and expertise. We look forward to collaborating with Achim to bring more innovation and inspiration to diving.
Connect — Facebook Website
Founder and president of InnerSpace Explorers (ISE)
Author of Book The Recreational Diver in German and English published 2007, Book "Der Tod taucht mit" published 2021 - in english 2024
Avid writer, photographer, filmmaker and speaker/presenter
From Achim, "..my customers always asked for the most rigorous and demanding training. They want to get the real experience, feel the real limit, and in the end know that they had to give everything. When I realized that I could not offer that anymore I knew it was time to move on..."
WOODY ALPERN
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
SSI Instructor Trainer | Classified Diving Instructor | Platinum Pro 5000 Instructor | Basic Freediver Instructor | Tech Diving Instructor | IANTD Normoxic Closed Circuit Rebreather Instructor | certified CCR cave diver and certified CCR DPV cave diver | Founder of Dive Talk
Scuba diving has been an integral part of his life for as long as he can remember. For almost 45 years, he has been drawn to breathing underwater. The connection to the underwater world is so powerful and healing that even when he is away from it for 24 hours, he is craving his next dive. When he is diving in the ocean in particular (although cave diving has its own magical powers as well), he is often heard referring to its unbelievable powerful energy as Ocean Soul. He loves the connection to nothing but his breath and the marine life world around him.
SSI Instructor Trainer | Classified Diving Instructor | Platinum Pro 5000 Instructor | Basic Freediver Instructor | Tech Diving Instructor | IANTD Normoxic Closed Circuit Rebreather Instructor | certified CCR cave diver and certified CCR DPV cave diver | Founder of Dive Talk
Scuba diving has been an integral part of his life for as long as he can remember. For almost 45 years, he has been drawn to breathing underwater. The connection to the underwater world is so powerful and healing that even when he is away from it for 24 hours, he is craving his next dive. When he is diving in the ocean in particular (although cave diving has its own magical powers as well), he is often heard referring to its unbelievable powerful energy as Ocean Soul. He loves the connection to nothing but his breath and the marine life world around him.
Gus Gonzalez
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Gus Gonzalez is a CCR Cave Diver, Trimix Diver, and Instructor based in Atlanta.
He is the co-host and producer of the popular DIVE TALK Podcast and YouTube channel, and the creator of the “CAVE DIVER REACTS” series.
As an instructor for IANTD and SSI, Gus is passionate about sharing his love for diving with his students, whether they are starting their journey as a brand new diver, or they are seasoned divers, and this passion spreads through his podcast and videos.
His favorite dives typically include a powerful DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle) and a Cave, or a beautiful deep wreck filled with Lionfish as he’s an avid Lionfish Tracker and loves to help in the efforts to eradicate this invasive species from the Atlantic ocean.
Gus Gonzalez is a CCR Cave Diver, Trimix Diver, and Instructor based in Atlanta.
He is the co-host and producer of the popular DIVE TALK Podcast and YouTube channel, and the creator of the “CAVE DIVER REACTS” series.
As an instructor for IANTD and SSI, Gus is passionate about sharing his love for diving with his students, whether they are starting their journey as a brand new diver, or they are seasoned divers, and this passion spreads through his podcast and videos.
His favorite dives typically include a powerful DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle) and a Cave, or a beautiful deep wreck filled with Lionfish as he’s an avid Lionfish Tracker and loves to help in the efforts to eradicate this invasive species from the Atlantic ocean.
Mike Young
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Mike is a member of the Advance Diver Magazine Exploration team as well as the US Deep Caving Team.
Recently Mike discovered a Mayan vase that dates back 1300 years while exploring and mapping cenotes (caves) in the Yucatan peninsula area. In 2010, Mike was on the J2 expedition, exploring a system in southern Mexico that is 1200 meters deep, and took 2 days of caving just to reach the water.
In 2011, Mike and the deep caving team mapped an underground river system in Puerto Rico that totaled over 23 kilometers in length, making it the world's longest underground river. Some of the area surveyed had never been seen by human eyes before.
Most recently Mike is leading an exploration team into Roaring River State park’s underwater cave system. They have now recorded dives to 472’ deep placing it as the deepest cave in the USA. (Using Orcatorch lights).
Mike is a member of the Advance Diver Magazine Exploration team as well as the US Deep Caving Team.
