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Photography
a web magazine
Issue 42
May/June 2008
50 FakFak
38 Water colour by Tim Rock and Miyuki Konda
by Alexander Mustard
26 Sealux D300
by Colin Gans
18 Nexus/Olympus E3
by Karin Brussaard
54 Seasons
by Mark Webster
41 Whale sharks
by Morris Gregory
Underwater Photography
Cover shot 2001 - 2008 © PR Productions
by Publisher/Editor Peter Rowlands
www.pr-productions.co.uk
Alexander Mustard peter@uwpmag.com
62 Parting Shot
www.uwpmag.com
42/
Editorial DIVEQUEST
Questionnaire findings The Ultimate in Diving
June 1st
Subios 2008 - Seychelles
www.subios.com
June 26th
We are excited to announce big animal experience. We are seeking
GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year
a very special trip for 2009 to the best opportunities for giant Pacific
www.gdtfoto.de
the Revillagigedos Archipelago, Manta Rays, various shark species June 30th
more commonly called Socorro, including schooling Hammerheads, 4th annual underwater.com.au photo competition
located in the eastern Pacific Ocean Dolphins, dense schooling fish, Whale www.underwater.com.au
approximately 250 miles south of Sharks, large Tuna and Humpback July 1st
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, at the tip Whales. San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition
of the Baja peninsula, on the live We have scheduled this www.sdufex.com
aboard dive vessel the Solmar V. expedition for late March when the
These islands have been compared to water varies between around 70F - July 1st
the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador or 74F, when the humpback whales visit 38th Annual National Wildlife Photo Competition
Cocos Island in Costa Rica because Socorro during these cooler water www.nwf.org
of the big animal encounters they months. You can usually hear these
provide. gentle giants singing on almost every
The Solmar V and crew have dive and underwater encounters with
dived this area since 1992. They these whales are increasing every
have hosted many underwater year.
photographers and film crews and
have the knowledge to maximize our www.divephotoguide.com
42/ www.uwpmag.com
Antibes Film Festival Shoot to thrill
2008
Q UA R T E R LY
Photographers and
photojournalists Jeremy and Amanda
Cuff have recently published a new
The 35th World Festival of brochure called “Shoot To Thrill
Policy” which showcases a sample
Underwater Pictures will be held in
magazine feature article and an
SPECIAL OFFER FOR UwP READERS
Antibes – Juan-les-Pins – France, at
the Convention Centre from October accompanying selection of images.
29th to November 02nd 2008 Jeremy said, “The aim of
Wetpixel are offering UwP readers a US $5 discount on Wetpixel Quar-
During the Festival, the producing “Shoot To Thrill” is
terly subscriptions.
competitors’ films, slides and slides- mainly for the purposes of expanding
show will be screened into three our portfolio of photojournalism work
See why Howard Hall described Wetpixel Quarterly as "a magazine for
rooms. and is a good example of the type of
underwater photographers featuring the best underwater photogra-
1000 m2 of space will be commission that we can produce. It
phers in the world."
reserved for exhibitors. The main hall will be sent to editors and publishers,
of the Convention Centre will host but we’re also happy to send a copy to
To claim your discount, enter coupon code UWPM2008 at checkout
magazines, the exhibition of works in anyone who may be interested in our
or call +1.415.449.1456.
competition (still photographs)... and work.”
the bar of the Festival. Copies of “Shoot To Thrill
Policy” can be requested from Jeremy
and Amanda’s website.
www.underwater-festival.com SUBSCRIBE ONLINE:
www.ja-universe.com WWW.WETPIXELQUARTERLY.COM
Marin
e Co
25th a nservation
nnive S
rsary ociety
year
Plymouth Local Group
Marine Conservation
The good, the bad and the ugly
Photos should illustrate some aspect of marine conservation – they
could include wonderful coastal landscapes worth conserving, people
working with conservation, marine or beach pollution or litter, marine
related animal or plant species at risk………let your imagination roam!
Join Sand Dollar and Bonaire during their stay. Attendees will
Dive & Adventure this summer for receive a Bonaire specific, custom
their First Annual Fish ID Challenge printed Fish ID guide of the top 100
in conjunction with Fish ID experts most commonly sighted fish found in
Patti & Scott Chandler of ReefNet, Bonaire’s waters as well as a H2YO
Inc. and the island of Bonaire’s Dive Noisemaker (underwater signaling
Into Summer Program. devise designed by ReefNet, Inc.)
For many years, Sand Dollar plus one Reef Fish Interactive DVD
and Bonaire Dive & Adventure have per couple. During the week, Patti
actively supported education and and Scott along with Bonaire Dive &
conservation programs designed Adventure Naturalist Jerry Ligon will
to contribute to the preservation of lead guided shore dives on Bari Reef.
Bonaire’s magnificent underwater Several evenings each week, Patti and
Marine Park. Join them this Scott will share raw, uncut video of
summer for their latest endeavor, in these and other dives with participants
conjunction with Fish ID experts Patti discussing fish ID and swapping the
& Scott Chandler of ReefNet, Inc.. days “fish stories.” One of Scott’s
Well known for their work in marine specialties is shooting in Hi-Def
life identification and documentation, macro, capturing on tape, interesting
the Chandlers have spent the last fishes and creatures too small to be
17 years documenting fish species, noticed by the naked eye and fish
behaviors and creatures for future behavior not normally seen by most
study and identification. divers.
Participants will enjoy
multimedia Fish ID seminars targeting www.sanddollarbonaire.com
novice to advanced fish watchers
www.uwpmag.com
42/
Eco Divers – new Turks & Caicos Uw
diving at luxury Photo Competition
June-Sept 2008
resort Kima Bajo
This Event has become a major
Competition offering $10,000 US
in cash prizes and approximately
$15,000 in subsidiary prizes such as
dive travel, cameras, photographic
equipment and SCUBA gear from
be operating brand new, purpose built leading manufacturers.
boats designed by Eco Divers with Also, the best twelve
the diver in mind. They are spacious, photographs taken during the
built in traditional design but with Competition will also be included
contemporary interior facilities such in the Turks & Caicos annual,
as sundecks, rinse tanks, WC, shaded international “Out Of The Blue”
From May 2008, Eco Divers will
salon and powerful, energy efficient Calendar with each photograph
be offering diving and snorkelling
double outboard engines. assigned to a particular month of the
services at the attractive upscale Kima Bajo is the ideal place for The result being that guests year.
boutique Kima Bajo Resort, Manado. divers and non-divers alike with its travel to the dive sites with speed Underwater photographers who
The resort beautifully compliments bar, restaurant, Mayana Spa, private and in extreme comfort. As with all wish to enter the Competition must
Eco Divers’ Kungkungan Bay Resort beach and excursions to nearby places Eco Divers’ diving, the guest-to- take their photographs in the Turks
in Lembeh being of the same high of interest. guide ratio is kept small at 4 to 1 and & Caicos during the months of June,
standards. This exciting development Accommodation includes 19 with a maximum of just 8 guests per July, August or September of 2008
sees Kima Bajo and Eco Divers luxurious villas with a sunken outdoor boat. Snorkellers and non-divers are when diving conditions and tropical
offering highly competitive new dive bathtub and shower, an exclusive welcome to join any of the trips. water temperatures are optimal.
package prices. two-villa suite with its own private “We are delighted to be involved Each participant must apply either
With its own private beach, swimming pool and 12 spacious with Kima Bajo – our experience online or in the Islands for an Official
this phenomenal, unspoilt location longhouse suites. The design is of Kungkungan Bay and Tasik Ria ID Card so they are recognized as
is idyllic for diving and relaxation, constructed from the finest natural stands us in good stead and the team a competitor, but the Competition
located just a short boat ride away materials available locally to create is looking forward to welcoming our imposes no restrictions on artistic
from world renowned dive sites of the a style that is contemporary and yet first guests,” explained Eco Divers’ expression.
Bunaken National Park. This means very much in keeping with the North owner, Jim Yanny.
that Eco Divers will offer two dives Sulawesi image.
in the morning and one dive in the Eco Divers will be offering www.underwaterphoto.tc
afternoon with a leisurely lunch back its usual high calibre of customer
www.eco-divers.com
at the resort. service to the diving guests and will
42/10 www.uwpmag.com
The wreck of the El that are forming an actual layer our kit and during the swift ride back
of fish over the top of the wreck, we start to discuss all the things we’ve
Arish El Tor, Safaga sweeping back and forth as some see on this dive!
By Laila Popper, Emperor Safaga large mackerels shoot through them in We continue recalling more and
dive centre Manager pursuit. It’s time to ascend and during more details all the way through the
our safety stop we watch a group of beautifully cooked BBQ at the Safaga
Indian mackerels fishing for plankton, Beach Club restaurant until it’s time
their mouths wide open as they swim for our next dive.
in synchronised splendour.
As we finally break the surface www.emperordivers.com
the captain is ready to help us with
www.uwpmag.com
42/11
Experience the best in liveaboard
diving and learn how to take great
pictures underwater at the same time.
Cameras Underwater have
teamed up with Tony Backhurst Scuba With some of the most diverse muck diving with a wide variety of
Travel to bring you “Snapper School” macro underwater photography dive underwater critters.
- the opportunity to enjoy diving at its sites in Indonesia, classic Indonesian Our specialist underwater
very best and whilst you’re at it we’ll muck diving, and great wide-angle photography macro guides have been
show you how to get the best out of underwater picture and underwater guiding underwater photographers
your camera underwater. video opportunities, it’s no wonder around Bali for years, and have a
Aimed at the diver who is just the best underwater photographers practiced macro photographer’s eye.
taking their first pictures underwater visiting Indonesia always dive From a simple one day (two
or someone who feels they could do Bali. Whether you are just starting dive or three dive) trip, up to an
with a little help, you’ll learn simple out in underwater photography, extended Bali Diving, Transport &
techniques like how to use manual or are already an experienced Accommodation custom diving safari,
white balance and the benefits of wide marine photographer, our specialist let Bali Scuba handle all the diving
angle lenses to more elaborate ideas underwater photography guides can logistics leaving you to concentrate on
like using exposure compensation. help you achieve your goals in Bali. capturing your perfect marine image.
We’ll have equipment on board so out to a standard of luxury that puts For underwater pictures or Depending on your diving
you can try out the latest kit without the rest most definitely in the shade. underwater video of big pelagics in itinerary we are happy to provide
any commitment to buy. This is Jacuzzi, plasma screen and a host of Bali, Manta, and Oceanic Sunfish/ FREE NITROX to divers already
underwater photography for all, no other mod cons including a fridge in Mambo (Mola mola) then join us for Nitrox certified.
exotic equipment and no terrifying every cabin! Are we talking about a speedboat diving in Nusa Penida. Let us know how many divers
price tags. You’ll work with down liveaboard here or a five star hotel! For macro underwater & how many diving days, and any
to earth guides like Paul ‘Duxy’ Price for all this? Just £995.00. photography in Bali, Tulamben is the special requests, and we’ll get back
Duxfield. See you on board. most well-known dive site. Those to you with some suggested dive
You’ll be staying aboard with more time can also dive ‘Secret itineraries.
