tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55297398934155062942024-03-13T19:31:01.201-07:00SaltwaterPhoto.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-88087779746927125302022-08-05T10:02:00.004-07:002022-08-05T10:02:41.621-07:00<p></p><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><b>"The Blackwater World"<br /></b><b>Aquarium of the Pacific, First Wednesday lecture series</b></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had the great honor of speaking at the Aquarium of the Pacific as a part of their lecture series called, "The First Wednesday" program. Getting the timing right on when to schedule the talk was tough as i spend most of my time in the field, which is a fancy way of saying, goofing off diving. We finally agreed on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022 which gave me an 8 month window to prepare from the first point of contact.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Doing talks like these are extremely important. They allow me to justify my "work" and to share the experience with people that might not ever dive or kid's etc. and experienced divers alike. All jokes aside, i find that doing these types of talks are not only my duty as an ocean lover to advocate and introduce people to our oceans inhabitants but to do it in a way that they understand. Connecting people to the unknown, giving them an understanding of what they see before them and hopefully encourage them to care for the oceans in the process.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was also able to use portions of my book "The Blackwater World" during my talk giving the public a sneak preview of what that will be like as well, which was also very exciting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my belief system, we are ALL connected in someway. Discovering those connections is part of the human experience but it isn't exclusive. Animals that roam our planet above and below are just as much alive as humans with the same spirit of life and the will to survive, infact even more so. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was lucky enough to have photos taken during the talk in the AOP's Honda theater. The theater has a huge screen and seating for 300. Tickets were "Sold Out" online but the head count was aprx. 178.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Special thanks to everyone that attended, to my sponsors, Kraken sports, Sea and Sea, Retra and of course the Aquarium of the Pacific and to Emma Bodota and Crystal Blue Resort staff and my incredible dive team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The You Tube link is below if you would like to watch the entire video, in my opinion, the video quality is much better than the live version.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuziYRZYY48" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Mike Bartick at the AOP</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvLhi9D7oMZ1FLY7jQtzub6TO11uEvFevUoibAHhk4VwM4x9fk1k3c6YPQqNXcTAwyxNFQgfffe9n73pTiEf4ooR24eLFUlHRPjqp_dAUDOBfZ1nO-2dO39hgz4Ark0cLygcHOEd7GhTXIxz0YSNEUjBoONgoV4uznCwi1JVZkdC21F-flgyKf1-L/s3748/Me%20at%20AOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2811" data-original-width="3748" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvLhi9D7oMZ1FLY7jQtzub6TO11uEvFevUoibAHhk4VwM4x9fk1k3c6YPQqNXcTAwyxNFQgfffe9n73pTiEf4ooR24eLFUlHRPjqp_dAUDOBfZ1nO-2dO39hgz4Ark0cLygcHOEd7GhTXIxz0YSNEUjBoONgoV4uznCwi1JVZkdC21F-flgyKf1-L/w640-h480/Me%20at%20AOP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me during my talk at the AOP </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODpIcM1CecPJq0nP9bbkBWqWCMn3XGDJ4bDHu2ngb6WcnFaj-RSMMuHoAFYFXZJFwXDziVviACJmqyr-VYcLV7lWw6e7dqQNmcdyLJyTe6OL8ETueRsOTDGc_PHhq7lelwMCig_tyGusWRsR6m1de3hd9YRwf7tFb4Uvx0W4k5OUVhRsTDNMinNIG/s7000/Blanky%20pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4668" data-original-width="7000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODpIcM1CecPJq0nP9bbkBWqWCMn3XGDJ4bDHu2ngb6WcnFaj-RSMMuHoAFYFXZJFwXDziVviACJmqyr-VYcLV7lWw6e7dqQNmcdyLJyTe6OL8ETueRsOTDGc_PHhq7lelwMCig_tyGusWRsR6m1de3hd9YRwf7tFb4Uvx0W4k5OUVhRsTDNMinNIG/w640-h426/Blanky%20pose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">A posing female blanket octopus posing for my camera</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6purLEMxV6j7T3EGX7yfAvrAfYGacdZoCYTUSjciyX4SdKyxRJEOClBHVitnUUAInvMjdvAAVEGWqebHzBlQcJfGRF7YQ1C77I-zkyR-jfEaiYI3WL40K83iNbGt3v64BMp9jwP8szMNoK4krDsE8YlOmxHeJevjCpa_gopEjGCJNMkHm5Yu2XX9/s7000/Champsodon-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4667" data-original-width="7000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6purLEMxV6j7T3EGX7yfAvrAfYGacdZoCYTUSjciyX4SdKyxRJEOClBHVitnUUAInvMjdvAAVEGWqebHzBlQcJfGRF7YQ1C77I-zkyR-jfEaiYI3WL40K83iNbGt3v64BMp9jwP8szMNoK4krDsE8YlOmxHeJevjCpa_gopEjGCJNMkHm5Yu2XX9/w640-h426/Champsodon-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champsodon sp. was just one of the fascinating creatures featured during my talk</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6r41uzxCLTcDSWbQPooz_Svl5dagyjwiM86LpMZY17pwIH19KCDIPrCDOVzTrdUGiCfhHr3-8875f-XjdZGDlBCOOb8Qpbwli0pTbUcK2jlGfsplVc5Me-9skvsWkXMbm3pewti5xm9AYjjgE4Gu_x0FEdnV-jR7lbnxGoordkrMbdPRgtsAuzxVn/s4032/Kelda%20and%20pyrosoe-AOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6r41uzxCLTcDSWbQPooz_Svl5dagyjwiM86LpMZY17pwIH19KCDIPrCDOVzTrdUGiCfhHr3-8875f-XjdZGDlBCOOb8Qpbwli0pTbUcK2jlGfsplVc5Me-9skvsWkXMbm3pewti5xm9AYjjgE4Gu_x0FEdnV-jR7lbnxGoordkrMbdPRgtsAuzxVn/w640-h480/Kelda%20and%20pyrosoe-AOP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I loved showing the audience just how large things can be while explaining that most planktons are tiny.<div>Thanks Kelda for posing next to this enormous Pyrosome.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><br /> <p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-69612584710242073652022-07-19T12:41:00.002-07:002022-07-19T12:41:42.415-07:00Homecoming<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy homecoming</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ive long said, “<i>special subjects require special lighting”</i> and the past dive season in Anilao certainly dished up some special critters.<br />
Upon my return to the resort in October of 2021, we immediately geared up and started diving. We dove 25 days straight, night and day, looking for critters, enjoying the water and drifting in the bay at night doing blackwater dives and working on my soon to be released book.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">October is an interesting part of the year to dive in Anilao. The main portion of the rainy season is behind us, the water is warm and for the most part, glassy calm. Critters are a bit deeper due to the inclement weather and water temps being so warm, yet there are still a lot of things to see, particularly in the water column. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our first larval fish drop of the season occurs during this time frame, so blackwater dives are also great! </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs3gb6BCgG4NU3rDC7gnOJ_EWlr5tgSuNZ3Da3rVG2k12G6va-jLVdsQVaPku8XhhQWEedOsa3376iSAA8mDIqeiQOoRbGPOepSw0vSkUYWO-fYaA_vdLKK-WBisJzOCoe51iqW-n58Cs-1sQDnexVdaALqaoZZhRRwAN7LN0QCAZi7AsAfCpqIKA/s1507/Tongue%20sole%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1005" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs3gb6BCgG4NU3rDC7gnOJ_EWlr5tgSuNZ3Da3rVG2k12G6va-jLVdsQVaPku8XhhQWEedOsa3376iSAA8mDIqeiQOoRbGPOepSw0vSkUYWO-fYaA_vdLKK-WBisJzOCoe51iqW-n58Cs-1sQDnexVdaALqaoZZhRRwAN7LN0QCAZi7AsAfCpqIKA/w426-h640/Tongue%20sole%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tongue sole</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Once back to the resort, the first dives were of course, BW and this stunning Tonguefish was one of the first blackwater subjects we found that night. Only a few MM in length with long connected filaments and transparent body.</span></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YuIAfSlAc9KJtsixBFu7wHVB91TE3wXaW53pY9Nv0zPpvZfW1LwPLpfXs_FNdJXUBjuKXZ_zgMQggjS203ns0w_18f1rFpWnXangeSEhfyDTNf9IRwglEKnA0uYguQvVTKaOJg_AAvRhdzI1XBogCOQam_nvVyaVvvngxb2pN5xQQcSDzpjLLB3g/s2228/Vibrant%20reef%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2228" data-original-width="1485" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YuIAfSlAc9KJtsixBFu7wHVB91TE3wXaW53pY9Nv0zPpvZfW1LwPLpfXs_FNdJXUBjuKXZ_zgMQggjS203ns0w_18f1rFpWnXangeSEhfyDTNf9IRwglEKnA0uYguQvVTKaOJg_AAvRhdzI1XBogCOQam_nvVyaVvvngxb2pN5xQQcSDzpjLLB3g/w426-h640/Vibrant%20reef%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vibrant Beatriz reef</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Exploring the reefs by day and drifting by night, after the long hiatus of being away, the return to Anilao was and is always intoxicating.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X5ZXnK83KJB2Bo38x3mr-kwHakjsEF41vDkWpY3_KUoIj6n2QfjSAEHf-n2HsfDt9Kba2pbv03dvRZrCOCgdLA4-V4N1tuznYpeY7A__P3i2E_JjVqT6VyJo3oAMeajNwzkFMe4bWjfw2dLngWNTXrhHnntfeC2-surO9Wx9T3xnV2McDPXgkk2B/s1570/Male%20nauty%20on%20jelly%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="1047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X5ZXnK83KJB2Bo38x3mr-kwHakjsEF41vDkWpY3_KUoIj6n2QfjSAEHf-n2HsfDt9Kba2pbv03dvRZrCOCgdLA4-V4N1tuznYpeY7A__P3i2E_JjVqT6VyJo3oAMeajNwzkFMe4bWjfw2dLngWNTXrhHnntfeC2-surO9Wx9T3xnV2McDPXgkk2B/w426-h640/Male%20nauty%20on%20jelly%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Argonaut hians on a Jellyfish<br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The male Argo uses his 7th arm to reproduce, the bulge in the photo is that arm (hectocotylus) all charged up and ready to fire. </span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajhjm-eBXTAkJCdfc0PTy_RFokQvmz50TSV77RJLv0ctGgytjergkdPjfesxBcJIyViUxTaLIC52fXzfbav8oZPRL9YLIA9FRWYWEB11WrY7s5oPs99GjwTeFZ9yEhz6eNBZG_B18bGA79tz4rkYhJEdomyerMJb5YFgJkTSVGdjAXdnV7IxUaA3o/s2560/Nauty%20on%20a%20stick%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajhjm-eBXTAkJCdfc0PTy_RFokQvmz50TSV77RJLv0ctGgytjergkdPjfesxBcJIyViUxTaLIC52fXzfbav8oZPRL9YLIA9FRWYWEB11WrY7s5oPs99GjwTeFZ9yEhz6eNBZG_B18bGA79tz4rkYhJEdomyerMJb5YFgJkTSVGdjAXdnV7IxUaA3o/w426-h640/Nauty%20on%20a%20stick%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Argonaut hians, carrying a stick</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Surprisingly, we also had male and female Argonauts on the first few nights. The males were at their largest and the females were looking for mates. This stunning female was still fast despite her carrying this giant stick, crazy argo!</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pIl_sQOZ-pQimKenLP7yw3X_CCsmAgARwwKQYDViI7279Jkx1xRxYSI-wTdYZ3QjRk3gPVvVY--R5U7hCkLnR383bkXjbxuJ4IJhXUdtu1virOs5MQawsjUhzlnQVKSrnON7rBAfTs2N6J7CzATm5WA-kuM1Ry-M8Mq7-WYtH8wTZQKZphvhA-Aa/s2290/Gladz%20and%20turlte%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="2290" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pIl_sQOZ-pQimKenLP7yw3X_CCsmAgARwwKQYDViI7279Jkx1xRxYSI-wTdYZ3QjRk3gPVvVY--R5U7hCkLnR383bkXjbxuJ4IJhXUdtu1virOs5MQawsjUhzlnQVKSrnON7rBAfTs2N6J7CzATm5WA-kuM1Ry-M8Mq7-WYtH8wTZQKZphvhA-Aa/w640-h426/Gladz%20and%20turlte%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad and a turtle on Crystal Blue's House reef<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOttBBydSLhbQFjxrwpViVn_LaBpQumPitsFIlRYM8YwSY2YiiaxSc3krtXVZ-1IYMym61qXKZAvrsDYeGQV_Kmp184DVIs5vNRhkh0Wg-SrxR2DgRRYiZnROXsdydwMYXUBNfMicqAw16vBTrnBSCeS5kDsStVX6J2VWtMDCMJDES_Ssc7aBRuXdC/s7000/BL%20Ghostpipe%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4668" data-original-width="7000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOttBBydSLhbQFjxrwpViVn_LaBpQumPitsFIlRYM8YwSY2YiiaxSc3krtXVZ-1IYMym61qXKZAvrsDYeGQV_Kmp184DVIs5vNRhkh0Wg-SrxR2DgRRYiZnROXsdydwMYXUBNfMicqAw16vBTrnBSCeS5kDsStVX6J2VWtMDCMJDES_Ssc7aBRuXdC/w640-h426/BL%20Ghostpipe%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backlit Harlequin Ghostpipefish</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Coconut was also rebounding from the typhoon that occurred 4 years ago, its nice to see some of our prime dive sites coming back online for guests to enjoy. Subjects like these Ghostpipefish make great photo ops for guests and with a little special backlighting, they glow!<br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKleKf6lHdJxSA3SXIH1UcHIlfuuylr7dBQC1iptCJ6fxWa7yljGDHXsNl_SUYDM0T4MQAaDUHofyAIGzpvvCGyYlth-Uj8tlDYH9FqfGBg7toBRraOWSbfzQNtOOMEB7bCvIUD7bLFzhleC7_YVOalh5H6HFYyDR-FGZ49nue9HkrAMRtv-eg7Fy/s7000/Small%20nembrotha%20(1%20of%201).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4667" data-original-width="7000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKleKf6lHdJxSA3SXIH1UcHIlfuuylr7dBQC1iptCJ6fxWa7yljGDHXsNl_SUYDM0T4MQAaDUHofyAIGzpvvCGyYlth-Uj8tlDYH9FqfGBg7toBRraOWSbfzQNtOOMEB7bCvIUD7bLFzhleC7_YVOalh5H6HFYyDR-FGZ49nue9HkrAMRtv-eg7Fy/w640-h426/Small%20nembrotha%20(1%20of%201).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very small Nembrotha</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course what post would be complete without at least 1 (or 2) slug shots from the Nudibranch capitol of the world. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX27VkRf_NbQ30_V0r5ZnKEDoBw4JpDgADwHluivtKQMIdlideN2fyWUdpEnc6qai-YcfKGJaK0GgN0Z4qpDKjB0U6qzXs10v0TotbEKYSFzlivgDCYK3h1WlzzmiAEvqz9VEyJwSaxqekDaor_BAUEPcsf87zCNqETFNkAada2VnkJrJ4K_fRy2d/s1920/BL%20rhinopias-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX27VkRf_NbQ30_V0r5ZnKEDoBw4JpDgADwHluivtKQMIdlideN2fyWUdpEnc6qai-YcfKGJaK0GgN0Z4qpDKjB0U6qzXs10v0TotbEKYSFzlivgDCYK3h1WlzzmiAEvqz9VEyJwSaxqekDaor_BAUEPcsf87zCNqETFNkAada2VnkJrJ4K_fRy2d/w640-h426/BL%20rhinopias-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caprelid dancing on stage<br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Although this shot was taken much further into the dive season, I couldn't resist posting.<br /><br /><br />All shots taken with my:<br />Nikon D850 | 105mm for macro, 60mm for blackwater and 15mm sigma for wide angle | 2 YSD2 mark II strobes or Retro pro strobes and Backscatter mini flash and snoot.<br /><br />Diving in Anilao is great nearly year round, come out and enjoy the Anilao area and let us show you around. You can come alone, with friends or join workshop to learn new photo techniques or to work on some old ones. Our Critterfest workshops have opening in January 2023. send me. note or an e-mail for more information .<br />Mike@DiveCBR.com</span><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comAnilao, Lipa, Batangas, Philippines13.9047637 121.1739024-14.405470136178845 86.0176524 42.214997536178842 156.3301524tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-81984254235315990442021-09-10T15:13:00.011-07:002021-09-10T15:32:11.812-07:00The Legendary Blanket Octopus<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Blanket octopus is one of those animals that legends could be made of. Imagine being at sea hundreds of years ago fishing day and night, fighting the elements, battling giant fish and encountering large sea faring animals without knowing what they are. I think of this whenever I read about "sea monsters" or giant krakens that have taken down ships and drowning the entire crew. Is it all fish tales by drunken fishermen or is it possible that some of these stories actually have roots in reality, regardless of the rum. After my first encounter with a full sized female blanket octopus, I was told such a story exists about a giant octopus type creature that lives in the Balayan bay. Oddly enough, this giant creature was told to exist in roughly the same area that we had our once in a lifetime experience. Having that encounter and considering what these early fishermen experienced is enough for me to draw a direct line to connect the dots from the present to the past and to realize, these <i>are</i> the creatures that legends are made of.