Recently Mike discovered a Mayan vase that dates back 1300 years while exploring and mapping cenotes (caves) in the Yucatan peninsula area. In 2010, Mike was on the J2 expedition, exploring a system in southern Mexico that is 1200 meters deep, and took 2 days of caving just to reach the water.
In 2011, Mike and the deep caving team mapped an underground river system in Puerto Rico that totaled over 23 kilometers in length, making it the world's longest underground river. Some of the area surveyed had never been seen by human eyes before.
Most recently Mike is leading an exploration team into Roaring River State park’s underwater cave system. They have now recorded dives to 472’ deep placing it as the deepest cave in the USA. (Using Orcatorch lights).
Karen Van Den Oever
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Karen van den Oever is a Cave and Trimix Diver and Instructor based in South Africa.
In March 2021, Karen set a new Woman’s World Record for the deepest Scuba dive with a depth of 236.04m, in Boesmansgat Cave in South Africa. In October 2022, she finished an incredible challenge with the OrcaTorch D630 canister dive light, descended to 246.65m on an open circuit in the same cave, and broke her record set in March 2021, adding more than 10 meters. This remarkable feat not only showcases her exceptional diving skills but also reflects her passion for exploration.
Learn more here - https://indepthmag.com/karen-van-den-oever-continues-to-push-depth-at-bushmansgat-her-new-record-246m/
Karen along with her husband (Francois) are owners and founders of "Somewhere Out There Diving". "Somewhere Out There Diving" was created for the purposes of out-of-the-ordinary, expedition, and exploration-type diving trips.
As one of the brand ambassadors of OrcaTorch, Karen is deeply passionate about technical and cave diving, and she enjoys teaching others, sharing her knowledge, and inspiring fellow divers to pursue their diving dreams.
Karen van den Oever is a Cave and Trimix Diver and Instructor based in South Africa.
In March 2021, Karen set a new Woman’s World Record for the deepest Scuba dive with a depth of 236.04m, in Boesmansgat Cave in South Africa. In October 2022, she finished an incredible challenge with the OrcaTorch D630 canister dive light, descended to 246.65m on an open circuit in the same cave, and broke her record set in March 2021, adding more than 10 meters. This remarkable feat not only showcases her exceptional diving skills but also reflects her passion for exploration.
Learn more here - https://indepthmag.com/karen-van-den-oever-continues-to-push-depth-at-bushmansgat-her-new-record-246m/
Karen along with her husband (Francois) are owners and founders of "Somewhere Out There Diving". "Somewhere Out There Diving" was created for the purposes of out-of-the-ordinary, expedition, and exploration-type diving trips.
As one of the brand ambassadors of OrcaTorch, Karen is deeply passionate about technical and cave diving, and she enjoys teaching others, sharing her knowledge, and inspiring fellow divers to pursue their diving dreams.
Peter Reid
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Peter Reid has been diving for 25 years, progressing from PADI Open-Water to CMAS 3-star and eventually into tech diving. Over his dive history, he has been a recreational diver, culminating in working as a dive instructor for a few months in Thailand; a technical diver, which recently afforded him the honor of being the deep support diver (at 210m) for Karen van den Oever’s world record dive; and everything in between from compressor operator to zero-visibility diver and first-aid instructor.
Peter's passion is in tech diving, particularly deep and cave diving. The technical challenge of these types of dives excites him, and he loves planning and executing complex and challenging dives, ensuring the equipment, processes, and people are as safe as possible. He dives on a rebreather (DiveSoft Liberty) and finds the capability, range, and time that it enables free from the bonds of gas consumption and rule-of-thirds. He loves deep tech, but he also enjoys just diving with friends and being in the outdoors, which so often goes with diving.
Peter first dived with an OrcaTorch about six years ago, the D630, and has gradually replaced all of his lights with OrcaTorch products; not one to be shy of doubling up for redundancy, it is not unheard of for him to take seven or eight Orca lights on a dive.
Peter Reid has been diving for 25 years, progressing from PADI Open-Water to CMAS 3-star and eventually into tech diving. Over his dive history, he has been a recreational diver, culminating in working as a dive instructor for a few months in Thailand; a technical diver, which recently afforded him the honor of being the deep support diver (at 210m) for Karen van den Oever’s world record dive; and everything in between from compressor operator to zero-visibility diver and first-aid instructor.
