Skill Levels

Special Beginners

This class is for photographers who are beginning to learn about underwater photography and who do not have external strobes or lights for their camera. Judging level is for rudimentary level of exposure. They have not taken underwater pictures for more than two years. They do not use an SLR camera. They use point and shoot cameras only.

Intermediate

This class is for anyone equipped with external strobes or lights with their camera or who has been photographing for more than two years. Judging is as for special beginners but also including elements of managing external lightning and demonstrating elements of composition. Have not published any pictures.

Open

This class is unrestricted and is intended to be for all photographers who use a house digital SLR system, have been published previously or have been placed in any photographic competition. Judging is the same as above but with creative flair and impact.

Sponsors Division

This class is for those who have in one way or another given a prize, donation, contribution or promotion to the event. (However, this division is NOT INCLUDED in MAD 3.)
Entrants may choose to be placed in a higher category irrespective of their equipment and previous experience in underwater photography. Those who have won in any of the past MADaboutUS competitions can still stay in their respective categories as long as the statutes mentioned above are met. However, it must be noted that those in the Special Beginners who participated in the first "Mad" now belong to the Intermediate or higher category.

Entrants may choose to be placed in a higher category irrespective of their equipment and previous experience in underwater photography.