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Blanket Octopus is perhaps one of the most mysterious sea creatures of all times. They are a pelagic octopus that live their entire lifecycle in the open ocean which not only make’s them hard to find, but even harder to study. Much of what I know about them and the information presented here is gleaned from books, the internet, and further formed by personal observations from having multiple personal encounters with them. What i have learned is that the Blanket octopus is a complex animal with intriguing behaviors which range from the way they mate and reproduce to hunting strategies and defense. One thing is for sure, nothing can truly prepare you for the moment you encounter one of these incredible sea creatures.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ6cEYrF1Xs/YSand4DHqdI/AAAAAAAACM4/U_0IKsYDtvsOolKhd9f2_WkkC4MFRz4uACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/1-Male%2BBlanket%2BOccy%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ6cEYrF1Xs/YSand4DHqdI/AAAAAAAACM4/U_0IKsYDtvsOolKhd9f2_WkkC4MFRz4uACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/1-Male%2BBlanket%2BOccy%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Male Blanket Octopus</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">My first encounter with a fully grown female Blanket Octopus was truly an unforgettable experience that was instantly seared into my memory as if it happened a few hours ago. It was late in the evening, the water was cold and I was the last diver in the water. We had guests visiting from Belgium that wanted to experience blackwater diving but sadly on this night, the dive was rather slow. As I was finning back to the downline i saw a huge shadow pass cross our strand of lights. At first, i thought it was a massive jellyfish, then as i got a bit closer it looked like a fat ray of some kind. Preparing for the shot as I finned towards it, the details of this large mystery creature began taking shape. Suddenly, It turned towards me and quickly closed the gap between us. The first thing I noticed was it's basketball sized head and coloration's of white and pink. It had black golf ball sized eyes that were deepset and seemed to be looking straight at me as it nearly ran me over. It was then, at that exact moment that I overwhelmingly knew what I was looking at, this bizarre sea creature is a giant blanket octopus! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Its at moments like these that I hear the words of my mentor, Joe Liburdi screaming in my head, "Chance of a lifetime, don't F*** it up" and I had every intention not too.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKBpNX58veE/YTvQDIzxJjI/AAAAAAAACOQ/uO9389lnMRIOy1MGWJT7edP2IuguUThGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/IMG_2969.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKBpNX58veE/YTvQDIzxJjI/AAAAAAAACOQ/uO9389lnMRIOy1MGWJT7edP2IuguUThGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_2969.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fully grown female Blanket Octopus with eggs ( T. gracilis)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">When your shooting with a 60mm lens in this circumstance the only thing to do is "BTFU" so I began finning backwards to put some space between me and the monster occy, but it kept coming straight towards me. I did everything i could to get a shot, any shot. No one would believe me if i only came back with a story. As I was struggling to photograph this beast, I was continuously shining my powerful hand torch towards the surface hoping one of my guests would see the commotion and jump back in. Realizing that the octopus was as curious of me, as I was of it, I began to relax and observe it casually orbiting our lit downline. Finally, I saw lights from my buddy coming down from the surface and the two of us had our first experience of a lifetime, together with this incredible beautiful creature.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZoLB-rqkbE/YTvSJzAz9dI/AAAAAAAACOY/WlLSj0grJ0o2fOktyygCFh5U7y0Cn6KRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/IMG_2966.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZoLB-rqkbE/YTvSJzAz9dI/AAAAAAAACOY/WlLSj0grJ0o2fOktyygCFh5U7y0Cn6KRACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_2966.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A female blanket Octopus can reach 6 plus feet in size without opening its blanket. **</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The encounter ended only when the flood light on my camera began to blink red which now turned this once in a lifetime encounter into a rescue mission to save the evidence. We lumbered back onto the boat stunned, giddy and crazy with adrenaline as we shared our experience with the other's on the boat who were now all kicking themselves for not joining. Later that night and only after downloading the images, i realized that our “blanky" was obviously a female as she was also carrying eggs. WOW! i yelled, Oh my god, this is *#*# insane!. It was 3:00am and im sure i woke up the entire resort!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Blanket Octopus Contains 4 known species:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">1 T. gelatus-a gelatinous deep water Tremoctopus, cosmopolitan and found in tropical and temperate waters</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">2 T. robsoni-Known from the waters off of New Zealand</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">3 T. gracilis-Palmate octopus-Found in the Indo-Pacific Region **</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">4 T. violaceus, violet colored- Lives in the Atlantic</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The four different octopus can be found in almost all of the planets oceans but each inhabit a different region, sans the polar regions. Their lifecycle can last up to 5 years and have been observed hunting in the same area for an extended period of time. Being a pelagic animal means they don’t make a burrow in the sand or create a home like other octopuses do. These Octopus mate, hunt, feed and thrive in the open ocean and can roam from the depths of the dark zone to the surface, truly master’s of their domain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Over the last few year, I’ve been lucky enough to have multiple encounters with the Male’s and Females and have also been lucky enough to come away with a few decent photos. To have these kinds of encounters requires a willingness to stay out all night on the sea along with a huge scoop of luck.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ5uBfFDPWs/YTvTGlDN08I/AAAAAAAACOg/ugnh5oIyhis_y_WQJNTKm84h3dEPdE0rACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Male%2BBlanket%2Boctopus_anilao.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ5uBfFDPWs/YTvTGlDN08I/AAAAAAAACOg/ugnh5oIyhis_y_WQJNTKm84h3dEPdE0rACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Male%2BBlanket%2Boctopus_anilao.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>A Male Blanket Octopus, about the size of a garden pea, fully grown!<br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Unique in appearance and unique in behavior the Tremoctopus are immune to the deadly nematocysts of many cnidarians including the Man O’war jellyfish. It is reported that juvenile Tremoctpus rip the stinging tentacles from the jellyfish then holds them with their lateral arms, whipping them about to sting their prey and perhaps to protect themselves. Many photos show the trailing tentacles and clearly illustrate that this is indeed a common behavior. Oddly enough, we don’t have a population of Man O’war jellyfish in our bay which leads me to assume that they aren’t selective and will use the tentacles of any venomous jellyfish. </span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYff82InlZk/YTvTh4pu-oI/AAAAAAAACOo/VgPVKy-zElE3uJgjQLhsUGxWQrtbAboZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/3-small%2Bfemale%2BBlanket%2Bocto%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYff82InlZk/YTvTh4pu-oI/AAAAAAAACOo/VgPVKy-zElE3uJgjQLhsUGxWQrtbAboZACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/3-small%2Bfemale%2BBlanket%2Bocto%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A female Blanket towing cnidarians tentacles of some kind</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The sexual behavior is also quite interesting. The male of the species exhibits the highest degree of sexual dimorphism yet to be discovered. The female can measure up to 2 meters in length while the males only reach a size of 2 centimeters, size and weight ratios differ as much as 10,000 times. Male Tremoctopus use a specialized arm called the hectocotylus like other male octopus which contains its sperm pack. The male only needs to touch the female with this specialized arm as it instantly sticks then snaps off, perhaps without her even knowing. The arm then creeps down or somehow finds its way into the ovum of the female where she crushes it, releasing the sperm and fertilizing her eggs when the time is right. Hatching is intermittent.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The male, like other octopus having completed his life’s work, now dies. However the female still has a long life ahead, brooding and caring for her eggs until she finally dies from starvation much like other Octopus. Research says the eggs are kept in a “sausage shaped calcareous secretion” but i couldn'tmake that out from my photos.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUCksyuu-1g/YTvURJrjpxI/AAAAAAAACOw/W1dR6pVw4e42l3av9WlZsiz0eAurqniNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/7-Blanket%2Boctopus%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529%2Bcopy%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUCksyuu-1g/YTvURJrjpxI/AAAAAAAACOw/W1dR6pVw4e42l3av9WlZsiz0eAurqniNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/7-Blanket%2Boctopus%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529%2Bcopy%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky, the flying squirrel !</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Tremoctopus gets is common name from the blanket that it can quickly unfurl and retract. When fully extended they resemble “Rocky, the flying squirrel” and fly through the water in much the same manner. The texture of the blanket looks like an exaggerated version of the webbing that a common octopus has and uses to web over their prey when hunting. However, these guys deploy the blanket to make themselves look bigger and perhaps to hunt and catch crustaceans or other cephalopods like the paper nautilus. The thin membrane is colorful and ocellated much like the feathers of a peacock with a pink, purple-green hue.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Other cool facts:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">They can also detach their webbing to ensnare a would be predator or to evade as well as ink. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The web is attached to the 3rd and 6th arms of the female, palmated by the 4th and 5th arm.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">They will snap their arms outward repeatedly, tightening the blanket as it moves through the water.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeU6pbZl2HI/YTvVQmYJ2AI/AAAAAAAACO4/S_gPeImGle8eyP33Zcs834dYlIR9BCjYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Blankets.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeU6pbZl2HI/YTvVQmYJ2AI/AAAAAAAACO4/S_gPeImGle8eyP33Zcs834dYlIR9BCjYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Blankets.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most extreme example of sexual dimorphism in nature, yet to be discovered </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Male Blankets might be small, but they are mighty and have a complicated relationship with the female. Its also reported that she might not even know when she mated as the sperm loaded arm from the male, snaps off after making contact with the female then finds its own way to the holy grail. If you think about this a little, it makes sense. The female, being so large can glide through the water making contact with multiple males while she is fertile, increasing the odds of a higher rate of fertilized eggs. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YnuBGmhHgzM/YTvXI51iqjI/AAAAAAAACPA/Z-kQfBnY_2IJGeOLabgg0GCWZg0rpoulQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Blanket%2Boctopus_anilao_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YnuBGmhHgzM/YTvXI51iqjI/AAAAAAAACPA/Z-kQfBnY_2IJGeOLabgg0GCWZg0rpoulQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Blanket%2Boctopus_anilao_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A female Blanket, hunting at the surface in the Balayan bay</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.saltwaterphoto.com/Video/i-GRM4cfs/A" target="_blank">Blanket Octopus Movie</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Like a said above, there is nothing quite like encountering one of these majestic animals in the wild and i'm looking forward to learning more about these incredible creatures. The Blanket Octopus is nothing short of incredible!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">All images were shot with Nikon D500 and D850|60mm lens|Sea and Sea Strobes, Housing and Ports| Kraken Sports downline and torches | ultralight clamps</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Video shot with</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Nikon D850|60mm + Kraken wide angle conversion lens| Kraken 12k torches</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Now get out there and have an adventure!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Mike Bartick</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBalayan Bay, Philippines13.8446748 120.849894413.577971923481805 120.575236196875 14.111377676518195 121.124552603125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-72948897796407399382021-08-16T10:45:00.007-07:002021-08-16T10:46:47.696-07:00Blackwater talk for Marin County Dive Club<p> From time to time I'm asked to share my experiences with dive clubs or conventions, even schools. Its such an honor for me and at the same time, I feel that sharing my work with others not only completes part of the circle but is my responsibility. Advocating for the ocean and inspiring others to dive through my work is really the pinnacle of what I do.</p><p>Please click on the link below to see the talk, its a bit long so relax, grab a drink and enjoy. At the end there is a short QnA. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and ill be more than happy to answer. </p><p>Disclaimer: I am not a scientist and am self taught. If there are mistakes or if I've misidentified any subjects, be kind and email me so I can learn more.</p><p>Also please visit the blackwater photo group on Facebook for your daily feed of plankton!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loWqOm6yTv4/YRqjJaLTDWI/AAAAAAAACMM/hkHpC_-5BsANMGkrkee4isWXHsVNrq9dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/-Lionfish_coz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loWqOm6yTv4/YRqjJaLTDWI/AAAAAAAACMM/hkHpC_-5BsANMGkrkee4isWXHsVNrq9dgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/-Lionfish_coz.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/587219806#t=110s" target="_blank">Marine County dive club-August 2021</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Enjoy!