Peter's passion is in tech diving, particularly deep and cave diving. The technical challenge of these types of dives excites him, and he loves planning and executing complex and challenging dives, ensuring the equipment, processes, and people are as safe as possible. He dives on a rebreather (DiveSoft Liberty) and finds the capability, range, and time that it enables free from the bonds of gas consumption and rule-of-thirds. He loves deep tech, but he also enjoys just diving with friends and being in the outdoors, which so often goes with diving.
Peter first dived with an OrcaTorch about six years ago, the D630, and has gradually replaced all of his lights with OrcaTorch products; not one to be shy of doubling up for redundancy, it is not unheard of for him to take seven or eight Orca lights on a dive.
Stuart Girdler
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Stuart Girdler has been diving since 1989 and instructing since 1992, a serving Army Officer, he is at home teaching the new thrill seekers into the Ocean to the more experienced divers wishing to embark on Technical diving.
As the Training officer of the Army Sub Aqua Dive Association, he gives regular support to many overseas and UK expeditions.
Working with three of the mainstream dive agencies his spread of qualifications allows for a wide delivery of training to his students. As an Instructor trainer coach Stuart enjoys developing the future Instructors and Instructor Trainers of our industry whilst exploring many areas of our oceans, often diving in Egypt, Malta, South Africa, Belgium, Germany, the UK, and Norway his love of the undersea world is endless. Working with other partners Stuart is also supporting University diver training, bringing yet more young divers into the fold.
As a member of the OrcaTorch Dive Light team, Stuart rigorously tests new products, at times allowing for product enhancements. His belief in the equipment he dives into is evident, an ambassador for many Product lines he gives frank and honest reviews.
He not only teaches diving as a skill, he is also passionate about the underwater world and drives the protection of the underwater environment to all in his charge.
Stuart Girdler has been diving since 1989 and instructing since 1992, a serving Army Officer, he is at home teaching the new thrill seekers into the Ocean to the more experienced divers wishing to embark on Technical diving.
As the Training officer of the Army Sub Aqua Dive Association, he gives regular support to many overseas and UK expeditions.
Working with three of the mainstream dive agencies his spread of qualifications allows for a wide delivery of training to his students. As an Instructor trainer coach Stuart enjoys developing the future Instructors and Instructor Trainers of our industry whilst exploring many areas of our oceans, often diving in Egypt, Malta, South Africa, Belgium, Germany, the UK, and Norway his love of the undersea world is endless. Working with other partners Stuart is also supporting University diver training, bringing yet more young divers into the fold.
As a member of the OrcaTorch Dive Light team, Stuart rigorously tests new products, at times allowing for product enhancements. His belief in the equipment he dives into is evident, an ambassador for many Product lines he gives frank and honest reviews.
He not only teaches diving as a skill, he is also passionate about the underwater world and drives the protection of the underwater environment to all in his charge.
Wide Angle Photography Judges
Lorenzo Mittiga
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Lorenzo Mittiga, an Italian marine biologist, conservation photographer, and Aqualung Ocean Ambassador, is dedicated to documenting and protecting the natural world. Based in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean, he specializes in capturing underwater and terrestrial conservation projects, using his photography as a powerful tool to inspire awareness and respect for nature.
With advanced tools like the SUEX DPV rigged with the SUEX Frame-Zero, Seacam Silver Z8, and Orcatorch video lights, Lorenzo glides effortlessly through the water to cover more ground and capture stunning, stable footage of fragile ecosystems. His current work highlights the devastating degradation of coral reefs caused by climate change, aiming to raise awareness and inspire action to protect these vital ecosystems.
Lorenzo has been immersed in underwater photography since the age of 15, turning his passion into a full-time career in 1996. With over 6,500 professional dives, his work spans movie sets, TV documentaries for Discovery Channel and Universal Pictures, and award-winning conservation photography. His images have earned international acclaim, including awards from Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic, Ocean Geographic, and Earth.org.
As an iLCP (International League of Conservation Photographers) member, Lorenzo's photographs have been exhibited worldwide and published in outlets such as National Geographic, The New York Times, Wired, and Greenpeace Magazine. He also contributed to the UNEP World Report 2019 with his powerful imagery.
Currently, Lorenzo is also documenting innovative coral restoration efforts with Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire, focusing on "coral larval propagation" techniques, alongside his ongoing photographic work in Bonaire's mangroves. Through his storytelling, Lorenzo continues to shine a light on the beauty and fragility of our oceans to inspire conservation action.