Typhoon, part of the illustrious www.camerasunderwater.co.uk Bay’, Seraya, Pemuteran and PJ
Tornado Marine Fleet. They are fitted dive sites, all of which offer classic www.baliscuba.com
42/12 www.uwpmag.com
Canon
EOS 5D Ikelite Compact Digital Still Housings for
EOS 20D
EOS 30D Canon • Fuji • Nikon • Olympus • Sony
EOS 40D
EOS 350D, Rebel XT Ikelite offers housings for more than fifty
EOS 400D, Rebel XTi different digital still camera models to meet
SLR-DC Housings EOS 450D, Rebel XSi the diverse demands of the underwater
The Ikelite SLR-DC housing takes Fuji photographer community. Ikelite’s
full advantage of the digital SLR S-5 Pro Compact Digital Still Housings are
camera’s innovative features. The Nikon molded of clear polycarvbonate. Dive
housing is injection molded of D40, D40x
while knowing your system is safe
clear, lightweight polycarbonate D50
D60 and have complete visual access to
for strength, visual access to the
camera, LCD screens and camera
D70, 70s the camera, LCD, monitor and control
D80 functions. Most housings are rated to
controls. The housing provides D200
controls for most camera functions. D300 60m (200’).
Most Ikelite SLR-DC housings Olympus Ikelite AF35 AutoFlash Kit
include conversion circuitry that E-330
provide TTL compatibility with E-410 Fits most compact digital camera housings.
the latest Ikelite DS Substrobes. E-500 Ikelite • Canon • Olympus • Sony
E-510
Many housings also include a
E-3 The AF35 AutoFlash replicates your camera’s flash
Flash Compensation Module which
Sony for automatic exposure in any
provides over and under-exposure
A100 situation. You only have to know
compensation in the TTL mode and A-700
easily allow you to switch to Manual how to point.
Exposure Mode which provides The AF35 AutoFlash kit is an
eight power settings. All exposure effortless and affordable way
compensation is done on the back to add an external flash to your
Underwater Systems
of the housing. There is no need to 50 W. 33rd. Street
point-and-shoot camera system.
access complicated camera menus. Indianapolis, IN Everything you need to get started
46208 is in the box - just attach it to the
317-923-4523
bottom of your housing and start
www.ikelite.com taking pictures!
New Products SPECIFICATIONS
Depth rating: 300 feet/90 meters
Precision machined from a single
Aquatica Canon 1DS aluminum block. It is fully anodized
to military specifications and coated
Mark III housing with robust wear resistant coating.
All function labels are pad printing so
Aquatica is proud to announce
they will not peel off or fade.
its latest addition, the housing for the
Accurately balanced ergonomic
fabulous Canon 1DS mark III, with
design - all controls are within easy
21.1 mega pixels this camera/housing
reach.
combination will push the boundaries
Excellent underwater balance.
of underwater photography to another
Replaceable sacrificial anodes
level. Machined from solid aluminum,
protect the housing from electrolysis.
treated and anodized to military
specification, then painted with a
robust weather and wear resistant www.aquatica.ca
finish, this addition to our already
wide selection of housings will benefit
from the same 300 ft. depth rating that
set us apart from our competitors. Lens release lever for easy lens
The 1DS Mk III housing has changing through the front port with
the same mounting bayonet that will camera installed.
accept our existing accessories as lenses for rapid changing without Built in remote control
well as ports, including our tack sharp having to remove the SLR from the compatibility, no modification or
Megadome, Aqua View finder and housing. Allows use of lenses from a special connectors to install.
remote control cord, it is therefore in a 15mm fisheye lens to a 180mm macro The most critical aspect of
position to address every aspect of this lens. Tele-converter port extensions underwater SLR photography is the
demanding activity that is underwater are also available. viewing system. The Aquatica 1DS
photography. Fingertip access to all camera Mk III uses a viewfinder that derives
Key features: menu controls include On-Off, Mode, the biggest and the brightest image
Bayonet Port: Positive bayonet bracket, Meter positioning, focus possible in full frame viewing to
mounting and locking leaves no doubt control and AE/AF lock as well as your eye. An accessory Aqua View
that your ports are secure in place AF preferences. Access to all menu Finder is also available giving the user
and water tight. The bayonet system features include review, enlarge and unparallel viewing of the camera’s
dome, macro ports and extension delete, histogram and internal SLR viewfinder for sharp focusing and
rings, offers the fastest access to preferences. exact composition.
42/14 www.uwpmag.com
Heinrichsweikamp power the RSU. The trigger voltage Subal 45° viewfinder Tokina 10-16mm
can be up to 30 Volts. Instructions to
Remote Slave Unit measure the voltages can be given on An interesting lens announced
request. by Tokina is the AT-X 116 Pro DX, a
Furthermore all strobes known to wide 11-16 f2.8 zoom for Nikon and
us with 4-pin Sea&Sea Motormarine Canon crop sensor cameras boasting a
connector are compatible to the RSU- focal length of 11-16 mm and constant
S version. Modifications to the strobe f/2.8 maximum aperture. Whilst the
could be necessary. A dual sync cord zoom range is not exactly what you
can also be used without limitations. might call extensive, this lens is likely
to generate considerable interest with
www.heinrichsweikamp.com its 17-25 mm approx. equivalent focal
length (on Nikon DX, Canon APS-C
Fantasea Canon users will get around 18-26 mm).
The Remote Slave Unit RSU
is a very sensitive microprocessor housing The new WS45 Finder affords www.kenro.co.uk
controlled photosensor that triggers
a comfortable view of the camera
underwater strobes over large
distances. No TTL function is build
viewfinder at 45° viewing angle. Sealux JVC housing
As the GS180 viewfinder the WS45
in the RSU as in the Digital Adapter.
features an enlargement factor of
The RSU does not work with active
150%, with the visible finder area
preflashes. Hence in most cases an
enlarged to 2 ½ times of the original.
additional external strobe is necessary
WS45 pivots through 360°, with stops
to suppress the TTL preflashes of
every 90°.
most digital cameras. Under mint
Fantasea Line announces the The 45° viewing angle offers
conditions distances exceeding 25
release of a new housing specifically distinct advantages when taking close-
meters can be covered with the
designed for the Canon PowerShot up pictures close to the sea floor or
RSU system underwater. The major
SD1100 IS / IXUS 80 IS digital when shooting above/below type The Sealux Universal JVC
application range is creative pool,
camera. situations with semi immersed camera housing has an integrated high-
wreck and cave photography.
The FSD-1100 housing, depth housing. Top quality optical elements resolving 16:9 color monitor . All JVC
All underwater strobes (TTL
rated to 60 meters/200 feet, is fully assure a bright and brilliant finder camcorders can be used which are
and non TTL) with 5 pin Nikonos
functional providing photographers image. equipped with IR for remote control.
connector are working fine with the
with access to all camera functions. They must not be larger than 190mm,
following limitations. The strobes are
www.subal.com wider than 132mm and higher than
equipped with a strobe ready signal
116mm.
of at least 4 Volts on the connector to www.fantasea.com
www.sealux.de
www.uwpmag.com
42/15
Nexus 1017 Tokina Light & Motion Stingray
Dome Port HD and Bluefin HC7
compatible with Sony
HDR-HC9
42/16 www.uwpmag.com
Aquatica Nikon D300
housing
42/18 www.uwpmag.com
The Nexus housing is standard equipped with other photographers liking them. All camera functions are operable underwater
two flash connections for electronic cables and The underwater housing comes with two with the exception of folding up the flash. The
two connections for optical cables. The electronic magnifying glasses that you can place in the functions are not displayed on the housing and due
connections have a standard Olympus mount and viewfinder of the house. The magnifier strongly to the fact the housing is not transparent you can’t
are meant for connecting Olympus flash units. magnifies the image but it only leaves a small part take a peek as to which button you have to use for
Using the FL-36 in the PFL-E01 underwater of the viewfinder visible. This is excellent for macro a certain function. This can be very tricky if you
housing or its smaller brother FL-20 in the PFL- shooting as you will have an excellent view whether still don’t know the camera that well. I had set the
01 housing TTL flash is enabled. However; I have your object is sharp or not. The disadvantage camera in the manual mode during the first dive,
used two Sea & Sea YS 110 flash units that can not however is evident; you miss a large part of the with an aperture of f/5.6. During the dive I could
directly be attached to the flash connections. They image which makes it hard to decide on an accurate not remember how to change aperture. I had to work
require a special Athena adapter. Unfortunately this composition. About the other glass unit, the pick-up with the same aperture the entire dive. And because
adapter was delivered to my house one day too late. unit, I am not entirely sure of its purpose. I thought of using the 50 mm macro lens I had a limited depth
If you want to operate the flash units through afterwards that it might be meant for people wearing of field. Still I carried on shooting and in the end I
the optical cables you should not forget to fold up glasses, as some sort of correction. I have used both got some surprising and unusual results.
the flash of the camera because there is no button on glasses a few times but I really prefer working with The auto focus on the E-3 works fast and
the underwater housing to do it. the housing without magnifier or pick-up unit. very precise and the 11 focus points are ideal to
The underwater housing has a handle on both The capacity of the battery lasts for about capture fish. Although the camera fits perfectly
sides. My hands are quite small and I am very well two dives. Since I operate the flash with an optical in the housing, it once shifted and I was unable
capable of operating the shutter release button and cable the flash of the camera has to do a lot of work. to operate the camera underwater. It meant I had
the command dial without having to move my hand. Thankfully it does not influence the battery life to ascend, take my diving gear off, get out of
The handles have grooves on them which I did not significantly. It means that I don’t have to open the the water, dry myself and the camera, open the
find very pleasant to hold. Although I can imagine underwater housing. underwater housing, fit the camera properly, close
www.uwpmag.com
42/19
the underwater housing, go back into cables. When using the optical cable,
the water, put diving gear on, descend do not forget to fold up the camera’s
and finally shoot. My buddy was not flash before closing the housing. The
amused! Nexus housing comes with an adapter
The Olympus E-3 has been so the Olympus ports can be used
equipped with Live View just like also.
its younger brothers. The LCD
monitor of the E-3 has a nice large
size (2.5 inch) and its brightness can
Karin Brussaard
be adjusted in 15 stops. It makes it www.karinbrussaard.nl
easy to decide a composition even
underwater. I have tried out Live View
while making pictures of my buddy.
That is not as easy as it sounds. I
decide on the correct composition, I
see my buddy in the right spot, not
breathing out and press the shutter
release button. When I view the
picture I see bubbles in front of her
eyes because of breathing out, due to
the shutter lag when using Live View.
Live View works great for still objects
but not for moving objects, it needs an
experienced photographer to deal with
the limited focus speed.
The Olympus E-3 and the Nexus
housing make a great combination.
The E-3 is a DSLR camera with
fast auto focus and 11 focus points.
www.ScubaCam.nl
The Olympus E-3 has absolutely no
problem with the light areas caused by
the sun. The shutter lag makes Live
View less suitable for moving objects.
The Nexus housing is well built and
has a number of special specifications.