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-49417733110793282562021-08-15T16:11:00.003-07:002021-08-15T16:13:53.221-07:00Oil Rigs-Ellen and Elly<p><span style="font-size: medium;">A Friday phone call from a friend had me packing my gear and heading to the oil rigs on Saturday morning. I could never pass on the chance to dive the rigs! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Testing new gear is always fun, especially when it works. Today I had a chance to test the new cutout clamps from ultralight, The new 8K torch from Kraken Sports and the new Sea and Sea YS-D3 Mark 2 strobes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The local oil platforms in Socal. Ellen, Elly and Eureka, regarded as "The Rigs" to local divers, are active, oil producing and processing facilities just a few miles offshore in the San Pedro escarpment. The Pillars, beams and crossmembers that supports these bohemoth megastructures have become an incredible habitat for fish, sea lions and other marine life. From the waterline the rigs are all business. Loud with banging and hissing, pipes banging, catwalks, burn off valves with flames, truly an un-natural and industrial site above water.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4Q3uFLhryo/YRl4C0XjOdI/AAAAAAAACKg/ySSzvJZphwcFzs9DVC1to5wlbu1AbgtKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/F1.large.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="1800" height="524" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4Q3uFLhryo/YRl4C0XjOdI/AAAAAAAACKg/ySSzvJZphwcFzs9DVC1to5wlbu1AbgtKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h524/F1.large.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of the oil platforms in the Southern California area</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>All of the dives are performed live with the boat backing as close as possible allowing divers to jump in and swim into the underbelly of the beast. The industrial noises are joined by barking </span><span>sea lions which you can hear once the boat is close enough.</span></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VioKGGdXSs/YRlzPW0yKcI/AAAAAAAACJ0/x8CbIkrGHmIyARbnYzDf-94LqDWmu1DNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_7597.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VioKGGdXSs/YRlzPW0yKcI/AAAAAAAACJ0/x8CbIkrGHmIyARbnYzDf-94LqDWmu1DNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7597.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellen and Elly are an oasis in a desert of open water</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Swells rise and fall around the pilings creating vertical surge as well as horizontal, the constant movement around the pilings can make for a tough dive so be ready for a rodeo.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGKwz13uCX0/YRl49CV2AbI/AAAAAAAACKo/85uRxslxguQTc64Io3vuuMruG0aR8FoAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/rigs%2Bunderwater.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGKwz13uCX0/YRl49CV2AbI/AAAAAAAACKo/85uRxslxguQTc64Io3vuuMruG0aR8FoAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/rigs%2Bunderwater.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rows of bit guides<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Man and industry put the rigs here but nature is trying to claim them with growth of all different varieties. The platforms are somewhat antiquated and many are scheduled for removal but what then? The argument being that the benefit of leaving the structures in place far outweighs those of removing them. One look at these structures underwater and its easy to see that it might be better to leave them. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ9jL6XFM0E/YRl49H6oL2I/AAAAAAAACKs/pKQYb4fGaFkbi4S91unx4yhI7zR7C5bXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/support.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ9jL6XFM0E/YRl49H6oL2I/AAAAAAAACKs/pKQYb4fGaFkbi4S91unx4yhI7zR7C5bXACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/support.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful cup corals</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Underwater the hardscape of the rigs are alive and thriving with life. Often surgy, the current moves through the rigs carrying all kinds of organisms that sticks to the supports under the structure. The growth recruits more animals, creating a thriving secondary habitat for wildlife. Cup corals, muscles, scallops, giant sea stars and anemones, even colorful brittle stars, carpet everything. Like an oasis in the open ocean, these man made structures are vertical reefs pushing up from the deep providing shelter for rockfish and more.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJkb1dYQWfA/YRl1K94JABI/AAAAAAAACKA/8n3KnSfsP_IzWSOCy1Mnelh3sGy_G5BNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Anemones.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJkb1dYQWfA/YRl1K94JABI/AAAAAAAACKA/8n3KnSfsP_IzWSOCy1Mnelh3sGy_G5BNQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Anemones.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful Anemone's and brittle stars </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Diving here is possible year-round although the conditions aren't always favorable. My favorite time to dive here is July/August and lasting through October when the water is calm the visibility is at its very best and there's plenty of sunlight. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></blockquote><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcGkJLUltW4/YRl2gBG1vBI/AAAAAAAACKQ/ZjiHyCY7hSAXPmPo0vmea_RgSg9g7auCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Gari%2Bon%2Beggs_rigs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcGkJLUltW4/YRl2gBG1vBI/AAAAAAAACKQ/ZjiHyCY7hSAXPmPo0vmea_RgSg9g7auCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Gari%2Bon%2Beggs_rigs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bright orange Damsel fish, caring for her eggs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I prefer to shoot wide angle on the rigs. Yes, there is plenty of macro to shoot here but the story is best told with wide angle photography. Im using my tried and trusted wide angle conversion lens to cover both bases, just in-case. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The water can be bluer near the surface but quickly darkens in the shadows and as you get deeper, the water closes in, becoming jade green. Having strong lights helps to navigate through the maze and to bring out the color. </span></div><div><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcctG90f4nw/YRmOa6VIsDI/AAAAAAAACK4/1CcvSEzUrG04fxSeiBBGEWj8G5EdoZjTACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Plumose%2Banemone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcctG90f4nw/YRmOa6VIsDI/AAAAAAAACK4/1CcvSEzUrG04fxSeiBBGEWj8G5EdoZjTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Plumose%2Banemone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plumose anemone-Metridium</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">At around the 100 foot mark the alabaster white colored plumose anemones can be found growing amidst the cup corals. The white detail is tricky to expose while maintaining a bright background. Im using Sea and Sea YS-D3 strobes with domed diffusers which helps to even out the exposure for this. Using a low powered strobe flash and slow shutter speed helps to retain decent lighting for both.</span><p></p><p></p></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VkTK1bJwtY/YRmRIgnYIoI/AAAAAAAACLA/x0GQMuK43L8JHU1iTl4lePSIu-nh2QXOACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Salp%2Bchain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VkTK1bJwtY/YRmRIgnYIoI/AAAAAAAACLA/x0GQMuK43L8JHU1iTl4lePSIu-nh2QXOACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Salp%2Bchain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salp chain drifting through the structure of Elly</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Jellyfish and salp chains drift through the structures regularly so keep an eye on the water column. Fish, such as these chubs and senoritas eat the little crustaceans that live on the salp chains as well as feeding on the salp.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tFPb3-6VPY/YRmUWbujeZI/AAAAAAAACLY/_5JKFUU9Ivsyag2PMrMaJy4n_7BVpdCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Sea%2Bstar%2BKraken%2B8K.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tFPb3-6VPY/YRmUWbujeZI/AAAAAAAACLY/_5JKFUU9Ivsyag2PMrMaJy4n_7BVpdCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Sea%2Bstar%2BKraken%2B8K.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Static lighting using the <a href="https://krakensports.ca/product/hydra-8000-wrgbu/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Kraken 8k WRGBU</a> video light</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I used static lighting on dive 3 to shoot this really large sea star that was attached to the piling. The white balance of the Kraken 8K torch is spot on. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0W2B9LD6ub4/YRmRylegDaI/AAAAAAAACLI/kOP6e_BlNhIgjtFn5JISOSoxNMR21Cs9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cabby_rigs-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0W2B9LD6ub4/YRmRylegDaI/AAAAAAAACLI/kOP6e_BlNhIgjtFn5JISOSoxNMR21Cs9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cabby_rigs-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabazon at rest, Static lighting using the kraken 8K WRGBU video light</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Cabazons can get enormous heads resembling pitbulls and often times found on eggs. They are a subject that I seek out whenever i'm diving the rigs. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hbXwekgXXc/YRmZsCUpe6I/AAAAAAAACLg/VpXMztOOqY4per1nfXrrKRW-ZI1oRlVuACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cabby_defensive.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hbXwekgXXc/YRmZsCUpe6I/AAAAAAAACLg/VpXMztOOqY4per1nfXrrKRW-ZI1oRlVuACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cabby_defensive.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Cabazon in. defensive posture-Sea and Sea strobes</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Another great day to be on the water with friends and on another adventure at sea.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2mYC5-OLPY/YRmTXPEWj8I/AAAAAAAACLQ/Orjy5TFr5Xkr6cG9A7ss0mANGKnxRio-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s3431/IMG_7600.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="3431" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2mYC5-OLPY/YRmTXPEWj8I/AAAAAAAACLQ/Orjy5TFr5Xkr6cG9A7ss0mANGKnxRio-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h170/IMG_7600.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive Boat Magician</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I highly recommend diving the oil rigs whenever the chance arrises. The unique habitat of hard and soft scape created by nature and man have never married together as well as they do here.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">All images shot with Nikon D850 | Sea and Sea Housings | Sea and Sea YS-D3 Mark 2 strobes | domed diffusers with the exception of the Starfish and Cabazon.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">60mm with the Kraken wide angle conversion lens <br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Special thanks to:</b></div><div>Sea and Sea underwater imaging. See my review here-<a href="http://www.divephotoguide.com/underwater-photography-special-features/article/review-seaandsea-ys-d3-lightning-strobe/" target="_blank">YS-D3 review</a></div><div>Kraken Sports <a href="https://krakensports.ca/" target="_blank">Kraken Sports</a></div><div>Ultralight Underwater Control Systems <a href="https://ulcs.com" target="_blank">ULCS</a></div><div>Erika Helms for inviting me</div><div>Magician dive boat for surface support</div><div><p><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-1181469022678092622021-07-28T11:42:00.010-07:002021-08-01T21:07:19.519-07:00Bold colors of Cozumel <p><span style="font-size: medium;">For years, i've wanted to visit Cozumel but was discouraged by the mixed reports of the lack of macro subjects and strictly drift diving and that it's not really for seasoned divers. Fortunately, after being encouraged by a friend and having had both vaccination jabs, i decided to hop down from So-Cal and check it out for myself. What I found was clean blue water, colorful reef's, great macro and a fun filled community of divers!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The island of Cozumel in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo is in the Caribbean sea, across the channel from Mainland Mexico's Playa Del Carmen on the Yucatan peninsula. Its a small island with a small town feel, great restaurant's and many ex-pat locals that call Cozumel home. The people are warm and friendly and there are also some great dive operations and guides. Not just "fun dive" dive- guides either but serious macro guides that know there stuff. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Getting here was easy too. I flew from LAX with quick connectors through Dallas, right to the island. The water is 84º in May with the lowest temps of 78º'ish in January, so warm most of the year. The water color is a truly beautiful mix of cobalt and powder blue, reefs bright and punchy with fans and sponges and a topography of cuts, caverns, walls, pinnacles and even a few wrecks, and yes, there's is some great macro to be had as well. </span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2VS5Y3FGeg/YQGVBkt0jrI/AAAAAAAABEs/6tDJOi8LAj82tkbjeeqg8BkSmbMG3a-zACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6537.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2VS5Y3FGeg/YQGVBkt0jrI/AAAAAAAABEs/6tDJOi8LAj82tkbjeeqg8BkSmbMG3a-zACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6537.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SI at a local beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WjtPnztKBg/YLRQViOOHFI/AAAAAAAABB8/Vsb__EFffV8MQXDT03Bt3cgUkl-Sty9zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Cozumel-2%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WjtPnztKBg/YLRQViOOHFI/AAAAAAAABB8/Vsb__EFffV8MQXDT03Bt3cgUkl-Sty9zQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Cozumel-2%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A diver passing one of the many cracks you can explore around the Columbia reef system</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One thing about diving in Cozumel is that there are alot of divers here with all different skill levels. If your a photographer i suggest finding a nice place and then wait for a few minutes, a diver is sure to pass by and make for a great set up if you don't have a model.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The reefs are stunning and full of color. The reef systems are well managed by the government and the guides watch after them too. All dives are live drop, so no anchors are thrown onto the reefs. As a result, there are massive sponges, healthy sea fans and corals. </span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpfP8RDEWuc/YLu_ioDWv8I/AAAAAAAABC4/3hGy2IsTBQ05q8tsS2sU_rfv5wnKJtRjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Coz_Palancar%2Bgarden.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpfP8RDEWuc/YLu_ioDWv8I/AAAAAAAABC4/3hGy2IsTBQ05q8tsS2sU_rfv5wnKJtRjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Coz_Palancar%2Bgarden.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palancar reef system</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The prevailing current turns most dives into drift dives. We had gentle currents for most of the trip pushing us along the sprawling reefs, im not a drift dive kind of guy but can appreciate the benefit of constantly moving water. The current keeps the reefs bright, vibrant and full of life which is easy to see as you drift through the vast beauty of the protected dive park area.