Lorenzo Mittiga, an Italian marine biologist, conservation photographer, and Aqualung Ocean Ambassador, is dedicated to documenting and protecting the natural world. Based in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean, he specializes in capturing underwater and terrestrial conservation projects, using his photography as a powerful tool to inspire awareness and respect for nature.
With advanced tools like the SUEX DPV rigged with the SUEX Frame-Zero, Seacam Silver Z8, and Orcatorch video lights, Lorenzo glides effortlessly through the water to cover more ground and capture stunning, stable footage of fragile ecosystems. His current work highlights the devastating degradation of coral reefs caused by climate change, aiming to raise awareness and inspire action to protect these vital ecosystems.
Lorenzo has been immersed in underwater photography since the age of 15, turning his passion into a full-time career in 1996. With over 6,500 professional dives, his work spans movie sets, TV documentaries for Discovery Channel and Universal Pictures, and award-winning conservation photography. His images have earned international acclaim, including awards from Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic, Ocean Geographic, and Earth.org.
As an iLCP (International League of Conservation Photographers) member, Lorenzo's photographs have been exhibited worldwide and published in outlets such as National Geographic, The New York Times, Wired, and Greenpeace Magazine. He also contributed to the UNEP World Report 2019 with his powerful imagery.
Currently, Lorenzo is also documenting innovative coral restoration efforts with Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire, focusing on "coral larval propagation" techniques, alongside his ongoing photographic work in Bonaire's mangroves. Through his storytelling, Lorenzo continues to shine a light on the beauty and fragility of our oceans to inspire conservation action.
Frank Lame
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Frank started diving in 1985. At that time dive equipment was pretty much still in development and most dive lights were homemade.
Technical failure of these lights due to leakage was quite common and lights were heavy as well as bulky, as big batteries were necessary to provide sufficient light for the dive. Since then Frank has made some 2.400 dives under all kind of conditions. From ice diving under subzero temperatures, heavy currents, fresh and salt water, wrecks and tropical reefs as well as under low visibility. He has been diving with the Great White, but also has a strong interest is tiny sea creatures like hairy shrimps and the various species of pygmy seahorses. He has been diving in 16 different countries and therein numerous different areas.
Frank is in his free time a Master Instructor and part of his dives are educational dives. He’s co-founder and board member of New Lake Divers (www.newlakedivers.nl) in Amsterdam.
When overseas, Frank always dives together with his video camera, capturing the marine life (www.youtube.com/user/franklame). A number of his videos have been broadcasted, among which by the BBC.
Frank started diving in 1985. At that time dive equipment was pretty much still in development and most dive lights were homemade.
Technical failure of these lights due to leakage was quite common and lights were heavy as well as bulky, as big batteries were necessary to provide sufficient light for the dive. Since then Frank has made some 2.400 dives under all kind of conditions. From ice diving under subzero temperatures, heavy currents, fresh and salt water, wrecks and tropical reefs as well as under low visibility. He has been diving with the Great White, but also has a strong interest is tiny sea creatures like hairy shrimps and the various species of pygmy seahorses. He has been diving in 16 different countries and therein numerous different areas.
Frank is in his free time a Master Instructor and part of his dives are educational dives. He’s co-founder and board member of New Lake Divers (www.newlakedivers.nl) in Amsterdam.
When overseas, Frank always dives together with his video camera, capturing the marine life (www.youtube.com/user/franklame). A number of his videos have been broadcasted, among which by the BBC.
Troy Iloski
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Underwater Photographer, Scuba instructor, Shark Conservationist and Shark Expert. I love to travel and visit new places. I have been exploring
the underwater world for over 30 years. I love nature and photography. Published in many media and magazines around the word, from National
Geographic and Stern to many Scuba magazines.
Underwater Photographer, Scuba instructor, Shark Conservationist and Shark Expert. I love to travel and visit new places. I have been exploring
the underwater world for over 30 years. I love nature and photography. Published in many media and magazines around the word, from National
Geographic and Stern to many Scuba magazines.
Gerard Arboli
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Gerard Arboli is from the generation that grew up watching documentary films by Jacques Cousteau. His fascination with the underwater world led him from a young age to start snorkeling on the beaches of the Mediterranean coast.
At the beginning of 2012, he discovered the world of scuba diving, there he found his true passion; a world that left him fascinated and from which he never wants to leave anymore
Today he could explain that has dived with all kinds of sharks and in a large number of wrecks. His main focus is environmental photography, but he also enjoys taking macro shots, especially small creatures like nudibranchs and seahorses.