External flash units can be operated underwater photo-videocenter
through electronic as well as optical
42/20 www.uwpmag.com
Nikon D300 and Subal ND3
by Martin Edge
When the Nikon D300 was hold, it feels the same. But then you
released last summer (07) I along with notice the huge 3” LCD screen. Now,
many other underwater photographers I am a firm believer that the larger the
recognised that its introduction LCD the easier and more accurate it
coupled with the relatively low retail is to review the result underwater. I
price would substantially influence cannot emphasise this enough. It’s no
uwp world over. In my role as uwp use finding out that you have clipped
educator I decided to ‘jump on the the composition or chosen the wrong
bandwagon’ and up – grade from my angle when you’re back on dry land!
trusty, reliable and much loved D200. The time to review and correct an
You need to know that I have error or to pursue a new idea on a
favoured Nikon since my days with a subject is underwater at the time of
Nikon F2 and Oceanic housings of the shooting. The 3in LCD of the D300
80’s. I have owned and used Subal is bright, clear and easy to view even
housings since the introduction of the in shallow water. There is a one
Nikon F801 in the early 1990’s. In finger - press - zoom button on the
my teaching role I regularly instruct rear of the housing. In practice I was design. If we cannot see clearly heard criticisms that for users with
in Ikelite, Sea & Sea, Nexus and able to determine sharp focus on my and accurately what we are trying to small hands the shutter release is too
Hugyfot DSLR housings. Whilst I’ll macro/close up subjects and on many shoot then what is the point? Doesn’t far away from the right handled grip.
endeavour to be impartial as I can, occasions I persisted with the subject it frustrate when a manufacturer My suggestion is to simply release the
the influence that Nikon and Subal to correct my focusing/compositional produces a housing where the user velcro strap to allow the right hand
have had on my own photographic mistakes. I doubt if I would have is unable to see all four corners of closer access.
career cannot be ignored. I am unable noticed underwater (at the time) these the viewfinder to compose a subject The On/Off switch has changed
to compare the D300 against our small imperfections/mistakes by correctly. Enhanced viewfinders like to a circular design. In my opinion
Canon cousins but I do have sufficient viewing my Nikon D200 LCD. Subal and other housings, though this is an improvement and I feel the
experience using the D200 to compare I receive many enquiries expensive are definitely worth the sensitivity to turn the camera on and
against the Nikon D300 concerning whether of not the Subal money IMHO. off both on land (without the back
On first appearance the Subal GS viewfinder is worth the money. The front main dial (aperture) plate) connected and underwater have
ND30 is very similar to the ND20 In my opinion the viewfinder of any the rear main dial (shutter speed) and a more positive feel to it.
(Nikon D200). It weighs the same, camera housing is without doubt the shutter release control are in exactly The Mode and +/- exposure
looks the same and when you take most significant feature of the entire the same position as before. I have compensation push down controls
www.uwpmag.com
42/21
A similar design improvement situated just below the ‘pop up’ flash Press the Info/Lock button and
is evident on the left hand side of the button of the camera. The addition the shooting display information
housing with the ‘QUAL’ quality, of this control is for users of Nikon comes up on the LCD screen.
‘WB’ White Balance and ISO push SB flashguns in housings to control Information including the Aperture,
down controls. With the ND30, Subal exposure compensation. Shutter speed, Exposure Mode, etc
have disposed with the small black Moving down the rear back-plate are displayed on the LCD monitor.
circular base on which these three towards the LCD screen the BKT The implications of this I found to
push buttons were situated on with the ‘bracket’ button of the ND20 has been be a significant I did not have to look
situated behind the On/off switch are ND20. replaced with the ‘playback’ button through the viewfinder to ascertain my
now raised up slightly. Whilst on first Now, I always change the and next to it remains the ‘Delete’ exposure settings or exposure mode
glance this would not appear to make ‘Quality’ and ‘ISO’ setting via the button. Below this in order are the The viewfinder’s built in
the slightest difference, underwater I ‘My Menu’ in the rear LCD screen but following five push down buttons: exposure meter is also displayed.
noticed that it was much easier for me with ‘WB’ White Balance I do need Menu, ? Info and Lock, Zoom out –, Indicating if a scene will be under or
to locate both the ‘Mode’ and +/- to easy access to this button. My WB Zoom in +, OK over exposed.
push down and make changes without settings fluctuate between ‘Auto’ and Many readers will be familiar I could easily change and
looking at either dial. I’m unable ‘Preset’. To set Preset WB via the with the above but I’ll just mention determine my settings i.e chosen
to comment on whether or not these housing I first use the LCD screen to the highlights. aperture and shutter speed by simply
dials are as easy to manipulate when locate and change it. This brings the turning the appropriate dials and
wearing gloves. ‘PRE’ setting up in the bottom right having a clear unrestricted view of my
hand corner of the camera viewfinder. progress in the 3in LCD monitor.
Once done, you push down and hold In practice, I could swim towards
the ‘WB’ control for about three a subject (turtle) whilst at the same
seconds and press the shutter. If this time, adjusting aperture and shutter
attempt to ‘preset’ is successful you speed and without taking my eye off
will see the ‘Gd’ sign (which signifies the of the turtle
the preset reading is ‘good’ and has The Zoom in or out is a one push
worked). zoom feature which can magnify the
I find it much easier to locate LCD by up to 27 times. Whilst this is
this WB push button control on the not a new, it has been developed and I
top left of the housing than it was found it so much more ergonomic.
before. With a little practice, ‘preset’ The MSC focus mode selector,
WB readings can be set quite easily lens release, shutter release, AF On
without having to fiddle around to lever have not changed to any degree.
locate the control. The spot, matrix and center weighted
The ND30 now has a lever on dial are also unchanged.
top of the housing which activates the The multi selector push down
flash exposure compensation button controls now have an additional
42/22 www.uwpmag.com
to lock onto subjects. For the last
eight months I have been using the
Nikon VR 105mm macro lens with
mixed results, the jury is still out on
this! I love the results on land and the
quality of blur (bokeh) but underwater
I’ve found it difficult to lock on to
macro subjects because the focus
push button in the center. I found is so damn quick from minimum to
this very useful in order to activate maximum. Using this lens early one on this: By choice, I don’t often I can confirm is that low light shallow
a full size histogram overlay on top morning, I dropped to 30m to shoot include the sun ball itself within the water sunlight shots worked very well
of the image and most importantly a longnosed hawk fish which I had frame. I find myself leaving it out and there’s a significant improvement
– activate it at your own convenience. found the previous day. Once in the and using the beams of light in the over the Nikon D200.
This histogram can be set by going to water I realised I had not attached my corners to add sparkle and ‘jazz up’ an On four consecutive mornings
Custom Setting F1 focus torch. I shot it all the same and otherwise monochromatic blue void I shot sunlight with a 10.5mm
I used the camera and housing was surprised and very impressed by in my wide angles. Will the D300 fisheye in 1m to 6m of water. The
during a 10 day photo workshop how the focus locked-on in such poor provide our sunbursts with the appeal sea conditions were glass calm and
at Kasai Village Resort in Cebu ambient light. After 700 frames with they had on film? I think so but I’m visibility was at its best for the day
Philippines. Now, I’ll point out that I my Nikon 105m macro VR - I can unable to evidence it! Our 10 days – 20m. I used shutter speeds of
am unable to thrill you with images see substantial improvement in the in Cebu, suffered with poor visibility 1/320th sec with an whole range of
of the likes which Berkley White focusing abilities of the D300 and this and whilst the sea was not rough it apertures. I shot Raw at the 200 ISO
produced with the sailfish but for lens now has a permanent place in my was often choppy. I shot sunbursts at default and Auto white balance. The
everyday subjects then read on. camera bag. various depths down to 25m but the sunbeams appeared more accentuated
The ND30 felt no different in beams were so scattered and diffused, with the fast shutter speed of 320th as
water than the ND20 but soon into the Sunbursts and highlights it’s hard to pass an informed opinion. opposed to 125th. But I was forever
trip I noticed the improvement of both As I recollect, shooting sunbursts in minded that this could also be affected
‘S’ and ‘C’ auto focus (center point) Just so you know where I stand these conditions on film, the results by the height of the sun in relation to
were not that impressive either. What the horizon. The ‘highlights’ warning
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42/23
the mistake of underexposing several Battery Life
blue water examples and when these
areas were magnified, noise was Compared to the D200 the
slightly visible. Expose correctly battery life is a very comforting
at 1600 ISO and the noise effect and a much needed improvement. I
diminishes. In Berkley White’s averaged 700 frames with both 60mm
review of the D300 and sailfish he and 105mm macro lenses.
warns of the importance to shoot With the 10.5mm and Tokina
accurate exposures to avoid the noise 10mm – 17mm the average was 800.
enhancing effects of brightening I allowed the battery to ‘run down’
a dark image in post processing. to 3% and it continued to function
This is excellent advice and I would adequately until it reached 1% when
recommend readers revisit his review it died. At 10% power I could find no
at UwP41 difference in performance from 100%
42/24 www.uwpmag.com
To Upgrade or not am unable to identify any particular
aspect of this housing, which I believe
For those of you who may could be improved upon.
be contemplating an upgrade to
the Nikon D300. I would suggest
you visit the most comprehensive
Martin Edge
review, which I have seen - by Thom www.edgeunderwaterphotography.com
Hogan. http://www.bythom.com/
nikond300review.htm It’s a long
read but at the bottom of the review,
Thom compares the D300 and offers
his opinions on upgrades under the
heading of ‘Should I get a D300’.
For use underwater I recommend
the Nikon D300 very highly and after
using and reviewing the ND30, I
www.heinrichsweikamp.com/blitz/en/rsu.htm
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42/25
Sealux CD300 for the
Nikon D300
by Colin Gans
Mastering the operation of an else, this allows for more leeway with
underwater housing is a journey of cropping);
familiarization. You move through a ∑ significantly longer battery life;
process of engaging its functionality, ∑ slightly increased dynamic range
employing its ergonomics and with 14 bit RAW images;
adapting to its idiosyncrasies and so ∑ slightly less noise at higher ISO
become at one with it; through lots of levels;
practice. It’s like learning to play an ∑ self cleaning image sensor;
instrument. ∑ Nikon D2X plus-some in a compact
Sealux’s CD300 housing for D200 style body.
the Nikon D300 DSLR has a similar Whilst my previous two Sealux
feel to the earlier D200 housing only housings were functional and durable the design of the CD300. Mineral This effectively gives four possible
with improvements in performance (see www.underwaterdisplay.net/ glass rather than polycarbonate is mounting points on the housing for
and functionality. All the controls just rig for reviews) the CD300 shows used for the window over the D300 strobes and accessories; one on each
seem right and the changes I have so an improvement in aesthetics and monitor display and this does justice arm, a third one on the left hand side
far encountered are for the better. ergonomics with the introduction of to the resolution and clarity of the and the ball mount at centre top.
Key improvements with the some subtle changes including: curved D300’s display. This is an important Two different size ball fittings are
D300 camera over the D200 which I handles and conically tapered flat feature and one which rated highly available. The additional ball mount
have found to be useful in a practical ports for close-up and macro work. in my deciding whether to purchase. can be unscrewed to allow the housing
context for underwater photography A feature on Sealux housings The monitor window is visible with to fit in my cabin bag without the ball
are: which I think is a good design the 150 degree viewfinder rotated to protruding.
