Photo Grand Prix finalists revealed

Stunning images from the first Epson Underwater Photo Grand Prix have been revealed.

Underwater photographers from around the world were challenged to capture the secrets of the most stunning natural water resources to be found across the globe.

The Epson Underwater Photo Grand Prix was inspired by the Epson Red Sea Competition, which takes place annually in November at Eilat (Israel).

From oceans to lakes and rivers, around 500 professional and amateur photographers snapped away during August 2011.

Entrants were not permitted to edit or enhance images, forcing careful management of contrast, light and colour.

The inclusion of the Underwater Environmental Conservation category is one of the main drivers of the competition.

All category winners and nominees will be announced on 19 November 2011, as part of the Epson Red Sea Eilat Competition.

Prizes are worth a total of around 55,000 pounds. David Pilosof, Epson competition producer, said: “Images range from Siberia to Guadeloupe, Papua New Guinea, Cocos Island, the Maldives and even the Dead Sea.”