He is currently a dive guide and an entrepreneur creating his own dive travel agency. He actively collaborates with various organizations for the protection of animals and the preservation of the oceans.
He lives in Tarragona, Spain, from where he manages the travel agency, while with his trips and underwater photography he tries to show the beauty that our planet hides and make.
www.sevenblueviajes.com
Gerard Arboli is from the generation that grew up watching documentary films by Jacques Cousteau. His fascination with the underwater world led him from a young age to start snorkeling on the beaches of the Mediterranean coast.
At the beginning of 2012, he discovered the world of scuba diving, there he found his true passion; a world that left him fascinated and from which he never wants to leave anymore
Today he could explain that has dived with all kinds of sharks and in a large number of wrecks. His main focus is environmental photography, but he also enjoys taking macro shots, especially small creatures like nudibranchs and seahorses.
He is currently a dive guide and an entrepreneur creating his own dive travel agency. He actively collaborates with various organizations for the protection of animals and the preservation of the oceans.
He lives in Tarragona, Spain, from where he manages the travel agency, while with his trips and underwater photography he tries to show the beauty that our planet hides and make.
www.sevenblueviajes.com
Macro Photography & Macro Video Judges
Franco Tulli
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Franco Tulli was born in Turin, Italy, on August 2, 1962.
His childhood coincides with the years of early space travel and the wild race to conquer the moon. A great reader of science fiction novels, he grows up with the desire to become an astronaut so he can go to the moon and into space. He will not achieve this dream but will find in scuba diving a chance to visit the sea floor and the oceans. To be almost weightless, to breathe air or other mixtures from an external apparatus and to be able to admire bizarre and incredible creatures will make him feel as if he were a protagonist of those books he read in his youth and, in the end, to have at least partially realized that childhood dream. His studies in computer science, which would form the basis of his main work, were accompanied by specific studies in photography at the Lateran University in Rome, which would stimulate his passion for photography and in particular nature photography. After taking his first underwater certifications, in the 1990s he purchased his first underwater camera, the legendary Nikonos III, and began to show what his eyes, full of wonder, observed during dives made in Seas and Oceans all over the planet.
His main goal, from the very beginning, has been to make images that would excite and show to a possibly wider and wider audience the beauty of the marine world so as to entice people to explore it but at the same time love and respect it. This particular approach to underwater photography has led him, over the various years, to small and great personal satisfaction: from winning numerous international competitions to exhibiting photographs in such extraordinary places as the United Nations building in New York to having his shots published in such prestigious publications as Asian Diver, Asian Geographic, National Geographic USA, Unterwasser, Scuba Diving, Lonely Planet, Mare and many others.
His shots have received numerous awards through major international photography contests, including the World Shootout, Asian Geographic, Australian Geographic, Adex China VOO, Siena Awards, Scuba Diving Contest, Oasis Photo Contest, Ocean Geographic, Asferico, Cimasub, FestiSub, PAF Tachjov, World Water Day Photo Contest, Sublimage Festival, Deep Visions, Tokyo International Foto Awards, Galathea, Underwater Photo Marathon, MFPF and many other national ones.
Not content with just showing pictures, over the years he has collaborated with numerous magazines including the prestigious National Geographic and some industry ones such as Scubashooters and Scubazone.
He currently maintains a regular column in Huffington Post where he describes and illustrates the many wonders of our Oceans, but also the many issues related to coexisting with humankind. Since the transition from film to digital he has chosen to use Canon cameras, while as an underwater housing the choice, after many years of using the Italian Easydive of which he was also a Brand Ambassador, has recently fallen on Nauticam.
For many years, he has had the pleasure of being also the Brand Ambassador of Orcatorch, whose lights accompany him with great satisfaction on every dive and photo shoot.
Franco Tulli was born in Turin, Italy, on August 2, 1962.
His childhood coincides with the years of early space travel and the wild race to conquer the moon. A great reader of science fiction novels, he grows up with the desire to become an astronaut so he can go to the moon and into space. He will not achieve this dream but will find in scuba diving a chance to visit the sea floor and the oceans. To be almost weightless, to breathe air or other mixtures from an external apparatus and to be able to admire bizarre and incredible creatures will make him feel as if he were a protagonist of those books he read in his youth and, in the end, to have at least partially realized that childhood dream. His studies in computer science, which would form the basis of his main work, were accompanied by specific studies in photography at the Lateran University in Rome, which would stimulate his passion for photography and in particular nature photography. After taking his first underwater certifications, in the 1990s he purchased his first underwater camera, the legendary Nikonos III, and began to show what his eyes, full of wonder, observed during dives made in Seas and Oceans all over the planet.