∑ excellent monitor resolution and attribute is the raised inner lip on any of its selectable positions. As with My CD300 sports the new 150
response, enabling effective in-camera the housing body which stops water other Sealux DSLR housings, tested degree optical viewfinder (GV150).
decision making while underwater; falling back into the housing when depth rating is given as 90 metres. Sealux viewfinders have in the past
∑ the ability to view camera settings, the housing back is removed after a The CD300 allows for an been very successful and this one
previously only visible in the top LCD dive. This also serves as a guide to additional ball mount to be installed appears to be no exception. The prism
window, in a large clear format in the placement of the lid on the housing in the threaded socket provided on model GD Viewfinder made by Sealux
monitor window; body for sealed closure. the centre top of the housing to mount is also on-sold to Subal for their
∑ improved image quality (if nothing Attention to detail is evident in a focus light or other accessory. underwater housings. The GV150
42/26 www.uwpmag.com
The Controls
viewfinder provides an enlarged 150 circlip on the inside of the housing aluminium milled monoblock CNC, Focus Priority Override
degree view which is bright, sharp and cover. Dual o’rings on the viewfinder hard anodized and is sealed for
complete; it rotates to allow portrait shaft provide a watertight fit onto resistance to saltwater corrosion. The The AF Lock lever is well
and landscape views and is useful the housing. I found the GV150 to colour, described as titanium grey, is positioned to be used in conjunction
for over-under images. A detachable be as good as the GD Viewfinder in a little darker than my earlier D200 with the shutter release lever to
sunshield is fitted to the eyepiece. The coverage and clarity with the added housing. The controls appear to feel override focus priority. This is handy
viewfinder can be turned downwards advantage of being angled and able to better but whether this is a case of for lenses like the Nikon 105VR
when transporting or removed by rotate. ‘new broom’ syndrome or not, time micro when used with the focus
hand by disengaging the plastic The housing is made of will tell. gear as it allows focus priority to be
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42/27
overridden on demand simply by The Mode and +/- Control
squeezing the AF Lock lever with
the thumb while operating the shutter Both the mode and +/- buttons on
release with the forefinger; a perfectly the camera are controlled by a single
natural movement. lever, neither of which are engaged
when the lever is in centre position.
A Centre Multi Selector Button Pushing the lever to the left engages
+/- exposure compensation. Pushing
Some underwater housings I the lever to the right engages camera
have tried lack the centre control for mode. In either engaged position the
the camera’s multi selector. Sealux respective button stays down until the
have provided access to the centre lever is returned to the centre position.
button by engineering four of the In practice I have found this to be
shafts at slight angles allowing the useful since both of the underlying
buttons to be spread a little further buttons work in conjunction with the
apart on the outside. The five controls front command dial which needs to
(North, South, West, East and Centre) be rotated. Having these buttons stay
are symmetrically placed. I found the down until disengaged allows the
response of the multi-selector quite front command dial to be operated
sensitive but after a day or so of using with thumb and forefinger. my ring finger, override autofocus finding that I use it more frequently
the housing I have now become used with my thumb and press the shutter than expected.
to this. Func Button Control with my forefinger; feels like I’m
playing a saxophone! This is certainly QUALity, ISO and WhiteBalance
The Flash Mode Button A Func button control lever more convenient than having to
allows the D300’s user-defined manually switch off strobes. The While the more important WB
The Flash mode button is another function button to be accessed. With location and feel of each of these three and ISO button controls are available,
challenging control to engineer due the D200, I viewed this as a ‘nice levers is ergonomically good. there is no direct control button for the
to its position on the camera. This to have’. Now that its available I’ve third member of the trio, the QUAL
button is controlled via a lever and had to think what I’ll use it for. I Lens Release Lever button. This control can be set as a
is well situated for access to enable have since decided that assigning the shortcut and then accessed by pressing
switching between normal flash mode Func button to ‘Flash Off’ is a good A lens release lever in the the Menu button. In my opinion
and rear curtain sync as well as flash choice. There have been times when housing body allows the easy removal having a QUAL button is not missed
compensation when using a housed I’ve wished for a convenient way of of lenses from the front port. This is as it’s not often that I would choose
speedlight. cancelling flash without taking my eye handy when switching lenses between to switch image quality and should
off the viewfinder and this approach dives. Prior to using this control I had I wish to do so then ‘My Menu’ is
works very well. I can override the placed it in the ‘nice to have’ basket of sufficiently convenient for the job.
flash to do an ambient light shot with features. Now that it is available I’m
42/28 www.uwpmag.com
The Lens Port System Strobe Wiring and Bulkhead Options
Sealux ports use glass and I do like their Strobe ports are available in three forms,
dependable design. They have a large diameter Nikonos style flexible pin, Nikonos style all pins
bayonet fitting with good o’ring seals making for a fixed, or S6. Either one or two strobe ports can be
reliable seal. I have used the housing with a dome ordered in various combinations.
port, towed next to a boat, photographing spinner The strobe bulkhead wiring allows choice of
dolphin and have experienced no leaks despite TTL (5 pins active) wiring or just two pins active
such turbulent motion at shallow depth. The port for traditional strobes and these can be changed
system is modular and allows the use of extension at a later stage by ordering a different wiring
rings to match ports to be used with a wider range configuration. Having all 5 pins wired allows use of
of lenses. All port windows are high quality optical a single housed SB800 to be electrically connected
glass. Barrels are made of Delrin. The ports are as well as third party TTL adapters such as Ikelite’s
durable, well designed and I have yet to experience #4302. Careful thought should be given to the
a leak from either port or housing body in hundreds choice of ports and wiring. My personal choice is
of dives over a four year period. The effort for two Nikonos style flexible pin ports with all
experienced in changing ports can be reduced with five pins active as this provides wired connections
the use of a lightweight strap wrench as described in and has a more aesthetically pleasing look. for either a single housed speedlight or two Ikelite
the ‘Niggles’ section. The tight and positive bayonet In addition to this, Sealux have come out with DS125 strobes.
fit of the Sealux ports may in fact contribute to their a series of good quality wetmate diopters for the I chose two Nikonos style strobe bulkheads.
very low flood rate. new flat ports which fit neatly onto the front of the The Nikonos bulkheads are offered in two flavours,
Port extension rings allow a modular approach ports with a bayonet type lock. I ordered one of the traditional with two flexible / three fixed
and the same rings can be used on flat and dome these on a whim and am very impressed with how pins and the other form with all five pins fixed.
ports to cater for most popular lenses. Since the well it fits on the port. The diopter works with both Whichever flavour is chosen the option exists to
same tried and tested bayonet fittings have been the 60mm and 105mm micro lenses. order either as TTL capable with all five pins wired
used for many years, there is protection of existing The following are examples of port options for or just the two GND and TRG active, i.e. wired.
investment and as we know, our lasting investment popular lenses for underwater photography: From past experience I have found switching
is more in the glass (lenses and ports) than the ever o Nikon 10.5mm fisheye: 180F Dome Port wiring on Sealux housings to be a relatively
changing cameras and housings which fit them. o Tokina 10-17 fisheye zoom: 180F Dome Port straightforward exercise once the strobe logic is
The large dome port (180F) has been available o Nikon 12-24mm: 180F Dome Port + 28mm understood.
for some time and is excellent for 10.5mm Nikon, extension ring
10-17mm Tokina and the 12-24mm Nikon with the o Nikon 60mm micro: PS104 Niggles
addition of an extension ring. What’s new is the o Nikon 105mm micro (both VR and classic): either
PS series of flat ports which are conically tapered PS114; or PS 104+ 28mm extension ring with Whilst this review is for the most part positive
from about 126mm at the housing side down to manual focus gear option available either in the port there are two niggles, still present, which I have
approximately 92mm at the glass end. The tapering or in the extension ring if this latter combination is experienced with earlier housings. The first relates
allows better positioning of strobes for macro work chosen. to the degree of effort involved in changing ports;
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42/29
10-17mm lens, Sealux 180F dome port, 1/200sec, 60mm lens, Sealux PS104 port, 1/60sec, f/22, ISO 200
yes, unnecessary physical effort! The second issue f/13, ISO 200
arose with the D200 housing as a symptom of
downsizing in the drive to keep things compact. The The issue of a negatively buoyant housing C/S/M, Func, Multi-selector centre, Flash mode, AF
D200 and D300 housings became more negatively should only be of concern for macro photography Lock and Lens release.
buoyant with these cameras which were heavier and I have found that using Stix buoyancy arms ∑ Durability: good seals, raised inner housing lip,
than the similar sized D70. Effective workarounds with my two Ikelite DS125 strobes resolves this robust construction
exist for both of these issues and I do not see them neatly. I use four of the SX-109 sets and UCLS ∑ Portability: compact and relatively easy to pack
as detracting from the overall qualities of the butterfly clamps to hold them. and transport for a DSLR housing
housing once the workarounds are applied. Each With this setup and the heaviest lens / port ∑ Depth rating: 90 metres (295 feet)
particular brand of housing has its quirks and after combo I own (105mm Nikon VR / PS114 port) plus The niggles
all, where would the challenge lie in underwater focus light the rig weighs 330grams negative in ∑ Negatively buoyant: remedied by flotation arms
photography without having to problem solve? fresh water. ∑ Effort in removing lens ports: remedied by using
I previously found switching ports on dive a lightweight strap wrench
trips to be tedious with some effort required, to The Housing In Summary
coerce the installed port off the housing. Enter the Notes from the Field
‘Baby Boa strap wrench’, a lightweight plastic strap In brief, I see the CD300 as a step forward; it
wrench perfect for the job of removing ports by has, so far, exceeded my expectations. For this review I tested the housing dry; in a
gripping the barrel and allowing sufficient leverage The good points pool and then followed up with a week of diving
to be applied. It would be useful to have these, ∑ Optics: the ports, the display and the 150 degree off Niue Island. I used 60mm, 105mm, 10-17mm
or similar supplied with Sealux ports. The strap viewfinder; all precision glass optics and 12-24mm lenses with respective close-up port
wrench has made changing ports easy for me and ∑ Ergonomics: the location of key controls in / wetmate diopter combinations and dome port plus
can be found in many hardware stores or you can relation to each other extension ring combinations. I was happy with
try online using ‘strap wrench’ for your search. ∑ Functionality: almost every camera control one results from all combinations tested; particularly
could wish for including controls for Live View, when using the PS close-up ports as these were
42/30 www.uwpmag.com
Have you learnt something invaluable by
reading this issue of UwP?
Have you saved a lot of time benefitting
for the experience of UwP contributors
or do you simply just enjoy UwP and want
to help it continue?
If so, please donate to the UwP contributors
42/34 www.uwpmag.com
Velvet swimming crab. Nikon D200,
Subal ND20, 105mm micro, Inon Quad
flash, Heinrichs Weikamp Nikon iTTL
Converter, ISO200 f16 1/60
www.uwpmag.com
42/35
Strobes and tool that controls water colour in our
images.
