Friday, January 9, 7:30pm: Film Shooter Panel: Chuck Davis, Robin Robinson, Ryuijie, Effie Benjamin, and Joe Platko

In-person at Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo (Monterey) and online by Zoom

Bringing it back to our roots: a discussion with a panel of talented underwater analog shooters including Chuck Davis, Robin Robinson, Ryuijie, Effie Benjamin, and Joe Platko.

We’ll check out some of their work and talk history, gear, technique and more. Come with questions! Snacks and drinks provided for those attending in person.

Note is that meetings are moving back to the 2nd Friday of the month.  And BIG news, the meetings are going to be hybrid: in person in Monterey at Backscatter and simultaneously on zoom.  If you can get there in person, it should be a great time.

Meeting - Friday, January 9, 2026

In-person:
Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo
225 Cannery Row, Monterey, California

Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89614887943?pwd=y3Oc1NHU6O8cCDYRkE1IH0pwEaXfpU.1

Mini Competition

Some big changes here too. Read the full details on our website on the competition page.  But the quick big ticket items:

  • Still Photo and Video competitions each month.  Enter either or both!

  • Competition will be judged with comments provided instead of the old voting approach.

  • NEW DEADLINE for entry.  Since we’re using judges, we need to get images to them and give them time to actually do the judging.  So, going forward, please submit your images via the link below (or on the the competition page) by the 15th of the prior month. So, for February, you would submit by Jan 15.  (And as a 1 time catch up, please submit your January entry by Jan 15 as well.  It will get judged for the February meeting.)

All of the minicomp themes are on our website with convenient upload links.  You can upload your picture for any month at any time UP UNTIL the deadline.  

January Minicomp

January’s theme is Sealife Portrait. So, fish, not dive buddies!  Please name your files like this 01YourName.jpg.  Upload January entries here.

And remember, entering is a good idea.  For 2026, we have 2 BIG annual prizes:

  • Best Photographer. $100 prize for the person with the highest cumulative score during the year.

  • Best Shot. Another $100 prize will be awarded to the best photo of the year (based on the first place winners during the January to November time frame).

NCUPS Background

The Northern California Underwater Photographic Society (NCUPS) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes interest in underwater photography. The club has been active since 1957, sponsoring educational events on both underwater photography and video while promoting awareness of the underwater environment and pertinent ecological issues. NCUPS serves the greater San Francisco Bay area, including Silicon Valley. FEIN 94-3278015

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