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mBGHgqBwbQ/YLRSDEohV6I/AAAAAAAABCE/vip1Pt1tBgEK5SSqyaaRhR1j5y_DdUa1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Miguel%2Bin%2Ba%2Bcave%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mBGHgqBwbQ/YLRSDEohV6I/AAAAAAAABCE/vip1Pt1tBgEK5SSqyaaRhR1j5y_DdUa1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Miguel%2Bin%2Ba%2Bcave%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DM-Miguel, exploring a small swim through</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">Using the domed diffusers of the new Sea and Sea YSD-3 strobes added to the beam spread of the strobe flash. The light was easy to manage and really bumped up my shooting experience. I can honestly say that the YSD-3 is like shooting with the 250-pros sans the weight and bulkiness. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltvtG2AmAgA/YLrCqu51guI/AAAAAAAABCg/_t8uZ6ZpnQYanILZx83nlg1YiC_X_kP7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Coz_Pike%2BBlenny.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltvtG2AmAgA/YLrCqu51guI/AAAAAAAABCg/_t8uZ6ZpnQYanILZx83nlg1YiC_X_kP7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Coz_Pike%2BBlenny.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Yellow Faced Pike Blenny flaring in an aggressive posture </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you like Blennies like I do then diving in Cozumel will make you very happy. Blennies in Cozumel are generally small but depending on the type you find, its smaller size is made up for with giant sized personalities and packed with character. While they are photogenic they can also be somewhat challenging to shoot. The Yellow Faced Pike Blenny is known to be somewhat shy when approached but If you take your time with them, they will become quite animated. Pike bennies are known to quickly spring up from their hole and begin bobbing up and down while flaring and posturing, particularly when they are within eyeshot of another pike blenny. This can actually be said for most bennies so when you see one acting up. bit, take a look around. When hunting Blennies, I've found it to be very helpful to keep your eyes trend forward and be on the lookout for movement. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqKwk_FTfIw/YLrX5nX_s9I/AAAAAAAABCw/wRULqRRBXr8ggL25a2VrW56VGa7AovXtACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Coz_Spinecheek%2Bblenny_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqKwk_FTfIw/YLrX5nX_s9I/AAAAAAAABCw/wRULqRRBXr8ggL25a2VrW56VGa7AovXtACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Coz_Spinecheek%2Bblenny_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiny Cheek Blenny</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With my blenny eyes on the ready, I spotted this over caffeinated little guy darting in and out of his hole.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My idea was to capture a photo of it moving through the water column but after a few humbling frames, I decided to re-work that strategy and go for something more realistic. Spying the green background, I opened my aperture to give the image a nice bright feel and interesting bokeh. </span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk0aMTl34j0/YQGVucEm2HI/AAAAAAAABE0/njgO-vXSjJMWAF-2jlweIxoEEETjNHcawCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/%252B.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk0aMTl34j0/YQGVucEm2HI/AAAAAAAABE0/njgO-vXSjJMWAF-2jlweIxoEEETjNHcawCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/%252B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the wrecks at 2-boats</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">One of my favorite sites in Cozumel is called 2-boats which is in the downtown area. The dive site is sprawling with large colorful blocks forming a trail that leads divers from one wreck to the next. Both wrecks and the reef blocks rest in shallow water and allows for long bottom times and plenty of sunlight. When im shooting wrecks, I feel there is an ALL or nothing feel and even though most stories are told in bits and pieces, the story of a wreck demands more for impact. Showing a large wreck in its entirety is important to me but it isn't always possible. Both of the wrecks at 2-boats are just small enough to frame well while large enough for intrigue. Im shooting without strobes and using ambient light and converted to black and white in Lightroom.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Across the channel from Cozumel is yet another place that should be visited at least once for every photographer, the Cenotes. Cenotes are basically sink holes and pits that are filled with fresh spring water, interconnected by a system of underground streams. The difficulty of diving these ranges from neophyte skill levels to the extreme. We booked with a local dive shop that handled all of the logistics once we arrived and because of that, we were able to make a day trip out of it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We grabbed the 8:00am ferry from Cozumel to Playa. The ferry was fast and clean and not that spendy but the schlepping of gear was a bear. I suggest doing this one-way and flying out through Cancun at the end of a trip. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Ive never tried cave diving of any kind but im glad I did. I found the caverns, stalactites and stalagmites to be fascinating along with the giant cavernous rooms and melting limestone formations. Cave diving is certainly on my repeat list and knowing what I do now, I hope to be able to grab some better images.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I suggest using video lights and strobes for lighting, ask your guide to assist in lighting and defer to your guide for the best photo-ops. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJCZExebYzs/YQGeiz8pWiI/AAAAAAAABE8/QpLV1iu-pFwiY7sCDCAxS8gBxNC6Y_KtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bat%2Bcave%2Bline%2Band%2Bdiversd%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJCZExebYzs/YQGeiz8pWiI/AAAAAAAABE8/QpLV1iu-pFwiY7sCDCAxS8gBxNC6Y_KtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Bat%2Bcave%2Bline%2Band%2Bdiversd%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bat Cave<br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We dove the "Dos Ojos" cave complex that runs two separate circuits, the "Bat Cave" and "The Barbie line". Both were perfect for the day trip and for our skills as a group. The hardest part of diving the Cenotes was getting there and is definitely worth checking out.<br /></span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86drvV2irBg/YQGiReUNQBI/AAAAAAAABFU/rJp_91yQnXYRH63GSinYtS_bc1twwNKjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Barbie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86drvV2irBg/YQGiReUNQBI/AAAAAAAABFU/rJp_91yQnXYRH63GSinYtS_bc1twwNKjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Barbie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Barbie line</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aptly named for the Barbie being devoured by this mysterious fresh water crock!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnYpErAwewQ/YQGf_QFa1zI/AAAAAAAABFE/RtSWD7ywUR8GjNS4SeSOkQytsJVtYuO1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/sm_Barbie%2Bline-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnYpErAwewQ/YQGf_QFa1zI/AAAAAAAABFE/RtSWD7ywUR8GjNS4SeSOkQytsJVtYuO1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/sm_Barbie%2Bline-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worlds best model-Gladys passing stalactites on the Barbie Line circuit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My buddy Walter shot a great video which you can watch by following the link below for a better idea and feel of our experience.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In addition to all of the other great diving, we also found time to work in some exploratory blackwater dives. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wv_26wquK80/YQGoSPC1tGI/AAAAAAAABFk/bcFE__GVSZEJswbgamgI5ti6fNgeo5KdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/BWCoz-flying%2Bfish.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wv_26wquK80/YQGoSPC1tGI/AAAAAAAABFk/bcFE__GVSZEJswbgamgI5ti6fNgeo5KdACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/BWCoz-flying%2Bfish.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic flying fish</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;">Our blackwater exploration turned out to be very encouraging. The shallow channel allows for deepwater subjects to wash in and through with every tidal cycle and I enjoyed the blackwater opportunities immensely. The BW diving in Cozumel shows a lot of promise!</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIAC--GXLV4/YQGogqbMYFI/AAAAAAAABFo/t0uM7GpVenwea1VDGM2cFm8opL3FIJfZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/7-Lionfish_coz-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIAC--GXLV4/YQGogqbMYFI/AAAAAAAABFo/t0uM7GpVenwea1VDGM2cFm8opL3FIJfZACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/7-Lionfish_coz-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larval lionfish</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As I said in the beginning, I was hesitant to visit Cozumel and didn't know what to expect. I suppose dive trips and life for that matter are what we make of them and we certainly made the most of our visits. I found Cozumel to be easily accessible, fun and after the first trip, left me eager to return. With great Blackwater, beautiful wide angle, macro critters and cave diving, Cozumel is certainly someplace everyone should visit at least once....or twice!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Links to Walter's videos including the Cenotes and Blackwater are below, check them out!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://youtu.be/szCkvdk5kzA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cenotes video-Walter Marti</a></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/XkaSrudXh2Q" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Cozumel Blackwater</span></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">All images were shot with:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Nikon D850|sigma 15mm </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Nikon D850|60mm with Kraken wide angle conversion lens</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Nikon D850|105mm</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Sea and Sea housing and the new YS-D3 lighting strobes using domed diffusers.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Special thanks to Scuba Playa <a href="https://scubaplaya.com">https://scubaplaya.com</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">and Aldora Divers. <a href="https://www.aldora.com">https://www.aldora.com</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And a huge thanks to my sponsoring dive team that make every dive possible for me:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Sea and Sea underwater imaging <a href="http://www.seaandsea.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.seaandsea.com</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Kraken Sports <a href="https://krakensports.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://krakensports.ca</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Ultralight Control Systems <a href="https://ulcs.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ulcs.com</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comSan Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico20.5071703 -86.9446237-7.803063536178847 -122.1008737 48.817404136178844 -51.788373699999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-89847868402916063342021-06-28T14:59:00.001-07:002021-06-28T15:29:12.428-07:00Bluewater and Macro on the Giant stride<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Southern California is showing off in terms of Visibility. We took advantage of the great viz and did a couple bluewater jumps, this time off the coast of Palos Verde or PV as we like to call it. We then hit the bio-dome for macro (dive 3) to track down "Fringehead Freddy".</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1NUOSFMcbQ/YNoqYkOsihI/AAAAAAAABDY/ZDN4AtHzBMstwP79obTNOP0-jmx3qh_twCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6998.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1NUOSFMcbQ/YNoqYkOsihI/AAAAAAAABDY/ZDN4AtHzBMstwP79obTNOP0-jmx3qh_twCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6998.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small camera table on the Giant Stride Dive Boat</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOIuIlYb4UM/YNoqo5QINoI/AAAAAAAABDg/378zgGBRMf8pKJLTv7yS9Vw1wDhBBZ9lACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/butterfly%2Band%2Bbobby.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOIuIlYb4UM/YNoqo5QINoI/AAAAAAAABDg/378zgGBRMf8pKJLTv7yS9Vw1wDhBBZ9lACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/butterfly%2Band%2Bbobby.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly and "Scuba Bob" Nikon D850|60mm|Kraken wade angle conversion lens| YS-D3 Strobes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The water was teaming with sea butterflies and other subjects, it was cold but well worth the efforts.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH1mcTXplko/YNorDHy4KNI/AAAAAAAABDo/aKXNvQgusTQZUAZSp2e1V7QqQS9ZZNIfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Salp%2Band%2Bwally.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH1mcTXplko/YNorDHy4KNI/AAAAAAAABDo/aKXNvQgusTQZUAZSp2e1V7QqQS9ZZNIfgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Salp%2Band%2Bwally.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter shooting a giant salp chain<br />Nikon D850|60mm|Kraken wade angle conversion lens| YS-D3 Strobes</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We found giant salp chains drifting at about the 80 foot mark with even more a little deeper. The best bluewater critters are usually found deeper in Socal which makes it tough to get really even exposures but that's half the challenge!</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZOvqvt0BXk/YNoryBOV9gI/AAAAAAAABDw/CucFFc64zyodhYK2Vb8tdRLb-xVTuVLAACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/salps%2Band%2Bwalter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZOvqvt0BXk/YNoryBOV9gI/AAAAAAAABDw/CucFFc64zyodhYK2Vb8tdRLb-xVTuVLAACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/salps%2Band%2Bwalter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deeper salp and Walter | <br />Nikon D850|60mm|Kraken wade angle conversion lens| YS-D3 Strobes</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Depending on your depth and angle of the shot, it can actually looks like a backwater dive. PV isn't our usual place for Bluewater dives. Typically the water around the PV area is much chunkier and green not to mention the water temps are noticobly a bit lower.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-950PEfHbAa0/YNoseM6TGyI/AAAAAAAABD4/cwtuCLs1Od8FfVeGUV-tWsVAKRKYRxorgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Blenny%2B_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-950PEfHbAa0/YNoseM6TGyI/AAAAAAAABD4/cwtuCLs1Od8FfVeGUV-tWsVAKRKYRxorgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Blenny%2B_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freddy the Fringhead-D850|60mm|AOI +12 Diopter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Freddy is a local resident at the Bio-Dome, although im to convinced this is Freddy, the Ciri above the eyes seem to be much larger than last week. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8df_kFwPf48/YNos_32XzUI/AAAAAAAABEA/Nume3da_sF0fs8A95ITreTNcFOE9yp3qACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/spanish%2Bshawl%2Bon%2Beggs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1332" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8df_kFwPf48/YNos_32XzUI/AAAAAAAABEA/Nume3da_sF0fs8A95ITreTNcFOE9yp3qACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/spanish%2Bshawl%2Bon%2Beggs.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Shawl with eggs-<br />Nikon D850|60mm|AOI +12 Diopter|Backscatter Mini flash and snoot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I can't seem to get over how striking a Spanish shawl is, there body shape and colors are too much for me to resist. This one is on eggs and caught my eye. I was demo'ing a new diopter which really helped to frame this smaller slug really well.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoQ-Brrh4Z0/YNotzGQRQUI/AAAAAAAABEI/j33B9iCI9rkLm1D0-hL_L8a58dXUqvqzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Purple%2Bjelly%2Band%2BMedudsa%2Bfish.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoQ-Brrh4Z0/YNotzGQRQUI/AAAAAAAABEI/j33B9iCI9rkLm1D0-hL_L8a58dXUqvqzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Purple%2Bjelly%2Band%2BMedudsa%2Bfish.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple striped sea nettle and medusa fish <br />Nikon D850|60mm|Kraken wade angle conversion lens| YS-D3 Strobes w/ dome diffuser </td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was lucky to see this lovely purple striped nettle at the end of dive 2. Just the jelly and me in the open sea, 2 drifting spirits. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-fZZchX-s0/YNovE4cNjXI/AAAAAAAABEQ/EL07u-FZXFMxwrS6f4yeLd9WbM0N5z25QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7002.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-fZZchX-s0/YNovE4cNjXI/AAAAAAAABEQ/EL07u-FZXFMxwrS6f4yeLd9WbM0N5z25QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7002.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddy Kevin and Walter during our SI</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='402' height='227' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwimmIzZackMizk7mC_13AyG6Og1cOapvW8j3cC-EY9vtC7htlzCXw3uRDnoiLsAJxZUYU1OQP4VZr4tBOlQA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bluewater diving is incredible off the Socal Coastline. The Giant Stride Dive Boat, is a 6 pack charter the owner can be reached through Facebook.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Camera Gear:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Nikon D850 | 60mm + Kraken wide angle conversion lens | 2 Sea and Sea YS-D3 Strobes </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Macro shots were made with D850|60mm + AOI diopter and Backscatter Mini Flash and Snoot </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Special thanks to Kraken Sports, Backscatter Underwater Photo and video, Sea and Sea and Ultralight Control systems and of Course Captain Jim on the Giant Stride.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-75887287522014522722021-05-16T12:11:00.002-07:002021-05-16T12:39:41.517-07:00The heartbeat of Anilao<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Is it possible to fall in love with a place?</b></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody></tbody></table><div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">My first trip to Anilao proved that falling in with a place is totally possible as it happened to me. Sometimes i think if i just did a few more dives the feeling would dissipate, or if i visited more places i might see something else that grabs my attention. </span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w52mQOoz4sQ/YKFtgRe8DHI/AAAAAAAABA0/2gRc3cj3TNg2GhsLf8HpciVBR6rHcd0YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/5-Reef%2BScene%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w52mQOoz4sQ/YKFtgRe8DHI/AAAAAAAABA0/2gRc3cj3TNg2GhsLf8HpciVBR6rHcd0YwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/5-Reef%2BScene%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reef scene in Anilao</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Coming to Anilao for the first time was an adventure that had me scratching my head as the van “stop’n goe’d” through traffic in Bauan. Finally feeling a sense of relief, breaking free and being greeted by the scuba diver in Mabini town.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As the feeling of “what did i get myself into now” began to subside the van made that last left turn and we headed down the peninsula. My first glimpse of the sun glistening on the water nearly took my breathe away, instantly i heard myself say “wow”. The flat calm glassy water, Sombrero island in the distance, the blue of Balayan bay. Remarkably, I still get the same feeling, even after traveling through that same stretch of road countless times. So much has changed yet so little is different and each time i arrive in Anilao, i finally feel at home.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0bN1D5Qkfc/YKFcSn4z4nI/AAAAAAAAA-o/o2jKzI53wW4vRp1oxQVweGVPM1vsE528gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/1-topside-mabini%2Btown%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0bN1D5Qkfc/YKFcSn4z4nI/AAAAAAAAA-o/o2jKzI53wW4vRp1oxQVweGVPM1vsE528gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/1-topside-mabini%2Btown%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mabini town's triangle greets divers on their way to Anilao and Crystal Blue</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anilao isn’t the true name of this area though. Back in the day, when locals came out to dive, they would park their cars, find a rest place and a dive boat in the Anilao township or Barangay, the road actually ending near the bay. In time, the road extended completely around the peninsula as did the name and now the entire area including the local island is known as “Anilao” to the local and global diving community.</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF1y-PEHmlI/YKFczVV0icI/AAAAAAAAA-8/SRTBmLYmM8M4UFcsa4xhrAiqelKsg-E2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/2-topside-gulagad%2Bbaboy%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF1y-PEHmlI/YKFczVV0icI/AAAAAAAAA-8/SRTBmLYmM8M4UFcsa4xhrAiqelKsg-E2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/2-topside-gulagad%2Bbaboy%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top of our peninsula. Balayan Bay on the left and the port of Batangas on the right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJiBewPDMjs/YKFcoES74JI/AAAAAAAAA-0/gdwv6WXdVRw-C1tisA9lcDy4RfpzkmWbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Dive%2Bboat.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJiBewPDMjs/YKFcoES74JI/AAAAAAAAA-0/gdwv6WXdVRw-C1tisA9lcDy4RfpzkmWbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Dive%2Bboat.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dive boats in Anilao are called Banca's. The design is unique to the Philippines </div><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: verdana; font-kerning: none;">What makes Anilao so special is the biodiversity and abundance of marine life all packed into such a small area. The peninsula is surrounded by two large deepset bays. On the eastern side the international Bay of Batangas and on the western the Balayan Bay. Along the mouth of those two bays runs the Maricaban straight which converges with the waters from the Verde Island Pass. This sometimes fast moving body of water is a constant source of food for both bays and supplies the local reefs and sandy slopes with its incredible animal life. Nowadays, Anilao is popular, but then there was very little known about the area and getting any information on it was very challenging. </span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hd0p3LQxVY/YKFdGTPUrgI/AAAAAAAAA_I/MDyM5tEd8Mw12xTszqEc-dWR7IHW7nuFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/split%2Bboat%2Band%2Bdiver%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hd0p3LQxVY/YKFdGTPUrgI/AAAAAAAAA_I/MDyM5tEd8Mw12xTszqEc-dWR7IHW7nuFACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/split%2Bboat%2Band%2Bdiver%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diver, exploring just under the boat</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: verdana; font-kerning: none;">Of course i like critters so my focus revolves around our macro dive sites but once you begin to look around, its easy to discover that there are many more layers that exist here and that a lifetime of exploring would be needed to see it all. Beauty like this comes at a price though and Anilao can be a bit bi-polar in its seasonal changes.</span></p><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwhaYl-aUyU/YKFf8PzrpJI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/a1uJuwqptSUEu7PblaqGIEkraw2MlNzZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Rhinopias%2Byawn%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwhaYl-aUyU/YKFf8PzrpJI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/a1uJuwqptSUEu7PblaqGIEkraw2MlNzZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Rhinopias%2Byawn%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen of Macro</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><p style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: verdana; font-kerning: none;">7-8 months of bliss can quickly give-way to 4 months of powerful storms. Our weather pattern is very much like the Atlantic Ocean with its hurricane seasons except our storms are called typhoons. There are 2 seasons mainly in all of South East Asia, Dry Typhoon and Wet Typhoon. The reality is that most of the year the water is flat and somewhat calm.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ma3eWU7N9G4/YKFbVgX70CI/AAAAAAAAA-g/qM6BPRCrW8MrBcv8xUUXrCFmbnUzHx2HQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/corner%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ma3eWU7N9G4/YKFbVgX70CI/AAAAAAAAA-g/qM6BPRCrW8MrBcv8xUUXrCFmbnUzHx2HQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/corner%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anilao's, plankton rich waters support a myriad of marine life</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZWeAhWO8MM/YKFgYYXqy6I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/XQvkfndizzoUicFEuQP60ciVvAAc-SZFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/3-Beatriz%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZWeAhWO8MM/YKFgYYXqy6I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/XQvkfndizzoUicFEuQP60ciVvAAc-SZFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/3-Beatriz%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anilaos best kept secrets aren't the critters</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unlike most of the Philippines, the water in Anilao remains cooler, infact the water can be downright cold during certain times of the year. The cold water upwellings and topside winds also compete, turning the water over, transferring the warm water at the surface with cooler waters down deep, refreshing the corals and replenishing the divesites for the next season.</span></p><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTd9hXxoEBQ/YKFg9y5gWQI/AAAAAAAAA_g/ZpXD_swe9yUdFNH6JRja0c0z5o4CWs8qQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/9-hairy_yawn%2Band%2Blure_850_2%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTd9hXxoEBQ/YKFg9y5gWQI/AAAAAAAAA_g/ZpXD_swe9yUdFNH6JRja0c0z5o4CWs8qQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/9-hairy_yawn%2Band%2Blure_850_2%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairy Frogfish, one of my favorite critters</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We know the season is on when hairy frogfish begin to show up on the dive sites. Each season, they tend to settle at some locations before others but eventually several of the sites will have them. Their animated personalities are hard to resist and just watching them is fun to do, especially when they are on the hunt, creeping along and luring.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A89i7kYt7ak/YKFhSH-rJVI/AAAAAAAAA_o/LSn5G_ILp18RSCncCELmAzXNjTGjTsMmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/8-kirbys%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A89i7kYt7ak/YKFhSH-rJVI/AAAAAAAAA_o/LSn5G_ILp18RSCncCELmAzXNjTGjTsMmACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/8-kirbys%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diver at Kirbys</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’ve always enjoyed diving the same divesite in California and having the ability to watch it change with the seasons. Already in-tune with that rhythm, it was easy to connect with the similar seasonal pattern here but in a slightly larger sense of the idea. Watching the various divesites populate with soft corals and sponge pushing up from the substrate then the slugs that follow them. Frogfish, sea horses, octopus, blennies, gobies, cuttlefish, mantis shrimp oh my! the macro life begins to explode!</span></p><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qi_HBYGhD68/YKFhqSoT9DI/AAAAAAAAA_w/g4rzSIC_tW05975MAuwU6UXD1NHaGv0TwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/6-Kirbys_CFWA_MB_DOT%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qi_HBYGhD68/YKFhqSoT9DI/AAAAAAAAA_w/g4rzSIC_tW05975MAuwU6UXD1NHaGv0TwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/6-Kirbys_CFWA_MB_DOT%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frogfish at Kirby's</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Frogfish are somewhat common in Anilao and if you look closely and move slowly, you will begin to see them. Frogfish use their colorations to mimic sponges, crinoids even urchins. They lie and wait for their victims, hunting in place to conserve energy.</span><br /><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNwjgHBQPKQ/YKFh4R1bf6I/AAAAAAAAA_0/XEFE3MMpgHIbOwc1taMemzE3_5OReYSwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/7-Kirbys-2%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNwjgHBQPKQ/YKFh4R1bf6I/AAAAAAAAA_0/XEFE3MMpgHIbOwc1taMemzE3_5OReYSwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/7-Kirbys-2%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlett colored Scorpionfish, pinnacle area of Kirby's</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: verdana; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izz_DhSL0gA/YKFx_16JyZI/AAAAAAAABBE/TD8Hu3G9Zc09xV2rertOTr8WLxy3u4ENACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Nembrotha%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izz_DhSL0gA/YKFx_16JyZI/AAAAAAAABBE/TD8Hu3G9Zc09xV2rertOTr8WLxy3u4ENACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Nembrotha%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nudibranchs of over 1,000 different kinds call Anilao home</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: verdana; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGv4HTzJBGg/YKFyPWXsKoI/AAAAAAAABBM/qfw9XWVCF6UWbnaGfk_wsXgtY1fFcHxdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9-Melibe%2Bcolemani_4%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGv4HTzJBGg/YKFyPWXsKoI/AAAAAAAABBM/qfw9XWVCF6UWbnaGfk_wsXgtY1fFcHxdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/9-Melibe%2Bcolemani_4%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ghost known as Melibe colemani resembles threadlike algae and soft coral</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: verdana; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9HckUhc_YU/YKFymh_-Z0I/AAAAAAAABBU/11u5qXhekJoc0rTGqB1jiVLXcLGblAgXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/12-CFWA-Alleni%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9HckUhc_YU/YKFymh_-Z0I/AAAAAAAABBU/11u5qXhekJoc0rTGqB1jiVLXcLGblAgXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/12-CFWA-Alleni%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miamira alleni is one of Anilao's iconic macro subjects</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: verdana; font-kerning: none;">Some of my favorite areas to dive are really on the coral reef areas such as Beatriz, Apohls, Kirbys, Kuala and our resorts house reef, Arthurs and Arthurs wall. The corals and busy fishlife are visually impactful while the heavy <i>Anthae</i> population adds to the color. Diving on these reefs one can almost feel the heartbeat of the entire area pulsing and moving.