I first raised this topic in UWP
water colour a couple of years ago, back in Issue
31, but I felt it was worth revisiting in
By Alexander Mustard detail. The root of this phenomenon is
that the various underwater strobes on
sale produce light at different colour
I expect the title of this article
temperatures and digital cameras
will be causing a bit of head
have adjustable white balance that
scratching but please bear with me,
reacts to this.
this is a relatively new concept but
To keep things simple I am going
one that is well worth consideration.
to lump strobes into warm coloured
In this article I want to discuss
and cool coloured – using my own
how the colour temperature of our
strobes as examples. My Subtronic
strobes has the potential to affect the
strobes are warm or red biased (my
background water colour in our digital
Alphas produce light at 4300 K and
photographs.
the newer Midis at 4800 K), while my
It certainly sounds confusing
Inon strobes are cool blue biased (my Figure 1. The colours of these two test
to begin with. How can firing a strobe
Z240 produces light at 5500 K). Many factors influence the background images are almost identical. The top
that illuminates the subject and not
When you take a picture water colours of our images, such image was lit with an Inon Z240 strobe
the water alter the water colour? It
illuminated by 5500 K or 4300 K as conditions and exposures. In this and the lower one with a Subtronic
requires a different way of thinking
light you will need a white balance article I want to discuss the importance Alpha. The top image required a white
about colour in images because
close to this value to render neutral of strobe choice. Here I used warm balance setting of 5500 K to produce
of the adjustable white balance of
colours (see Figure 1). This setting is Subtronic Alphas, which produce light this neutral look. The lower image
digital cameras. Therefore this is a
applied to the whole image. In the real at 4300 K. This image was processed needed a much lower setting of 4300
digital issue and not something that is
world this means that both strobe lit with a colour temperature in the RAW K to get the same neutral colours.
relevant to slide photography.
and non-strobe lit areas are affected, converter of 4300 K, which rendered a Different underwater strobes produce
I should also say that this is an
and therefore strobe choice can affect correctly coloured foreground and rich light at different colour temperatures
article about subtle differences. Strobe
the background water colour (see blue background and therefore require different white
colour temperature does not make
Figure 2). To prove this to yourself, balance settings to produce correct
day or night differences to images, it
open up one of your own wide angle neutral colours. Apologies for the
is about that final polish. However, it
images in a RAW converter and try subject matter these were taken during
is often those final finishing touches
moving the colour temperature slider my own tests.
that make the difference between the
between 4300 K and 5500 K. Ignore
good and the excellent. To ignore this
the foreground colour and watch how
issue means giving up an important
much the water colour changes.
42/36 www.uwpmag.com
Another way to explain this
concept is to compare the similarities
and differences between film
and digital. On both media the
main factors that will control the
background colour we get in our
photos are environmental conditions
(water colour, depth, climatic
conditions etc), camera angle, lens
and exposure.
On film we have another
important factor to consider. Film
choice. Certain films are well known
to make big differences in the water
colour they record. Even within the
Kodak stable photographers used
to spend much time debating the
differences between the true look of
Kodachrome blues compared with Figure 2. These two available light
the rich royal blues that Ektachrome images are the same shot – simply
delivered in the same conditions. processed at different white balance
Stunning blue backgrounds were values. Compare the blue water colour Figure 3. Compare the water colour in these two images that were taken at the
known as ‘Ektachrome blue’ for many – the difference is small but is clearly same time with the same camera, lens and exposure. Nikon D2X + Tokina 10-
years. a richer blue in the lower frame. The 17mm @ 10mm. F9 @ 1/50th. Single strobe. The only difference is the strobe used
When shooting slides strobe upper frame is at 5500 K (the value for each. In a) I used a warm light producing Subtronic and for b) I used a cool
colour temperature made no required for the Inon in Figure 1) and light producing Inon. If I had taken these images on slide film, both background
difference to the water colour. If the lower frame is at 4300 K (the value colours would be the same colour, but the foreground in a) would be warmer
we used a warmer strobe then the required for the Subtronic in Figure 1). coloured than the foreground in b). As these were shot on digital, the white
only effect would be warmer hues in balance is adjusted so that the foreground is correctly coloured and neutral (note
the foreground lit by a strobe. The approximate analogy to film choice is that the sand on the sponge is white in both). However the background water
background would remain unaffected. the camera’s adjustable white balance. colours are noticeably different because of the different white balance settings
This was/is a popular technique, with Shooting underwater, a digital camera required. The warm strobe produces a rich blue background, while the cool strobe
many photographers favouring warm will try to make the foreground produces a murkier blue.
strobes or warm filtered strobes to subject appear neutral, deciding
improve the skin tones of people in on the appropriate white balance
their images. setting for each shot based on the
Digital is different. An colour temperature of the foreground
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42/37
illumination. When you adjust white Figure 4. This is photo of some we use warm strobes in green water
balance in the RAW converter you are filters on a lightbox. Note that the our foregrounds are again a bit too
doing the same thing. Since different strength of filter 1, a Lee 444 Filter warm requiring a cooling of the white
strobes require different white balance - required to adjust a Inon at 5500K balance to create a neutral foreground
settings (therefore affecting the colour to a IkeliteDS125 equalling 4900 K look. If we cool down green water
of the water in your images) – strobe is much, much weaker than other we actually push it away from green
choice on digital is comparable to film standard lens filters for underwater towards a blue-green colour (Figure
choice on slide. photography. It is also cheaper to buy 5).
To run through an example, if we as it is not made to optical quality. Personally, when I shoot in
use warm strobes then the foreground For information: 2 is Magic Filter, 3 green waters I like to try and record
subject will appear to the camera (or is CC50Red, 4 is Wratten 22 and 5 is a rich green colour and warm strobes
to us white balancing the RAW file Auto-Magic Filter. erode this. Instead I prefer cooler
in post processing) as too warm and strobes, like the Inons. A cool strobe
the white balance will be used to cool will require a warmer white balance
the image (the Kelvin value will be worrying that you have the wrong strobe lighting forces a cooler white setting, which will increase the
lowered). Importantly this adjustment strobes – don’t. We don’t have to balance on the image which renders greenness of the greens, producing
is applied to the entire image. settle for what the manufacturers richer blues in the background. that desirable emerald look. Again
Cooling the white balance results in a give us – we can warm and cool our Therefore it follows that any factor you can prove this to yourself with
correct looking foreground and bluer strobes by attaching lighting gels to in our photographic technique that your own images. Open up a green
background. If we use cool strobes them. Lighting gels are not expensive lessens the warmth of the foreground water wide angle image in your RAW
then the foreground will be too cool (because they are not made to optical illumination will reduce the richness converter and try moving the colour
and the camera (or us) will attempt quality like lens gel filters) and can be of the blue. If we are too far from temperature slider between 4300 K
to warm it up with the white balance. bought easily from film and theatre our subject the light reaching it will and 5500 K. Ignore the foreground
This will again result in a correct lighting suppliers. Compared with be cooler and the image will require colour and watch how much the water
looking foreground and a less blue typical underwater lens filters, the warmer white balance, weakening the colour changes.
background. You can see this visually strength of filter required is very weak blue. This is a common symptom in Personally I have quite a bi-polar
in the real world example in Figure 3. – to change an Inon Z240 (5500 K) many underwater images. Similarly view of the ocean’s many colours: I
It is clear from the examples to match and Ikelite DS200 or DS125 if we are shooting a balanced light like my blues to be rich blues and my
(Figures 2 & 3) that the effect is (4900 K) you need a +22 Mired image and we use too little strobe greens to be rich greens. However,
subtle, but this difference will there in shift colour conversion filter – a Lee on the subject (so that the subject many photographers diving in green
all your images. The only difference (Number 444) Eighth CT Straw Filter is illuminated by a mix of strobe waters actually like them to look quite
between the two shots in Figure 3 was is perfect and can simply be cut to fit and ambient light) the blue will be blue. Here in the UK photographers
the type of strobe I used. Once the the strobe. To see how mild a filter less rich, if we try and correct the often wait for the bluest conditions
foregrounds are adjusted to the correct this is, have a look at Figure 4 where foreground colours. before shooting wide angle, blue
neutral colours the blues are clearly I have compared this filter with some So far I have only considered water makes temperate water look
different. common underwater lens filters. blue water shooting. What happens particularly inviting! Either way it is
Many of you may now be We have seen that warm when we get into greener waters? If important to appreciate the importance
42/38 www.uwpmag.com
Figure 5. These two frames show the In temperate seas I like to try
same green water image processed at and capture rich emerald green
different white balance values. This backgrounds. Cooler strobe lighting
image was lit by my Subtronics and forces the camera to warm the image
the upper frame at 4300 K, produces with its white balance which enriches
a neutral foreground. However this the greens. In comparison to Figure 5,
setting has “blued” the green water note how this image, taken with Inon
considerably. The lower frame is strobes, has a neutral foreground and
processed at 5500 K, which has a rich green background. Nikon D2X
produced a greener water colour. +105mm VR. Subal housing. Inon
However, this white balance has also Z240 strobes. 1/50th @ F14.
made the foreground lighting too
warm. Had I used my Inon strobes
for this photo, then I would have been
able to combine the green background
of the lower frame with the neutral
foreground of the upper frame.
of strobe choice in this regard. If adjustments either in Photoshop or The other crucial concluding Understanding the importance of the
you want to enhance any blueness even in a RAW converter are one comment is that there are no rights colour temperature of your strobes is
in your temperate waters go with a of most damaging adjustments to or wrongs when it comes to water very much like choosing the correct
warm strobe, if you want to boost its image quality, introducing plenty of colours, only personal preference. As film stock to achieve the look you
emerald green, then a cool strobe is colour noise, particularly in gradients. I said above, I like my greens to be are after. It is one of the small factors
better. Second, there is a time issue. I green and my blues to be blue. That’s that can make the difference between
I am certain that many of you recently noted that my Nikon D2X me, and for this reason I use my cool getting a nearly image and the one
will be reading this article thinking had taken 93000 photos, nearly all of Inons in green waters and my warm you really wanted.
“Why worry? I can adjust it all in these underwater. Even if a colour fix Subtronics in blue waters. You may
Photoshop anyway.” This is true, but takes less than 10 seconds applying well be different.
I believe that it is important to strive it soon mounts up if you take a lot When we all shot slides, our
Alexander Mustard
to get the best possible results from of images. Most photographers who choice of film stock had an important www.amustard.com
the camera for several reasons. First, shoot a lot soon learn to discard effect on the water colours recorded in
there is the ethical consideration of any images that will cost additional our images. These days it is the colour
presenting images as shot as well as processing time. It makes sense to temperature of our strobes that has a
personal satisfaction. Perhaps more make adjustments to your shooting similar effect. Neither factor makes a
relevant today is the image quality technique that minimise your massive difference, but their affect is
issue. Strong individual colour computing requirements. plain to see in every image we take.
www.uwpmag.com
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I jumped out of the boat and the months of October and January.
finned furiously to maintain pace with It was the high possibility of seeing
the 6m long, white spotted object these magnificent beasts close up and
next to me. After a minute or so I taking photos of them that persuaded
had to give up and let it continue on me to book on Djibouti Divers1 for
its leisurely journey sifting plankton the mid November trip through Tony
in the warm waters of the Gulf of Backhurst. The flight to Djibouti, via
Tadjourah. It was only my second Paris, takes about 9 hours on Daallo
sighting of a whale shark in 15 years Airlines, currently the only operator
of diving, the previous one being a that services Djibouti. The reports of
brief encounter at Ras Nas Rani after Daallo I had read on line left me a
surfacing from a macro dive with bit apprehensive about the flight but,
no frames left on my film camera. while it wasnít the most comfortable A snorkelling photographer tries to keep pace with the whale shark, 1/20th, f6.3
This time I was much better prepared journey with poor food and no in
with a 12mm -24mm Sigma lens in flight entertainment except for the All underwater shots were taken on a Nikon D70 in a Subal housing with a
my Subal ND70 housing and plenty musical chairs when more passengers Sigma 12-24 lens at the 12mm end of the range, using aperture priority mode,
of space on my compact flash card. got on at Paris, it was a lot better than iso 200, available light only.
