Local Divemaster Wins Big at Underwater Photo Grand Prix

Kona Honu Divers divemaster and popular local photographer Jeff Milisen, alongside Renee Capozzola and Ron Watkins took home the first place prize for Team USA in the National Team category at the World Shootout Underwater Photo Grand Prix.

The first place winners were also awarded with a trip to Papua, New Guinea.

This lobster phyllosome larva has found a meal in a pelagic jellyfish. Photo by Jeff Milisen

“We’re not surprised Jeff was part of a winning team, because he’s won so many other photo competitions,” said Byron Kay, owner of Kona Honu Divers where Milisen works. “He’s such a pro we asked him to once again host our 2nd Annual Kona Underwater Shootout which will be held May. Jeff’s willingness to put himself in situations that make most people squeamish allows him to capture the action up close and personal”

Milisen specializes in “blackwater” photography of small marine creatures that rise to the surface of the ocean at night, and was the Overall Grand Prize winner in the 2015 Ocean Art photo contest.

Milisen, a biologist at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa studying coral reefs, is also a divemaster for Kona Honu Divers and the Director of the annual Kona Underwater Shootout. Check out Milisen’s photos here.