</span></p></div><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDJ5qOGd_To/YKFkXqtiRWI/AAAAAAAABAE/bQugMbh0dIUM2is4l7f5Tg_CCme0ZBEAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/corner%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDJ5qOGd_To/YKFkXqtiRWI/AAAAAAAABAE/bQugMbh0dIUM2is4l7f5Tg_CCme0ZBEAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/corner%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diver at Beatriz</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">In love with a place, yes, in love with the people, yes, in love with </span><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Anilao, indeed. Anilao is much more than just a dive destination and when your ready to come out and see the best of Anilao, we will be here to welcome you.</span></span></div></div><div>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XX0g6_7c38/YKFk1NTulFI/AAAAAAAABAM/76Cf5TROjssBDVnLiGPEZ59LdqQ_rSrugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Anilao%2Bkrakafat-sm%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XX0g6_7c38/YKFk1NTulFI/AAAAAAAABAM/76Cf5TROjssBDVnLiGPEZ59LdqQ_rSrugCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Anilao%2Bkrakafat-sm%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incredible colors of Anilao's reefs are unmatched and truly remarkable</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Exploring different areas of the island and peninsula can yield in some very special moments and finds. Cabbage coral is extremely delicate and thrives in some of the protected more areas.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwzgmkhuRsk/YKFrpVq20eI/AAAAAAAABAk/CLZinKd5wqoLLUlYLmWkIrTghZXqR8vfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/cabbage%2Bpatch-1%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwzgmkhuRsk/YKFrpVq20eI/AAAAAAAABAk/CLZinKd5wqoLLUlYLmWkIrTghZXqR8vfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/cabbage%2Bpatch-1%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A secret hidden patch of Cabbage Coral</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Table corals and barrel sponges adorn almost every reef.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6493-rQvQ7A/YKFt5JcN0uI/AAAAAAAABA8/KW5X6_o9BzUWlqfuP2LAebXxSYFSx2APQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/D850%2Breef%2Bscene%2B%2B%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6493-rQvQ7A/YKFt5JcN0uI/AAAAAAAABA8/KW5X6_o9BzUWlqfuP2LAebXxSYFSx2APQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/D850%2Breef%2Bscene%2B%2B%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reef scene, Sombrero island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtUgPyZJe2c/YKFsr2tLYiI/AAAAAAAABAs/24QVCrPwDxobaJ3e5TnVtDjwKOuXYEnJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Shallow_enemony%2Bfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtUgPyZJe2c/YKFsr2tLYiI/AAAAAAAABAs/24QVCrPwDxobaJ3e5TnVtDjwKOuXYEnJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Shallow_enemony%2Bfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anemone fish</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The pulse of Anilao is palpable but don't take my word for it, get out there and see for yourself!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8bZtUgRiuE/YKFk9QFNujI/AAAAAAAABAQ/g8ZvtjgneXcVBPKp_Yn-08lQbHlYXjiCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Dive%2BGuides%2B.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8bZtUgRiuE/YKFk9QFNujI/AAAAAAAABAQ/g8ZvtjgneXcVBPKp_Yn-08lQbHlYXjiCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Dive%2BGuides%2B.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my buddies (resort guides) on a day of exploring<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gL27V1ccFEs/YKFlf1XuzgI/AAAAAAAABAc/3v6sHMoC5DcTpF7YZxzVVtNBfNeeXmVTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/resort%2Bphotos%2B%25282%2Bof%2B5%2529%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="900" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gL27V1ccFEs/YKFlf1XuzgI/AAAAAAAABAc/3v6sHMoC5DcTpF7YZxzVVtNBfNeeXmVTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/resort%2Bphotos%2B%25282%2Bof%2B5%2529%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CBR from the waterfront<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">All images were shot with either Nikon D850 or D500, Sea and Sea Strobes<br /><br />More information regarding the resort and workshops can be found here:<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.Divecbr.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Crystal Blue Resort</span></a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-70555022880106994162021-05-11T16:29:00.004-07:002021-05-11T21:13:18.017-07:00Blackwater-Florida<p>Florida's West Palm Beach has great diving and an active diving community. My first visit to West Palm several years ago was for Goliath Groupers and sharks. I was surprised at how much fun the diving was and from that time forward, i've come back many times. One of the things that has attracted me is the blackwater diving that is offered by a couple of the local charters. </p><p>What makes WPB unique for BW diving is the Gulf Stream. West Palm Beach is on the Atlantic side of Florida where The Gulf Stream flows within 5 miles of the coastline and with it a huge variety of marine life. The gulf stream is aprx. 40-50 miles wide and stretches from the Equator through the Caribbean sea, past Florida and makes its way up the eastern coastline towards New Foundland, then across the Atlantic towards the UK. Warmer waters flow east'ish and cool near the poles before pushing their way back down past Europe and back towards Africa before completing its loop. This is a Global current that mixes, cools and churns the Oceans of the greater Atlantic basin, exchanges salinity and basically acts like a giant blender. Like a huge river within the ocean, The Gulf stream controls weather and temperature and plays a vital roll on our planet. So, I suppose its needless to say that Blackwater diving in the Gulf Stream is an experience unto itself. Its not uncommon to travel 5, 6, even 9 miles on a dive without even knowing that you've really moved much underwater. </p><p>The blackwater diving in WPB attracts a loyal local crew of photographers that have been able to witness and document a plethora of exotic Zooplankton on a very regular basis which in turn attracts visitors like myself that are fascinated with this type of diving and the opportunity to photograph these incredible subjects. </p><p>I prefer to keep things simple when shooting in open ocean and have come to rely on using my 60mm on either my D500 or my D850. I dont use diopters but i do fancy my wide angle conversion lens mounted on a flip adapter as you never know when a wider angle of view will come in handy.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLpoIiyMWEA/YIRqVf-YSoI/AAAAAAAAA8o/3Qk9AxCGs_IpqXmrFTyG6LVr4p0KdlB5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Big%2Bribbonfsh-kraken%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLpoIiyMWEA/YIRqVf-YSoI/AAAAAAAAA8o/3Qk9AxCGs_IpqXmrFTyG6LVr4p0KdlB5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w427-h640/Big%2Bribbonfsh-kraken%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scalloped Ribbonfish (<i>Zu cristatus</i>)- Nikon D850|60mm+KRL90s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Out of air and swimming back to the downline i spotted this very large Ribbonfish. Its rumored that these are of the order, Oarfish or lampriformes, and can reach upwards of 20-30 feet. This was really a "hail mary" style shot but i did manage to hand it off to my buddy Walt and as he took over, i made my way to the surface to exchange tanks. The elaborate fins or appendages resemble siphonophore jellyfish and do nothing to assist it in swimming. Swimming is actually accomplished by using a smaller dorsal fin that runs the length of is body. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOHikovqo4M/YIRtekYfkSI/AAAAAAAAA8w/1xWaGBUFGtADKDVNOaCOQGFueTomT0XCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Tripodfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOHikovqo4M/YIRtekYfkSI/AAAAAAAAA8w/1xWaGBUFGtADKDVNOaCOQGFueTomT0XCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Tripodfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larval Tripod Fish (<i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Bathypterois grallator) Nikon D850|60mm</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The adult Tripod fish settles in extremely deep water, 2500-15,000 feet to be exact. They form three bony rays or elongated spines that are used to keep themselves planted into and perched well above the soft muddy substrate on the bottom. They feed while facing into the current and waiting for something to come into range. This beautiful little guy is another example of a deepwater subject that migrates vertically in the water column to feed in the shallows. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3VXeMUXCuE/YITmq8QYBkI/AAAAAAAAA9A/JeG8zkj5E1kDZ-xoRE6syEW23WkrC9-aACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Wnge%2BPteropod%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3VXeMUXCuE/YITmq8QYBkI/AAAAAAAAA9A/JeG8zkj5E1kDZ-xoRE6syEW23WkrC9-aACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Wnge%2BPteropod%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Butterfly-Pteropod <i>Cavlonia tridentata, Nikon D850|60mm</i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">While this incredible animal gets its name from the trident shaped shell, its the leafy appendages and long streamers that grabs my attention. Why, would a subject that spends its entire lifecycle underwater evolve to appear as if it has terrestrial features? nature is incredibly amazing. This one is also casting some kind of mucus nest which can be seen faintly in the top right portions of the frame.</span></div><i><br /><br /></i><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwx7E5Fttv8/YId_nxDTvMI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/QtDLU7d1j0csbkJ5GAUN16tOVTSoliwYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Crab%2Bzoea%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwx7E5Fttv8/YId_nxDTvMI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/QtDLU7d1j0csbkJ5GAUN16tOVTSoliwYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Crab%2Bzoea%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 29, 30); color: #1c1d1e; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Aristeid shrimp </span>Zoea (<i style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(28, 29, 30); color: #1c1d1e; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Cerataspis monstrosa</i>)-Purple people eater | Nikon D850|60mm</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"><span class="username" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Crab Zoea can be quite redundant in appearance but this one is actually a shrimp! Its ornate body shape give it protection against predators, the beautiful deep violet coloration might even help it from being detected, i've never seen anything like it. Crabs and some shrimp go through several stages developing in the plankton prior to settling on the sand. This is smaller than a dime, buzzed around like a bee and began spinning in circles once my lights were on it. Infact, i took about 5 shots of its butt before i figured out what was going on.</span></div></span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"><span class="username" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IM3KdwwGcCA/YIeET4-lbpI/AAAAAAAAA9o/it2RDXYTBe8tEgRutpHHmY9pQl-gNfh9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Jack%2Bin%2Bthimble%2Bjelly%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IM3KdwwGcCA/YIeET4-lbpI/AAAAAAAAA9o/it2RDXYTBe8tEgRutpHHmY9pQl-gNfh9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Jack%2Bin%2Bthimble%2Bjelly%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jack in the Thimble jelly<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The boats typically "Hot drop" divers right at the ball at the start of the dive. On this particular night we probably had 80 foot of visibility or better and as we were gliding downwards adjusting gear, there were countless thimble jellies flitting about. Several of them also had these super cute little jackfish sheltering inside of them. Once the divers were all in the water and finding subjects, the strobe flashes in the distance reminded me of fireflys in a meadow on a dark summer night.<br /></span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-2ZC11DPkw/YJsPtCPlWPI/AAAAAAAAA-A/LDN-N7XpkMMpGYLkw9RsLQ2r8hTId9bXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Spotted%2Bribbonfish%2BDesmodena%2Bpolystitctum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-2ZC11DPkw/YJsPtCPlWPI/AAAAAAAAA-A/LDN-N7XpkMMpGYLkw9RsLQ2r8hTId9bXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Spotted%2Bribbonfish%2BDesmodena%2Bpolystitctum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>A pink Spotted Ribbonfish described as Desmodena polystitctum </i> <br /><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Finding subjects on blackwater dives is almost like collecting baseball cards.... Every time you see something new, there is always another player that you would like to add to you collection. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The diving in West Palm Beach offers some of the best warm water places to go to in the US, not only for blackwater diving but for wrecks and larger animals too!</span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">All images were shot with :<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Nikon D850 | Sea and Sea YS-D3 Strobes using either flat or domed diffuser and set at 1.2 crop ratio<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The first ribbonfish was shot with the 60mm + Kraken wide angle conversion lens <br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">and Kraken Hydra 3500s Focus Light</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comWest Palm Beach, FL, USA26.7153424 -80.053374618.784261809060162 -88.8424371 34.64642299093984 -71.2643121tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-80971653084002554192021-04-03T18:01:00.007-07:002021-04-05T22:25:19.458-07:00Lighting is everything<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Photography by definition means "capturing durable images using light". Lighting truly is everything in ALL forms of photography regardless of wildlife, studio, landscape or any of the other million styles of shooting, if your lighting is flat, the end result will be flat as well, no matter what your subject is.