Like Ras Nas Rani this encounter was I had expected.
also short but it whetted the appetite The first couple of days on board
and there were still several diving/ Djibouti Divers 1 were spent diving soft corals found further north in I took a closer look to see what was
snorkelling days to go. For some the coral reefs of the Gulf. I had the Red Sea. Having said that the attracting their attention but came
others on board it had been their first hoped that as dive tourism has yet to reefs were patrolled by a number of to the conclusion that they werenít
meeting with a whale shark and there have significant impact on Djibouti, rather camera shy humphead wrasse looking at anything in particular but
was a great buzz of excitement over the reefs would be in near pristine and some sites had huge numbers of taking part in some kind of ceremony.
the breakfast table at the prospect of condition with a large variety and juvenile blue trigger fish on them and Perhaps they were praying for whale
further encounters to come. density of marine life similar to that large shoals of rainbow runners. A few shark sightings. If so it certainly
Djibouti has recently become found further up the coast in Sudan. of the group also saw a lone turtle and worked for our party of divers.
known in the diving community for Unfortunately that was not quite the a shoal of barracuda. On our third day we split into
the concentration of juvenile whale case. The reefs were certainly in very On one dive we came across a two groups and went whale shark
sharks to be found in the Gulf of good condition but mostly covered group of divers from another boat spotting in the small fibre boats that
Tadjourah (sometimes called the in various shades of dull beige coral that were in a circle holding hands are towed behind the main boat. Our
Devil’s Cauldron) roughly between with none of the brightly coloured and peering into a crevice in the reef. dive guides and crew scanned the
www.uwpmag.com
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A fleeting glimpse of a whale shark as it One of the two fibreglass boats used to take us to the Our well appointed liveaboard boat.
passes by the boat diving/snorkelling sites.
waves for the tell tale sign of a dorsal or tail fin During that first encounter the whale sharks contact with its dorsal fin. Almost immediately I
breaking the surface. The water was quite choppy swam along at what looked like a pedestrian pace felt a second bump as this time its tail gently swept
making this a difficult task and after half an hour or but it was deceptively fast. After I’d snorkelled against the outside of my leg. Our dive guides,
so we had seen no sight of a whale shark. The sun hard to keep up with them to take some photos and Lionel and Emily, had briefed us to look at but not
was beating down on us relentlessly so the divers hauled myself into the fibre boat a few times I was to touch these gentle giants and we had all obeyed
in the other boat decided to go for a snorkel to exhausted but nevertheless elated. these instructions religiously. However, when one
cool off. It turned out to be a fortunate and brilliant The following day proved to be even better as of them decides to purposely nudge you out of the
decision. After only a couple of minutes in the we found not one but at least six whale sharks close way, there is nothing that can be done to avoid it so
water we could see from our boat that leisurely and to shore. So close in fact that after snorkelling with I just relaxed and accepted the experience.
aimless snorkelling had suddenly become a much one of them I was able to stand up in the water and Over the several days of snorkelling our group
more purposeful activity. Arms were raised in the watch through my mask for the next one to come gave up trying to count the number of individual
air to signal a whale shark had been sighted and drifting by. During this encounter they often stopped whale sharks we saw, probably a dozen or more,
legs propelled fins as quickly as possible to get to and took several gulps of plankton rich water before and ran out of fingers and toes to assess the total
the scene of the action. Our boat chugged slowly carrying on again, great for taking photos. At one number of encounters. We just enjoyed every
over to join the others and we were also treated to point I had snorkelled out to one of them and was moment of it, especially when the sharks slowed
our first Djibouti encounter with a whale shark. It concentrating hard on getting the composition I down a little allowing for photos to be taken from a
may ëonlyí have been about 6m long but was a very wanted, with the fish opening it’s huge mouth, variety of angles and at very close range. At times I
impressive sight as witnessed by the beaming faces when suddenly I felt a bump against the inside of was no more than a foot or so away from the mouth
of everybody as they clambered back on to the boat my thigh. I quickly looked down to see a whale of them, only realising just how near I was when
to manoeuvre into position for another meeting. shark right beneath me and realised it had made taking my housing away from my eye.
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All underwater shots were taken on a Nikon D70 in a Subal housing with a Sigma 12-24 lens at the 12mm end of the range,
using aperture priority mode, iso 200, available light only.
The whale sharks werenít the with these creatures, on occasion photos. I decided to go without to
only creatures that got up close and they would gulp down a few with start with, preferring the extra stop of
personal. There were also large the plankton and realizing they had exposure I would get by doing so in
numbers of orange coloured free something crunchy and inedible in the fairly murky water, only changing
swimming crabs that adopted the their mouths would cough them back my mind if the results had too much
ìattack is the best method of defenceî up again with some force, the crabs of a colour cast. I was pleased with
strategy. The nip they gave with their spinning around uncontrollably in the the first download of pictures to the
claws was more of an irritation than water. laptop so continued without them.
anything but at one point I did find I had taken some ëmagic filtersí Others who had opted for the magic
myself adorned with a crab earring. with me for the trip and debated with filter also got good but slightly
Similar crab related stories were a couple of the other photographers warmer results so it was really just a
shared by other members of the on board whether to use them with the question of personal taste.
group over the evening meals which whale sharks. Opinion was divided on Our encounters during the day
were always excellent. The whale whether they would be helpful at the were fantastic but we were also
sharks had their own way of dealing shallow depths we would be taking treated to the sight of a whale shark
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42/43
sculptures and crystalline rocks, a pleasant change
from the mass produced trinkets at most tourist
destinations.
I suspect that Djibouti is unlikely to become
a place of mass diver tourism in the same way that
Sharm El Sheik and other parts of the northern Red
Sea have but the almost guaranteed presence of
whale sharks will undoubtedly tempt a few more
liveaboard operators to the area. My advice would
be to go now while the only other divers you are
likely to see underwater are ones from the same
boat as yourself.
The 750 metre deep gorge and A wide angle view of the salt flats of
surrounding area on the way to Lake lake Assal Morris Gregory
Assal.
www.morrisphoto.org.uk
at night right next to our moored up boat. The Earth with temperatures reaching up to 60c in the
lights from the boat attracted the plankton and the summer months. Fortunately we were there in
whale shark took advantage of the easy meal. We winter and the temperature was an almost bearable
were told that shining torches at the whale shark 35c. On the way to the Lake we stopped off at the
or setting off our camera strobes would frighten it Djiboutian equivalent of the Grand Canyon, a 750m
away so any underwater photography would have gorge carved through the rocks that provided a
to be using the available light from the boat only. magnificent spectacle, particularly for those without
However, flash photography was allowed from the a fear of heights. Just before reaching the lake we
boat, so while a few people snorkelled with the were shown a geothermal area of hot bubbling
shark and some managed to get good video footage waters that provided a reminder of the volcanic
of it, I stayed on board and, from the deck, took a nature of the surrounding landscape. There were
few shots of it swallowing vast quantities of water, even some small fish in the waters that seemed to
expelling most of it through its gills and consuming thrive in temperatures of 80c or so. The lake itself
the plankton that was left behind. is bordered by a vast shoreline of white salt and
The final highlight of our Djibouti trip was gypsum that contrasts with the blues, greens and
on land rather than underwater, an excursion to pinks of the water and the hazy blue of the distant
Lake Assal. Itís one of the saltiest lakes in the mountains. Salt is still harvested commercially
world and also one of the lowest at 155m below at the lake but the locals have also turned their
sea level. Reputedly it is also the hottest place on attention to the tourist trade, selling a variety of salt
42/44 www.uwpmag.com
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42/45
Wakatobi
By Michael Wicks
42/46 www.uwpmag.com
Clown Fish
Canon Rebel xTi, Ikelite housing, 100mm macro,
DS51 single Strobe, 1/125, F2.8, ISO 200
42/48 www.uwpmag.com
recommend bringing along adapters so you can
charge your iPod and batteries in your room. 2) If
you do charge batteries in the Camera Room plan
on it taking about 24 hours and for your batteries
to get extremely hot. 3) This is a resort BUT the air
conditioning is just enough to make it manageably
at night to sleep. As our organizer Wendy stated
“it’s good but it’s not American industrial strength
A/C.” I found that by true midnight it was quite
pleasant in our bungalow. 4) Nitrox is available but
it’s kind of expensive. I originally signed up but
then decided not too go that route and I was one of
the divers staying up past Wakatobi midnight.
local crew was amazing as well. All are learning for medical care and helping to build new houses Over all Wakatobi is a definite must visit
English and always with a smile on their faces. and schools. It was an incredible experience resort. The staff, the service, and the diving is top
The food was amazing and bountiful. though and all the villagers were kind and the notch and worth all the hours in the air to get there.
Although I personally didn’t gain weight, it was children love posing for pictures and following you
extremely easy to do so. The menu for lunch and around to talk and describe things.
dinner was ever changing. One afternoon I saw a It would be extremely difficult to find anything
Michael Wicks
local man carrying 2 huge Tuna’s. When I asked negative about the resort or the people in Wakatobi. mwicks@ifindit.net
one of the dive guides about it, his eyes lit up and he The camera room is not only set up perfectly for
beamed “Mmm. Looks like Tuna Sashimi tonight.” many shooters but it’s
It was THE freshest sashimi I’ve had in a long time. also the coldest room
There really is something on the menu for everyone. on the island. They
Should you decide that you want to dine outside, also have a lounge with
there are a few tables alongside the dining building, one computer that has
and Wendy won’t hesitate to bring out candles and internet access and wifi
place settings to complete the outdoor ambiance. in the long house. But
On your last day you’ll dive in the morning. the internet is very slow
Then in the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity and sometimes doesn’t
to visit the village on the other side of the island. work so don’t stress over
Bring some rupees (the locals don’t take other not getting that email
currency) if you want to buy hand made sarongs. out. Some other things
But prepare yourself as this villiage is just emerging should be noted before
from what can only be classified as 3rd world status. you go. 1) 110-120 is
Wakatobi Dive resort is doing their best to help only available in the
them by providing electricity, education, arranging Camera room I highly
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42/49
Exploring Uncharted FakFak
With Tim Rock and Miyuki Konda
The last best place. Natural Wonder. Heart Conservation International. One survey revealed
of Diversity. The new Mecca for divers. So many 20 corals, 24 fish and eight mantis shrimp believed
superlatives have been heaped upon Indonesia’s to be new to science and they find more every time
Raja Ampat region that I was a bit skeptical. But they go. Even lowly sport divers come up with new
when The Seahorse’s cruise director Alberto Reija or very odd critters on a typical trip.
called me and told me about an exploratory cruise The most famous may be the odd epaulette
to Triton Bay and other Raja regions I told him I shark that has adapted to the bottom. It’s called
was in. I had to see this place for myself. And you a “walking” sharks. There are also drab wrasse
know what? It’s really good diving. It is all that it’s that make colorful male courting displays. This is
cracked up to be. It’s a pretty special place. commonly called a flasher wrasse. MSY Seahorse
But what was even more special was the area is the first dive live aboard to start operating
we explored at the start of the trip. This was Triton FakFak route in 2006. Since then the crew has been
Bay and FakFak. And it’s simply amazing. Reefs in discovering new dive sites on every voyage in the
this oddly named “coral triangle” include tracts off FakFak-Triton Bay area.
the coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, So we embarked one evening for the hidden
Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and East coves and scenic backdrops that would be the ship’s
Timor. They are the ocean’s more diverse and are home ports for the next two weeks. The Seahorse
home to roughly 600 species of reef-building coral. is a roomy ship that was built under watchful eyes.