His main goal, from the very beginning, has been to make images that would excite and show to a possibly wider and wider audience the beauty of the marine world so as to entice people to explore it but at the same time love and respect it. This particular approach to underwater photography has led him, over the various years, to small and great personal satisfaction: from winning numerous international competitions to exhibiting photographs in such extraordinary places as the United Nations building in New York to having his shots published in such prestigious publications as Asian Diver, Asian Geographic, National Geographic USA, Unterwasser, Scuba Diving, Lonely Planet, Mare and many others.
His shots have received numerous awards through major international photography contests, including the World Shootout, Asian Geographic, Australian Geographic, Adex China VOO, Siena Awards, Scuba Diving Contest, Oasis Photo Contest, Ocean Geographic, Asferico, Cimasub, FestiSub, PAF Tachjov, World Water Day Photo Contest, Sublimage Festival, Deep Visions, Tokyo International Foto Awards, Galathea, Underwater Photo Marathon, MFPF and many other national ones.
Not content with just showing pictures, over the years he has collaborated with numerous magazines including the prestigious National Geographic and some industry ones such as Scubashooters and Scubazone.
He currently maintains a regular column in Huffington Post where he describes and illustrates the many wonders of our Oceans, but also the many issues related to coexisting with humankind. Since the transition from film to digital he has chosen to use Canon cameras, while as an underwater housing the choice, after many years of using the Italian Easydive of which he was also a Brand Ambassador, has recently fallen on Nauticam.
For many years, he has had the pleasure of being also the Brand Ambassador of Orcatorch, whose lights accompany him with great satisfaction on every dive and photo shoot.
Ram Yoro
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassdor
Ram’s images and articles have appeared in Scuba Diver, Dive Photo Guide, EZ Dive, Scubanet, Travel Now, and Scubaverse, among others. He is also a multi-awardee in the early editions of the Anilao Shootout, globally recognized as the premier live underwater photography competition.
Ram’s images and articles have appeared in Scuba Diver, Dive Photo Guide, EZ Dive, Scubanet, Travel Now, and Scubaverse, among others. He is also a multi-awardee in the early editions of the Anilao Shootout, globally recognized as the premier live underwater photography competition.
Gerald Nowak
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Gerald is an Instructor Trainer at the dive association CMAS Germany (FST) and Instructor at SSI, a photo instructor for several associations, a Trimix and Rebreather diver, as well as a impassioned ice, wreck and cave diver. Whether tropical, temperate or cool waters, everything that promises exciting reports or great pictures awakens his interest.
He has a special commitment to threatened shark species. His favorite marine animal are the graceful hunters of the ocean: fox and blue sharks, but also the sublime tiger shark.
For the protection of the sea and the animals, he is active in several animal protection organizations and supports them with information and photo material, which he collects on his worldwide journeys.
Gerald is an Instructor Trainer at the dive association CMAS Germany (FST) and Instructor at SSI, a photo instructor for several associations, a Trimix and Rebreather diver, as well as a impassioned ice, wreck and cave diver. Whether tropical, temperate or cool waters, everything that promises exciting reports or great pictures awakens his interest.
He has a special commitment to threatened shark species. His favorite marine animal are the graceful hunters of the ocean: fox and blue sharks, but also the sublime tiger shark.
For the protection of the sea and the animals, he is active in several animal protection organizations and supports them with information and photo material, which he collects on his worldwide journeys.
He Jun
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
His recent accolades include awards in 2024 The Nature Photography Contest, 2025 UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR hosted in the UK, a feature in the 2023 Shanghai DRT Underwater Star Gallery, the Gold Award in the Underwater Portrait Category at the 2024 Pingyao International Photography Festival, an Honorable Mention in the Underwater/Nature Category of the 2024 Tokyo International Photo Awards, recognition at the 2024 China Wildlife Image Annual Awards, and multiple exhibitions at DRT Underwater Star Galleries both domestically and internationally.