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In my career i've learned to experiment heavily with lighting, mainly as a way of challenging myself to try something different, not just to be different but to actually make something that is unique in both style and technique. To tempt the outcome of an image by taking it to the extreme, then pulling back slightly. If you've ever been in one of my workshops then you know that i tend to wax on about the ability of our cameras. The cameras of today are incredibly powerful instruments that can control light in way's that allows the shooter to push the envelope further than we ever could using film. Having the simple ability to shoot hundreds of photos on a single dive (just sayin') and being able to review them instantly, has certainly shortened the learning curve.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Managing light can be done in several ways underwater. Strobe flash, strobe angle, beam pattern, using torches, snoots, off camera lighting, color gels and more. Understanding light also means understanding water quality and sunlight and both of their effects on image making. Couple all of that with our cameras technical abilities and what we have is an unlimited supply of creative prowess right at our fingertips. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Its no secret that im a fan of snoots. Ive been using snoots in my photography for years and have gained alot of insight on the various ways to use them. One of my favorite methods for snoot lighting is to use it off camera. Thats right, by removing it from my camera and hand holding it. By doing this, i can concentrate on composition and adjust the lighting very quickly, almost like painting. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGKNYCq3qCc/YGj8SucQV6I/AAAAAAAAA7I/oZLcFPSEnvUIGy1Zu9EIPBqHVjbzJJ4wwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/BL%2Bblenny%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGKNYCq3qCc/YGj8SucQV6I/AAAAAAAAA7I/oZLcFPSEnvUIGy1Zu9EIPBqHVjbzJJ4wwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/BL%2Bblenny%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blenny-Rim lighting using Subsea Fiber optic snoot</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Rim lighting and backlighting are relative to creating a silhouette. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">My mentor, Joe Liburdi was a master of rim lighting using off camera pop flash, a true master. For me, i feel this style engages the viewer in a way that invites them into the image by thinking about it. Rim lighting can be a bit tricky so selecting the right subjects is half of the battle. I look for subjects that have strong shape recognition and are calm enough to work with. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQg25jNSx4A/YGvpyJDOF8I/AAAAAAAAA8A/YU7DsUSLepExW432pmU1To4C1Rhvx9S0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/BL%2BAmbon%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQg25jNSx4A/YGvpyJDOF8I/AAAAAAAAA8A/YU7DsUSLepExW432pmU1To4C1Rhvx9S0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/BL%2BAmbon%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rim lit Ambon scorpionfish- Sea and Sea strobe | Subsea fiber optic snoot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Once you've located a subject that will allow you to work with it, think about the shot and stay with it. For effective rim or backlighting there are several components that must come together,</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The angle of the light should rake across the subject gently.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The flash beam needs to be controlled- No sloppy lighting!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Push your ISO up to allow for the highlights to pop through</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Increasing your F-stop to darken the foreground </span></li></ol><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiPHM8Gs6-8/YGj9vzWNIPI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/9gbJ3Pk2Y-kFdMLPTDj8-WoiSMHQqgd5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/BL%2Bhairy%2Bshrimp%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiPHM8Gs6-8/YGj9vzWNIPI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/9gbJ3Pk2Y-kFdMLPTDj8-WoiSMHQqgd5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/BL%2Bhairy%2Bshrimp%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairy Shrimp- Backlit using the Subsea fiber optic snoot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the image above, you can see the snoot tip and its proximity to the subject. One of the issues that i discovered by this style of shooting is the shadow casted by strong directional lighting. This isn't always a bad thing except when it effects critical areas in an image. For me, this image receives a fail, although it is a fun facebook post and a good talking point. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also liked the way the snoot tip played into this image so i decided to keep it in. Sometimes mistakes can lead to fun image making.</span></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzNsZ4p9MEQ/YGkFsI8peBI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/zhF089b2pF4rvBTMiNXV-ngfrZAsrdpmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/M.%2BAlleni_BW%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzNsZ4p9MEQ/YGkFsI8peBI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/zhF089b2pF4rvBTMiNXV-ngfrZAsrdpmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/M.%2BAlleni_BW%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miamira alleni- 1 YSD2-J strobe</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Not every subject makes for good backlighting either, trust me i've tried everything including rocks. Ive found, subjects that are compressed or slightly translucent make excellent subjects for x-ray style backlighting. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ydUUWuIpzI/YGkIfyHgjRI/AAAAAAAAA7g/aZiJEZYdZaQW1PxtOjOKE7qZgl8U_Z_mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/smoky%2Bthe%2Bfrog%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ydUUWuIpzI/YGkIfyHgjRI/AAAAAAAAA7g/aZiJEZYdZaQW1PxtOjOKE7qZgl8U_Z_mwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/smoky%2Bthe%2Bfrog%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoky the frog- Backlighting and snoot with the Retra LSD</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Teaching myself how to rim light subjects led me to learn how to be a sharp shooter using a snoot. I began lighting subjects with what i like to call "The Works". Which is basically using more than one light source to give a subject dimension. Using a torch to backlight my subject, basically creating a silhouette then filling in the shadow in the foreground.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">One of the best subject's to begin this path of lighting on is a sea horse, due to its shape and compressed body type. Seahorses can be shy but for me, they are actually tough to shoot. When i say tough to shoot, i don't mean snapping off a photo and swimming away. I mean to shoot them in way that is artistic and compelling.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ckO11j4n24/YGvuqDo6TmI/AAAAAAAAA8I/xk8d60tMXag3G1WxXKsayYelgVLRmPanwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Backlit%2Bseahorse%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ckO11j4n24/YGvuqDo6TmI/AAAAAAAAA8I/xk8d60tMXag3G1WxXKsayYelgVLRmPanwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Backlit%2Bseahorse%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backlit seahorse- Kraken snoot torch V2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> Angle the torch and position yourself in a way that allows you to benefit from the light while avoiding the direct beam. And remember</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> not to cook the little guy while your attempting to backlight 'em!</span></p><p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4e_Y5pZVZ7w/YGkMcfcmblI/AAAAAAAAA74/eU5w27AU5DMX2__wULSwgb1VfbJLX4pwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Eel%2Boutline%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4e_Y5pZVZ7w/YGkMcfcmblI/AAAAAAAAA74/eU5w27AU5DMX2__wULSwgb1VfbJLX4pwwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Eel%2Boutline%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking it to the extreme- Backlighting with color gels. Kraken Snoot torch V2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This image was inspired by a winning shot made by a shooter at a local photo contest in Anilao. It took me a while to circle back on this but am happy i did. The idea of allowing enough light from the rear torch through your lens while stopping down on the light in the foreground. In other words, your making a silhouette with colored light.</span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFb27kquEFQ/YGkMKFdYvSI/AAAAAAAAA7w/kc75rAZDSww9__9OkL_2nyotHpxIan50QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Hairy%2BFrogfish%2BBL%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFb27kquEFQ/YGkMKFdYvSI/AAAAAAAAA7w/kc75rAZDSww9__9OkL_2nyotHpxIan50QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Hairy%2BFrogfish%2BBL%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backlighting and snoot with the Retra LSD</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">These are just a few examples of what we can do with our camera and some unorthodox lighting methods. Its important to remember that failure is the birth place for the drive to succeed. So get out there and make some great photos already!</span></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Gear used:<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">NIkon D500<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Nikon D850<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Lenses 60mm & 105mm<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Lighting: Sea and Sea Strobes, YSD1, YSD2 and YSD2-J <br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Snoots-Retra LSD, Subsea Fiber optic snoot </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">To</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">rches: Kraken Snoot torch V2 </span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Special thanks to Crystal Blue Resort, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">All of these techniques and more are taught during our regular course of subject material during our workshops. New schedules will be posted soon so check back </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.divecbr.com/index.php/underwater-photography/master-class-series-of-workshops" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Workshops</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPhilippines12.879721 121.774017-20.257543840159894 86.617767 46.01698584015989 156.93026700000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-32810783558685858892021-03-21T10:31:00.000-07:002021-03-21T10:31:01.939-07:00Green is the new Black<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Over the last few weeks, we've been getting out and exploring the open ocean again off the Southern California Coastline. Were diving over terrain that is 1000+ feet below us but obviously, were not going to the bottom. This style of diving has been dubbed blackwater diving, even though were diving during the daytime in California the water is still very dark. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In California, once your below the 80 foot mark, the penetrating light from the sun drops off significantly and even with a relatively slow shutter speeds, the water can be pitch black. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The best part of this style of diving is that you never know what your gonna see. It can range from alot of Meh...to WOW ! with the turn of the head, as the last few dives have proved.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gc40y2GMTuQ/YFZgcniUrnI/AAAAAAAAA6A/K7PEGOJASM8KqcHMTmHDUYsNwMSbLfH3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Anemone%253F%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gc40y2GMTuQ/YFZgcniUrnI/AAAAAAAAA6A/K7PEGOJASM8KqcHMTmHDUYsNwMSbLfH3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Anemone%253F%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larval Starfish<br />Nikon D850 | 60mm | 2 Sea and Sea YSD-3 strobes | Kraken Hydra 3500s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Looking small is always rewarding as some of the most interesting things you see on the substrate begin their life drifting as plankton. Some of these planktons undulate a little while others do not. The ones that do move on their own give away their presence while others are a little harder to tell apart from the drifting "snow". The snow actually plays a huge roll in our ecosystem by carrying carbon to the substrate but thats a different story.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsM5QklSH48/YFZh7iOdLrI/AAAAAAAAA6I/5cH3FN5EZGIZat2ULDo-3UlAlrwTnfnhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Phronima%2Bwith%2Bhatching%2Beggs%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsM5QklSH48/YFZh7iOdLrI/AAAAAAAAA6I/5cH3FN5EZGIZat2ULDo-3UlAlrwTnfnhACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Phronima%2Bwith%2Bhatching%2Beggs%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyperiid amphipod-Phronima sedentaria<br />Nikon D850 | 60mm | 2 Sea and Sea YSD-3 strobes | Kraken Hydra 3500s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The <i>Phronima </i>is an interesting parasitoid creature that as rumor has it, was the design for the creature from the movie "Alien". The female attacks and kills a salp using its jaws and claws and once the interior has been properly prepared, she then lays her eggs inside and uses the salp's tough barrel for protection. They have 4 eyes, massive hooked claws and with their tail hanging out, push their nursery through the water column until the babies are hatched and released. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyroHagST1M/YFZkadbQJJI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/j_EBgQF4z301-Jzc7_gNKlS3TI8ww1g2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/ca_bw_squid%2Band%2Bpyrasome%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyroHagST1M/YFZkadbQJJI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/j_EBgQF4z301-Jzc7_gNKlS3TI8ww1g2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/ca_bw_squid%2Band%2Bpyrasome%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyrasome and squid <br />Nikon D850 | 60mm | 2 YSD-3 strobes | Kraken Hydra 3500s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Back in Feb. we did a "true" Blackwater dive near Catalina and while the dive was a tad slow we did manage to see some cool squid action. Squids are voracious predators that are fast and cunning . They make great photo ops because they will ink and create smoke puffs, in addition to snatch fish right out of the water column. In this image, the squid is using a pyrasome for security.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ7TLviAbe4/YFZlkRS5blI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/ZlyGTz8vm3c1HUwtaTdTUMskAfFVSxX-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/flasy%2Bfish%2Band%2BSiphonaphore%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ7TLviAbe4/YFZlkRS5blI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/ZlyGTz8vm3c1HUwtaTdTUMskAfFVSxX-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/flasy%2Bfish%2Band%2BSiphonaphore%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siphonophore and larval flatfish<br />Nikon D850 | 60mm | 2 YSD-3 strobes | Kraken Hydra 3500s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Siphonophres are some of the longest jellyfish on the planet. In Anilao, they aren't quite as colorful as the ones we see here. The ones we've been seeing lately are a stunning brightly colored orange/yellow with a smaller opaque head or bell. They sting like heck but also offers a great form or protection for planktonic larval fish. This jelly was aprx. 15-20 feet in length, lazily curled around in two giant circles.