I was happy to get there. It took a couple Special attention was paid to the shape of the bow
of days to do it. Triton Bay has yet to be dived and keel weight and other nautical aspects. So even
regularly by recreational divers. There are some though it looks like a traditional phinisi, it is much
local planes that fly into Kaimana and FakFak but more stable and knifes through the seas more like
nothing on the order of those that service places like a modern yacht. The ship has a cruising speed of
Manado. They’re just local flights in rather small 9-12 knots to ensure swift travel. But the natural
planes. But the place has so much promise that you wood still creaks a bit and gives it a warm and rustic
put up with a few overnights in Bali and Balikpapan
and a few more stops along the way. (Top) The Seahorse rests in the straits at Triton Bay.
This is where scientists keep on breaking the Nearby are ancient cave paintings.
record of diversity and new species. This Bird’s (Right) Corals, crinoids and a gazillion fusiliers
Head region in Western Papua, which is part of punctuate the dive at David’s Rock in the Iris Strait.
Indonesia, may be the most biologically diverse (Tokina 10-17, Nikon D200, Aquaitica Housing and
in all the oceans according to scientists from Ikelite DS125 Strobes)
42/50 www.uwpmag.com
The Windows at Misool offers a great spot for the Coral reef runs right up to the mangroves at Blue
use of creative lighting. (Tokina 10-17, Nikon D200, Water Mangrove. (Tokina 10-17, Nikon D200,
Aquaitica Housing and Ikelite DS125 Strobes) Aquaitica Housing and Ikelite DS125 Strobes)
(Top right) Moving through the islands near
Barunusu. (Sigma 10-20, Nikon D200 at 1/15 shutter
speed)
feel. It made a superb dive platform for this kind of of attention lately because it contains a mixture of
(Right) A brilliant yellow fan opens its polyps to
adventure. deep basins and shallower waters. Scientists believe
feed at David’s Rock. (Tokina 10-17, Nikon D200,
The fish and soft corals just in the shallows the reason for the diversity here is that global sea
Aquaitica Housing and Ikelite DS125 Strobes)
around Saruenus Island were abundant. Most of the levels have risen and fallen over the millennia. Here
islands are limestone uplifts and outcrops. Even in basins would have become isolated. This would
the very shallow water only 3 feet deep, brilliant harboring shoals of sweepers and hungry lionfish create a habitat for species to evolve differently.
soft corals abound. They were visible from the dive covered some of the bottom. Other boulders had big Then they later returned to the open sea as waters
boast as we entered the water. The beauty of a great stands soft corals, sea fans and walls of tubastrea again rose.
deal of the diving here is that many of these bays corals. The brilliant reds of the soft corals and Another contributing factor could be the
and passes aren’t deep. 60 feet was about as deep as the hot salmon of the tube corals gave the place a region’s isolation. Few people live here and large
we went on many dives and a lot were in the 20-40 kaleidoscopic effect. Currents brought out the fish. forests abound, depositing nutrients into the sea.
foot area. It was a great dive. When I told the crew I always Few people and food make it easier for unique
The next day we moved to Aiduma Island. wanted a dive site, the promptly named it Tim’s species and ecosystems to develop and survive.
As we sat at anchor sipping coffee and preparing Rock. Sweet. We went back for more and found As we made our way to places to you don’t
for the first dive of the day, a tiger shark was seen sweetlips, big jellies and lots more. What a great read about in geography books - Mengkawu,
cruising near the surface right by the ship. Not surprise. Dramai, Faukate, Nusurumi, Iris Strait - we saw
far off the ship’s bow an interesting looking rock There appears to be a lot of discoveries like few people and no villages. At David’s Rock,
island jutted from the sea. We decided to explore it this place just waiting to be found. Bird’s Head named after the revered David Doubilet of National
and it was truly awesome. Huge black coral forests Peninsula along the western tip is the focus of a lot Geographic, wobbegong sharks crowded under big
www.uwpmag.com
42/51
The back of a sea cucumber carries this commensal shrimp at Little Komodo in A sea snake heads out of the arch at Triton Bay. Tokina 10-17, Nikon D200,
Triton Bay. (Sigma Macro 50mm, Nikon D200, Aquaitica Housing and Ikelite Aquaitica Housing and Ikelite DS125 Strobes
DS125 Strobes)
boulders. Looking like something out steroids. Everything is big, full and Outstanding corals, especially the Exposed stalactites and stalagmites
of Sesame Street, these sharks were natural. This river falls directly into multi-hued and oversized soft corals, give way to odd drawings. At the
ubiquitous under the many ledges in the sea making a fantastic waterfall are also a big draw for the sport diver. mouth of this channel we spotted a
the bays. Again shoals of fusiliers right at the ocean’s edge. Snorkelers Current fed channels and inner passes resident pod of pilot whales.
roamed the reefs and anthias played can actually push through it and look keep the coral blooming and growing As we headed back toward
in the currents. Sea snakes were also back out to sea from behind the falls. at a spectacular rate. Some soft corals a bit more of civilization, famed
plentiful here. Its cool and refreshing and a sensory grow just below the surface and attach Misool made the macro buffs happy.
At Momon there’s one of the overload experience. One of the crew to everything from mangrove roots to On each dive we regularly found
most awe-inspiring natural sites hiked up the river a bit and saw a rare rock islands. critters. Pygmy seahorses came in
anyone could wish for. A big river tree kangaroo in the jungle as well. Triton Bay also offers an ancient more than one species, nudibranchs,
runs down through the cloud-covered The instances of rarely seen fish history that can be seen in ancient devil scorpionfish, wonderpuss,
forest. This are looks like Thailand’s and the abundance of more common cave paintings. These uplifted frogfish, leaf fish, ornate ghost
Phi-Phi or Palau’s Rock Islands on fish life is one of the main attractions. drawings sit in a board channel. pipefish and some rarities including
42/52 www.uwpmag.com
Snorkeler Miyuki Konda glides past the
Momon falls on snorkel. (Tokina 10-17,
"It is always a joy to return.
Nikon D200, Aquaitica Housing and
Ikelite DS125 Strobes) Hard to improve on perfection!"
Heather & Bud Sellick, USA, September 2007 (4th visit)
The future for this odd and
new region is bright as it has caught
the attention of environmentalists.
Many conservation partners are
now working with the Indonesian
government to protect the special
areas of the Bird’s Head peninsula
and Raja Ampat. It is the goal to see
the area managed in a sustainable
way. With inevitable development
and increased fisheries, fishing using
explosives and cyanide will surface as
it has in other parts of Indo, and will
have a negative impact.
a sea fan pipefish were all snapped We anchored in a secluded bay.
by eager photogs. Archerfish in the Islands fell into the ocean and dotted
in Nampele’s Blue Water Mangrove the seascape. Small, idyllic beaches
came in schools. We also found the with a handful of coconut palms were
very photogenic juvenile batfish. And bathed in the warm glow of the sun.
floating along in perfect camouflage After two weeks of diving this rich
was a juvenile tripletail, a fish that new venue, we actually wanted more.
comprises but a single species. Flying out the next day, we cruised
The diving here offers so high over the West Papuan Bird’s
much varied topography that there Head. Its beauty and isolation will
really was never a dull moment.
We explored caves, caverns, swim-
keep it special for quite a while as it
slowly gains its popularity. Maybe
Kungkungan Bay Resort
throughs, walls, current-fed points, the smitten authors are correct. It may Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
islands, channels, passes, rock falls be the last best place.
and lots more. We didn’t dive any T. 62-431-817347, divekbr.com
wrecks but I bet there’s one or two of Tim Rock
those as well.
www.doubleblue.com
www.uwpmag.com
42/53
Seasonal Selection
by Mark Webster
Those of us of a certain age will remember
the days when our mother’s used to plan the family
menu based on the produce available during the
prevailing season. Now of course we have global
distribution and delivery of almost any food you
can imagine at any time of year, which means that
we can buy strawberries at Christmas time in the
UK for example. Progress to be sure, but is it for
Like all nudibranchs Polycera quadralineata are Mating sea hares – unlike nudibranchs, sea hares
the best? Despite the gloomy predictions of global
hermaphrodite and whenever they meet will begin to appear to adopt a more traditional method of
warming the seasons do still prevail in the temperate
copulate. Nikon D100, L&M Titan housing, 105mm copulation. Nikon D100, L&M Titan housing,
seas around my home coastline of Cornwall in the
micro, Inon Quad flash, ISO 200 f16 1/30 105mm micro, Inon Quad flash, ISO 200 f11 1/60
UK. These changes provide an interesting variety
of different photographic subjects to be pursued
dependant on the time of year. The largest and most common species will be the they do come in a wide range of colour variations
Although there are hundreds of excellent sea lemons (Archidoris pseudoargus), which can be and patterns and average in size between 2cm to
dive sites around this coastline, I find that I make as long as 50mm (2”) and are seen in a variety of 12cm. At the end of 2007 we had an unusual event –
many of my dives in two of the bays in this area colours. Their arrival is heralded by the appearance an invasion of giant sea hares! The late summer and
– Falmouth Bay and Porthcurno Bay, which is close of rosettes of delicately coloured eggs on the reef autumn had been very warm and unusually calm
to Lands End. Both of these areas offer differing and you may be lucky enough to find them in the and in late October reports of sea hares as large
topographies and habitats and between them offer act of laying or mating, but if not the animals will as rugby balls began to surface. The exaggeration
almost the whole selection of marine life you are not be far from the egg masses although they can be turned out to be only marginal and we soon
likely to encounter elsewhere on this coast. The remarkably well camouflaged. Other species include discovered hundreds of the large (up to 30cm+)
advantage of repetitive diving individual sites is of Polycera quadralineata and Limacia clavigera sub tropical species Apylsia depilans busy mating
course familiarity with the marine life, but also the which are white with bright yellow markings but in pairs or in groups of five or six the shallows of
opportunity to observe the changes as the seasons much smaller and mostly found on kelp or the red Helford river and throughout Falmouth Bay. Whilst
progress. lettuce seaweed they feed on. These little critters these monsters are not particularly colourful it
really need additional magnification, perhaps 2:1, to was an impressive sight to see the seabed so well
January to March – Nudibranchs, Sea hares photograph effectively. populated with them and their coils of colourful egg
and Lumpsuckers Sea hares are closely related to nudibranchs strings. The first big storm in late November soon
and are normally also common at the beginning of chased them off.
Depending on how cold the winter has been the year when they congregate in shallow water to One of the strangest looking spring visitors
the nudibranchs begin to appear as early as January. breed. Although not as striking as the nudibranchs is the lumpsucker which looks a little like a cross
42/54 www.uwpmag.com
between a frog fish and a gurnard. Although the
lumpsucker is quite common in our northern
waters it is not often found in the warmer waters
of Cornwall. Early to mid spring is the breeding
period for these fish when the female will lay her
eggs in shallow sheltered waters, often amongst the
kelp stypes or in some fissure in the reef to protect
them from heavy swells. She then abandons them
to the tender care of her mate who will stay with
the eggs to tend and guard them until they hatch.
