FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rosenstiel School’s Underwater Photo
Contest Winners Announced

Contest goes global as number of entries more than double to 480

Jerry Kane, Hawaii — Best Overall

VIRGINIA KEY, FLA. (Apr. 15, 2008) — In its fourth annual Underwater Photography Contest, the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science attracted a diverse array of national and international photographic talent representing 23 countries and more than 480 images to compete in one of three categories: “wide angle,” “macro,” and “fish or marine animal portrait.” Recognition was also given to the best among University of Miami student entries. Winning images were chosen through anonymous judging by a panel of experts in photography, fine arts, and sciences, including Taimy Alvarez, Lauren R. Gould, Ken Marks, Myron Wang and Nicole Wang. The competition was open to all amateur photographers who earn no more than 20 percent of their income from their photography. Awards included a weeklong trip with Blackbeard’s Cruises and cash prizes. Here are this year's winners:

Best Overall
Jerry Kane Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Macro
1^st  Patrick Weir, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
2^nd  Patrick Weir, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
3^rd  Steven Kovacs, Clewiston, Florida

Wide Angle
1^st  Nadine Umbscheiden, Munich, Germany
2^nd  Joe Tomoleoni, Tarzana, Califorinia
3^rd  Mark Thomas, Cheshire, United Kingdom

Portrait
1^st  Yves Antoniazzo, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
2^nd  Wayne MacWilliams, Miami, Florida
3^rd  Marchione Giacomo, La Loggia, Italy

Student Best Entry — University of Miami
1^st  Tauna Rankin, Doral, Florida
2^nd  Evan D'Alessandro, Key Biscayne, Florida
3^rd   Neil Hammerschlag, Miami Beach, Florida

To see the winning photos, please visit this page.

Founded in the 1940’s, the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life.  For more information, please visit www.rsmas.miami.edu