His recent accolades include awards in 2024 The Nature Photography Contest, 2025 UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR hosted in the UK, a feature in the 2023 Shanghai DRT Underwater Star Gallery, the Gold Award in the Underwater Portrait Category at the 2024 Pingyao International Photography Festival, an Honorable Mention in the Underwater/Nature Category of the 2024 Tokyo International Photo Awards, recognition at the 2024 China Wildlife Image Annual Awards, and multiple exhibitions at DRT Underwater Star Galleries both domestically and internationally.
Katherine Lu
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Katherine Lu is an American award-winning photographer currently residing in Singapore. She is an accomplished businesswoman and has been diving the world for over 20 years. Always seeking new challenges, Katherine picked up photography in 2013 and is completely self-taught. Living in Singapore and within easy reach of the rich coral triangle, she has developed a speciality in underwater macro photography, but also enjoys photographing reefscapes and large pelagic species such as sharks and whales when travel opportunities arise.
As an underwater photographer, she enjoys creating artistic interpretations of the beautiful marine creatures, bringing a voice to them in an effort to raise awareness and protect the ocean they live in.
Katherine Lu is an American award-winning photographer currently residing in Singapore. She is an accomplished businesswoman and has been diving the world for over 20 years. Always seeking new challenges, Katherine picked up photography in 2013 and is completely self-taught. Living in Singapore and within easy reach of the rich coral triangle, she has developed a speciality in underwater macro photography, but also enjoys photographing reefscapes and large pelagic species such as sharks and whales when travel opportunities arise.
As an underwater photographer, she enjoys creating artistic interpretations of the beautiful marine creatures, bringing a voice to them in an effort to raise awareness and protect the ocean they live in.
Ibrahim Shifaan
Underwater macro video photographyer
Wide Angle Video Judges
Tom Park
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Tom Park is a published underwater and adventure photographer.
Tom combines his background where he was raised by sharks with his passion for photography, creating breathtaking wildlife and landscape images above and below the water. Tom's clients stem from local-owned diving businesses in Hawaii and on the East Coast of Australia, to global corporations.
When Tom isn't talking about himself in third person, he loves to work with magazines, where his work has been published in a number of international adventure, travel, and underwater magazines. While he would love to call himself a professional underwater and landscape photographer, Tom would prefer that his images and videos did the talking.
Tom Park is a published underwater and adventure photographer.
Tom combines his background where he was raised by sharks with his passion for photography, creating breathtaking wildlife and landscape images above and below the water. Tom's clients stem from local-owned diving businesses in Hawaii and on the East Coast of Australia, to global corporations.
When Tom isn't talking about himself in third person, he loves to work with magazines, where his work has been published in a number of international adventure, travel, and underwater magazines. While he would love to call himself a professional underwater and landscape photographer, Tom would prefer that his images and videos did the talking.
Przemek Przystałka
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
I am an underwater photographer.
“Water and photography have always been present in my life, however, it was underwater photography that allowed me to discover what truly fascinates me.”
My specialty is wide-angle photography which enables the shooting of big underwater objects, both created by nature and man-made.
I am passionate about the usage of light to emphasize the beauty of wrecks, caves, and canyons. In my photos, great importance is given to divers, underwater models, who add to the dynamics of a frame and bring life to the composition.
I live in Poland where I run my company, while with traveling and photography of underwater world I try to show its beauty and to raise awareness of how much we should protect seas and oceans.
I am an underwater photographer.
“Water and photography have always been present in my life, however, it was underwater photography that allowed me to discover what truly fascinates me.”
My specialty is wide-angle photography which enables the shooting of big underwater objects, both created by nature and man-made.
I am passionate about the usage of light to emphasize the beauty of wrecks, caves, and canyons. In my photos, great importance is given to divers, underwater models, who add to the dynamics of a frame and bring life to the composition.
I live in Poland where I run my company, while with traveling and photography of underwater world I try to show its beauty and to raise awareness of how much we should protect seas and oceans.
Elisabeth Lauwerys
Award winning Professional Underwater Videographer|Photographer
Marissa Eckert
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Haden Ning
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Zhou BeiLi
OrcaTorch Brand Ambassador
Beili Zhou, also called Belinda, a diver who continually explores and breaks through underwater, began her diving career in February 2016 for the journey of ocean exploration.
Beili Zhou, also called Belinda, a diver who continually explores and breaks through underwater, began her diving career in February 2016 for the journey of ocean exploration.
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