This incubation period normally lasts from two
to four weeks and throughout this time the male
lumpsucker will almost continuously oxygenate the When the male corkwing wrasse is nest building they
developing eggs by puffing water over them through are constantly on the move. Follow them slowly until
his mouth, whilst also seeing off predators seeking you see the nest site and then wait patiently for your
an easy meal. Throughout this period the male opportunity. Nikon F90X, Subal housing, 105mm
lumpsucker changes colour to a bright red to orange micro, Inon Quad flash, Fujichrome Velvia 50 ASA,
livery instead of his more normal and effective f8 1/60
camouflage colours of drab brown and green. Whilst
guarding the eggs they do not eat and gradually get
weaker and are often covered in sea lice. When the
eggs hatch it is often too late for the male and they
rarely survive.
is completely harmless to the intrepid fishermen who often see them whilst
photographer and it fact is now a hauling their pots.
protected species in the UK and You need to develop a good
throughout Europe. Recent years technique for getting close to the
off the Cornish coast have seen sharks and it helps to have done some
significant numbers of sharks sited, training with your snorkel and wet
running into the hundreds, and also suit – the chase can be hard work!
some not previously seen behaviour, Most encounters are brief. After you
notably breaching in a similar fashion have spotted your target shark from
to great whites, only in this case it is the boat the best technique is to slip
not associated with feeding. into the water ahead of it and watch
Basking sharks are thought the dorsal and tail fins swim towards
to be migratory, following the rich you on the surface. You can then
plankton blooms in temperate waters snorkel on an intercepting course until
the reef where the nest is being built. from its usual camouflage livery to on which they feed. During the late the shark bursts from the murk into
During the nest construction and after dark grey or black with pale lips when winter the waters of the south west your viewfinder. When feeding they
spawning when the male is tending guarding the eggs whilst, unusually, reach their lowest temperature which will ignore you and veer off a metre
the egg mass the corkwing will remain both the male and female Butter fish often results in the best visibility, but or two away and at this point you will
close to the nest site and often settle take turns to guard their eggs. All not a lot of fish activity due to the low need to put on a burst of speed to stay
on it for a few moments. These are these species lay their eggs in small food levels. As spring approaches the alongside briefly for a few head and
the best opportunities to capture these crevices on the reef or under stones surface water temperature begins to tail shots. The plankton will often
strikingly patterned fish and if you and shells and will often be seen warm slowly until the first period of break up into patches and you can
are patient enough the male will soon moving around them to flush water extended sunshine, maybe only three observe individual sharks cruising
relax and present good opportunities across the eggs and oxygenate them. or four days, which is the catalyst for around the edges as they consume
to get some close up shots. an explosive growth of zooplankton. there own personal banquet. This
During the same period there are May to July - Basking Sharks This generally occurs in early May behaviour presents perhaps the best
other male species left to tend their and as soon as I hear complaints about opportunity to position yourself on the
developing offspring. Amongst these If you are keen on big animal the soupy visibility in the local dive edge and wait for the shark to swim
are common and black gobies, Butter action then it is difficult to beat the shop I know that the first sharks will by you time and again.
fish or Gunnels, Tompot blennies and basking shark. The second biggest not be far behind. The first sightings The best photographs will be
Shannies. The male Shanny changes fish in the sea (after the whale shark) are generally from the local cove boat taken using natural light only – forget
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your flash as it will only produce (Left) Compass jellyfish are another
monumental backscatter and be species that appear with the plankton
too unwieldy to move quickly on blooms. The tentacles can give an
the surface. A wide angle lens is unpleasant sting, so be cautious if
essential but a fish eye is generally working close under the jelly fish.
too wide unless it is a film lens on a Nikon D100, L&M Titan housing,
crop sensor. So for a crop sensor a 18-35mm zoom, Subtronic Mini flash
12-24mm zoom is ideal and for a full guns, ISO 100 f11 1/80.
frame chip try either a 20mm or 17-
35mm zoom. (Right) Cuttlefish begin to appear
Depending on sunlight choose around April when they come into
ISO 100 or 200, set your shutter the shallows to mate and lay eggs. Eel
speed to 125th and meter the water grass beds are a good place to search
below the surface and then perhaps and their amorous activities often
open half a stop on the aperture – the distract them from your approach.
sharks are grey and sometimes quite Nikon F90X, Subal housing, 60mm
dark. Auto focus will often hunt on all micro, Sea & Sea YS50 and YS30,
the particles in the water, so fix your Fujichrome Velvia 50ASA, f8 1/60
focus at a range that will fill the lens
with shark, perhaps 1-1.5m, wait until
the shark is sharp as it sweeps towards
you and then shoot you four or five moon jelly) which can reach half often join these jelly fish from their begin to appear in shallow water
frames whilst beginning the swim to a metre or more in diameter, but planktonic stage to seek protection after the winter storms to mate and
keep up! occasionally it will be the Compass from predators by hiding in the lay their eggs. The average size of an
jelly fish (Chrysaora hysoscella) or canopy or amongst the tendrils of the adult cuttle fish seen in our waters in
June to September - Jelly Fish the Lion’s Mane (Cyanea capillata). jelly fish, where they seem not to be 20-25cm long, but during the spring
The Lion’s Mane can have very bothered by the stinging cells. A zoom breeding season we often encounter
The jelly fish season tends to long tendrils which can give you an wide angle lens is best for these plus a much larger example of up to 60cm
follow the basking sharks but can unpleasant sting whilst the other two touch of flash to light them up against in length. Their preferred breeding
sometimes overlap if the plankton species are pretty much benign. the sun on the surface. ground is amongst the eel grass which
bloom persists into the summer All three species are most often can be found in several locations in
months. Although several species of encountered in shallow water drifting April to November - Cuttle Fish the far south west. They are often very
jelly fish are reliably seen each year with the tide but when numbers are easy to approach whilst courting and
there is often an explosion of a certain high they will often be swept into You can normally see cuttle fish laying their eggs, often at the base of
species every couple of years. More sheltered bays to plague the swimmers any time between April and November the eel grass stalks or on kelp stypes.
often this is the large Rhysostoma but make easier photographic targets. although activity is different over But then these larger animals
(sometimes locally known as the Juvenile fish (horse mackerel??) these months. Early in the year they disappear and for the remainder of
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Cuttlefish have amazing camouflage and colour change skills. They can either
mimic their surroundings or as in this case display a bold pattern. Nikon D200,
Subal ND20, 12-24mm zoom, Subtronic Mini flash guns, ISO 100 f8 1/60 Grey Atlantic trigger fish will generally pick a small reef area and remain close to
it for several weeks late in the season. This seems to be associated with cleaning
stations (by goldsinney wrasse) and the opportunity to school with bass and
the spring and summer we are back into the seaweeds. If you dive a site pollack. Nikon D200, Subal ND20, 12-24mm zoom, Subtronic Mini flash guns,
to the ‘average’ size but often in large regularly over the season the resident ISO 100 f8 1/60
numbers. They congregate in shallow cuttle fish will accept you and become
sheltered bays and seem to prefer light bolder with each dive to the point your fins by angry titan trigger fish, be observed eating mussels from both
gravel or heavy sand seabeds where where they will all but ignore you and you might be less than delighted with reef and wreckage or picking winkles
there are thick growths of standing continue to feed on the small fish that the prospect of meeting a related delicately from kelp fronds before
seaweeds (bootlace, Japweed etc.) to are also attracted by your presence. species in temperate waters. In recent spitting out the remains of the shell.
hide amongst. years we have been seeing increasing Juveniles have not been reported so
In September and October we September to November - numbers of the Atlantic or grey trigger far and it seems unlikely that they
start to see the juveniles appearing Atlantic Trigger Fish fish (Balistes carolinensis) which spawn in our waters as this apparently
ranging in size from 2cm to 10cm begins to appear in late summer, but commonly occurs in temperatures
in length but possessing all the If, like me, your most memorable fortunately has not developed a taste of 21ºC or more. However, the
camouflage, pattern and texture skills encounters with tropical trigger for fins yet. temperatures off the Cornish coast
that the adults have even down to fish involve some nifty defensive These trigger fish are mostly rose to 19-21ºC for two or three
miniature jets of ink as they scoot off swimming and repeated chewing of shell fish diners and they will be often months this summer so it may only be
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Red mullet are closely related to the
Mediterranean and sub tropical goat
fish and begin to appear in early
summer as the water temperature
increases. Nikon D100, L&M Titan
housing, 18-35mm zoom, Subtronic
Mini flash guns, ISO 100 f11 1/80.
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Parting Shot connection to the sea. The
rain forest gives way to
mangroves, surrounding
still waters that support
Persevere, avoid the crowds… a few fish, and millions
and cheat! of Mastigias jellies. The
I’ve always wanted to shoot jellies float around the lakes
a good image of a jellyfish, having where they live, following
failed with British jellies when I the sun. they have lost
started out in 1990 using a Sea & most of their sting, and
Sea Motormarine II, bought from live by the photosynthetic
a dubious back-alley shop near algae that stain their bodies
Hammersmith in west London (I think brown. A severe El Ninjo
it was called Ocean Optics, and run by caused them to expel their
a couple of suspicious characters who symbiotic algae and most
seemed to build their own cameras in died, like bleached coral.
the back room). There are a few
Martin Edge has a wonderful barriers to meeting the
jelly in his book, “The Underwater jellies. Buy a permit, then
Photographer”. I always wondered a speedboat ride at hair-
how he shot it in a tide pool, with a raising velocities through
sunburst in the frame. the narrow twisting channels between
Being older, richer and less the Rock Islands. Clamber over a with the surface in it. After 45 minutes underneath a jelly, with my strobes
tolerant of cold water I set off a sharp limestone ridge, with camera (the official ration of time for visitors pulled back behind the camera. I
couple of months ago for Palau, an and fins. Apparently the vegetation to the lake) I give up. guess where the jellyfish will appear,
independent state in the western to either side is poisonous, but the Next week my companions and shoot several frames.
Pacific, that nevertheless feels like snakes aren’t. You are not allowed an want to sunbathe, but I give the lake Everything falls into place.
a small corner of the USA. One aqualung. another chance. It’s calm now, and the
attraction was the famous Jellyfish A small jetty is crowded with visitors are inexplicably concentrated
Lake, now apparently recovered from tourists, all wearing life-jackets, and 100 yards away from the jellyfish. I
Tim Priest
the catastrophic death of its jellyfish most don’t seem to know how to dive down several times, and shoot
several years ago. swim. They have to be negotiated, as upwards against the light. I’m using
Do you have a nice shot with a
The Rock Islands of Palau the jellies are about 200 yards away, a 10.5mm fisheye lens, and the jellies
short story behind it?
are fossil coral reefs supported by across the lake. It’s unseasonably look very small.
If so e mail me and yours could
a slowly sinking volcano. Water windy, and the choppy water is hazy. Then I have a sudden inspiration.
percolates through the limestone to I have two strobes and a 12-24mm I float at the surface, and hold my be the next “Parting shot”.
fill salty lakes that have no direct zoom, but I can’t get a decent shot camera with its dome port just peter@uwpmag.com
42/62 www.uwpmag.com