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ9KeE-T3-Q/YFZne1X-FzI/AAAAAAAAA6g/12kBKy6EJPIfmvNDghaWQAMQ-EZr0RlPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/puprl%2Bjelly%2Band%2Bkevin%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ9KeE-T3-Q/YFZne1X-FzI/AAAAAAAAA6g/12kBKy6EJPIfmvNDghaWQAMQ-EZr0RlPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/puprl%2Bjelly%2Band%2Bkevin%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple striped jellyfish and diver<br />Nikon D850 | 60mm + Kraken wide angle conversion lens | 2 Sea and Sea YSD-3 strobes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">On one of our dives, we encountered a massive purple striped jellyfish. Its hard to accurately gauge the size but i would say a conservative 20-25 foot. Swimming with it were medusa fish which made for an exciting encounter. Using a conversion lens on these dives adds a new dimension as i can capture true 1:1 Macro or a wide angle scene.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwd3wTa9HoI/YFZoZZV2oGI/AAAAAAAAA6o/6bN1fqQSgeMjX7oiI7btUfwTiYX62z8ugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Kevin%2Bshooting%2Bjelly%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1363" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwd3wTa9HoI/YFZoZZV2oGI/AAAAAAAAA6o/6bN1fqQSgeMjX7oiI7btUfwTiYX62z8ugCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Kevin%2Bshooting%2Bjelly%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive Buddy photographing medusa fish<br />Nikon D850 | 60mm + conversion lens | 2 YSD-3 strobes | kraken hydra 3500s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The medusa fish rides along and feeds from the scraps of the prey that the purple jelly sting and consumes. The medusa fish are immune to the toxic venom of the purple jelly. The frill hanging down are regarded as oral arms. </span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Zz3ouu2U8/YFZpRjIb0tI/AAAAAAAAA6w/msNfPTUKHcAQuQBUgjAvj-uyrfxFbuWkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Sea%2Bbutterfly%2Band%2Bsunball%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Zz3ouu2U8/YFZpRjIb0tI/AAAAAAAAA6w/msNfPTUKHcAQuQBUgjAvj-uyrfxFbuWkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Sea%2Bbutterfly%2Band%2Bsunball%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea butterfly and sunball<br />Nikon D850 | 60mm + conversion lens | 2 YSD-3 strobes | Kraken Hydra 3500s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Sea butterflies are a gelatinous plankton called Thecosomata or pelagic sea snail and use their wings to move through the water spending their entire life adrift. This one was shot aprx. 30 below the surface with the sun in the background. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf-HzxS3DdM/YFeAecgQPCI/AAAAAAAAA68/7AMOZ6p6v1QiYY-bmmmEGk6WspfSBnQygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Mola%2BMola%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf-HzxS3DdM/YFeAecgQPCI/AAAAAAAAA68/7AMOZ6p6v1QiYY-bmmmEGk6WspfSBnQygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Mola%2BMola%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Mola-Mola<br />Nikon D850 | 60mm + conversion lens | Kraken hydra 3500s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Then this happened. With the turn of the head i saw something grey from the corner of my eye. As i came around, i was happy to see a small Mola Mola. The Molas feed on jellyfish and were very curious as to what we were. Two of them made several passes on us then finally vanished into the dark waters of California.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gear used:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nikon D850</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">60mm lens</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kraken Sports wide angle conversion lens <a href="http://blog.saltwaterphoto.com/2021/03/the-wam-factor-kraken-wide-angle.html" rel="nofollow">Conversion lens link</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">2 Sea and Sea YSD-3 Lightning strobes</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Special thanks to Kraken Sports, Ultralight Control Systems, Sea and Sea and The Giant Stride Dive Boat.</span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comUnited States37.09024 -95.71289136.861355979825184 -95.987549203125 37.319124020174819 -95.438232796875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-7623515076180674432021-03-09T11:18:00.012-08:002021-05-16T12:13:00.892-07:00Shooting sea slugs<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWYP8dcuPjs/YEhohBPJUBI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/5FvtmhhaY043MoaJcz9IAjN326Gb9XaigCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Tinellia%2Bsp%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWYP8dcuPjs/YEhohBPJUBI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/5FvtmhhaY043MoaJcz9IAjN326Gb9XaigCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Tinellia%2Bsp%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinellia sp.<br />Nikon D500 | 105mm | +6 Kraken Pro Diopter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Nudibranchs are colorful little gems that have adapted themselves in many different ways to the ever changing marine environment. Their colorful appearance, incredible designs and physiology makes them one of natures coolest critters.</span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRpUFmciDa8/YEe5gXaKefI/AAAAAAAAA24/TLAsqR5U1eUR1VdoxnbxsPw7GLbLvDTEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/3-Cyerce%2BNudibranch%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRpUFmciDa8/YEe5gXaKefI/AAAAAAAAA24/TLAsqR5U1eUR1VdoxnbxsPw7GLbLvDTEACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/3-Cyerce%2BNudibranch%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyerce</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Photographing slow moving or sluggish subjects are perfect for UW photographers. And nudis are probably responsible for converting more fun divers into divers with cameras than any other creature on the sea bed. This doesn't make them an easy subject to photograph though as i've found, shooting slug photos is alot tougher then it appears. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">For me, i like to be sure to include key elements when shooting a slug or any other creature. Sharpness, important anatomical features, lighting and making sure the subject is isolated. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I try to find the personality of any creature and to bring that out in an image. If its transparent, show that. If it has visible eye spots, try to show that too. All of these details factor in to making an image more compelling.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbcizKoUFHc/YEe6xxH3CGI/AAAAAAAAA3A/Io1KmbzrVcYcz8z5Iqr7HwGyvHfFu6M1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/19-Hiltons%2Baeolid_2_sm%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbcizKoUFHc/YEe6xxH3CGI/AAAAAAAAA3A/Io1KmbzrVcYcz8z5Iqr7HwGyvHfFu6M1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/19-Hiltons%2Baeolid_2_sm%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilton's aeolid- Nikon D500 | 60mm | Kraken pro +6 diopter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Rhinophores are used to smell and find food etc. and depending on the type of slug, can vary in design. Some are crowned, some are finned, rolled, smooth or banded with color. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">If the rhinophores aren't sharp in your image than your image will appear soft.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txxk-5eOxXg/YEe71uqGVKI/AAAAAAAAA3I/PNZqqhvwokYpWiXMX4xs7XThcewwO_nvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/23-Nembrotha%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txxk-5eOxXg/YEe71uqGVKI/AAAAAAAAA3I/PNZqqhvwokYpWiXMX4xs7XThcewwO_nvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/23-Nembrotha%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nembrotha-Nikon D850 | 105mm|+ Kraken pro +6 diopter</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Shooting them all head on can get boring fast too, although it is a great way to keep both rhinophores sharp and aligned on the same plane.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rE-SyCnShag/YEe8a3A6aFI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/U7PKV_QfDXU5FqH0T8Megf79Bc6K3JV2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/costaciella%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rE-SyCnShag/YEe8a3A6aFI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/U7PKV_QfDXU5FqH0T8Megf79Bc6K3JV2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/costaciella%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Costasiela Nikon D500|105+Kraken Pro +22</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Shawn the sheep are very, very small and will demand the use of a high powered diopter like the Kraken Pro +13 or +22. Or other diopters such as Nauticam SMC. The adapter used for these diopters is also extremely important as it will hold your wet lens in the correct position without moving. This might not seem like a deal breaker but when your considering the razor thin depth of field, this small detail will make a huge difference.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lighting is of course everything. It can make an image interesting in ways that will further separate your images into something special. Remember, there are no rules to being creative so let </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">yourself be creative and build your confidence.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkDicx4SZ-k/YEe_xpb7a_I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/eYZyMK3BG4wIyZ8b6fIKsPGHU6Y2yjmIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/M.%2BAlleni_BW%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkDicx4SZ-k/YEe_xpb7a_I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/eYZyMK3BG4wIyZ8b6fIKsPGHU6Y2yjmIACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/M.%2BAlleni_BW%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alleni- Backlit with an off camera strobe <br />Nikon D850 | 105mm | 1 Sea and Sea YSD2-J</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Backlighting is a great way to push your image to the next level, If its done right. The only way to learn proper backlighting is to actually start doing it. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfMy0iURB8s/YEfBPLB6F0I/AAAAAAAAA3g/XBAM3mQevyIroP4Qh5LdFUo23Sxt8dw3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Hypseledoris%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfMy0iURB8s/YEfBPLB6F0I/AAAAAAAAA3g/XBAM3mQevyIroP4Qh5LdFUo23Sxt8dw3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Hypseledoris%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinderella- Snoot and torch for backlighting<br />Nikon D850 | 105mm | Kraken V2 snoot torch for backlighting and Backscatter mini flash and snoot.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Lighting can also be a double edged sword when ran to the extremes and push it away from the mainstream. Experiment and see what works for you and keep building on that skillset.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBH5OXnBLUA/YEfDfOsMWdI/AAAAAAAAA34/1AvgqEqFf0UpQsKdDbbHu17TzS_MOe_2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/8-Anilao%2Bmating%2Bpikachu%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="2000" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBH5OXnBLUA/YEfDfOsMWdI/AAAAAAAAA34/1AvgqEqFf0UpQsKdDbbHu17TzS_MOe_2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h392/8-Anilao%2Bmating%2Bpikachu%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mating Pika-Chu<br />Nikon D500 | 105mm | Sea and Sea YSD2 & Subsee FO snoot + Kraken snoot torch for backlighting</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Special subjects deserve special lighting. Using a snoot and a torch can get to be a bit tricky but well worth the effort when done correctly. The Kraken snoot torch V2 uses a very narrow beam cast allowing for highlighting portions of your subject while helping to assert control over backscatter.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsJCrzcR0eQ/YEfEfp_ERQI/AAAAAAAAA4A/Lt2_FBKfglof9OgntWIsojE5wY5m47e3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9-Melibe%2Bcolemani_4%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsJCrzcR0eQ/YEfEfp_ERQI/AAAAAAAAA4A/Lt2_FBKfglof9OgntWIsojE5wY5m47e3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/9-Melibe%2Bcolemani_4%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melibe colemani<br />Nikon D500 | 60mm | 1 YSD2 + Retra LSD + Kraken snoot torch</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Melibe colemani is one of the hardest slugs for me to shoot well. Using the same method as above, i used both a snoot and a torch for backlighting. The white lines or actually the muscles of this slug, what an incredible creature wow.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQVNc1au_es/YEpHKV8n0KI/AAAAAAAAA4o/FP8Ax3k2cZQUo8Jlu3cL6PdYnh6hZqVCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/L%2Bbernasi-2_fb%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQVNc1au_es/YEpHKV8n0KI/AAAAAAAAA4o/FP8Ax3k2cZQUo8Jlu3cL6PdYnh6hZqVCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/L%2Bbernasi-2_fb%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L bernosi-The Neon Slug<br />Nikon D7100 | sigma 28080 macro @ 70mm | Diopter- </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Back to composition and concentrating on key features of your subject. Check out the rhinophores on this insane slug. Im using an old school lens that doesn't have the best quality for this type of work however when its coupled with one of the poor quality diopters in my collection, it creates a shallow depth of field and barrel distortion which i find to be a cool effect at times. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FBA1EEMkjs/YEfJPINyypI/AAAAAAAAA4I/TluXdLdO3V8BGzfLBfFGyVgeKZ77ZK_awCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Dirona_purple%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FBA1EEMkjs/YEfJPINyypI/AAAAAAAAA4I/TluXdLdO3V8BGzfLBfFGyVgeKZ77ZK_awCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Dirona_purple%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirona- Nikon D500 | 60mm | Sea and Sea YSD2 + Retra LSD snoot <br />Kraken snoot torch with colorized gel filter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Using a colorized gel filter is also another fun way to express yourself as long as its done tastefully. This can become obnoxious very quickly but fun to experiment with, particularly when the substrate is not too pretty.</span><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Favorite gear for shooting slugs:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">105mm + diopters</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.backscatter.com/brand/Sea--AND--Sea?keywords=Sea%20?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCUMmbgC8Rc3hc7MiSTf5UMI=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sea and Sea strobe</a> with Fiber optic snoot or Retra LSD snoot</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.backscatter.com/Retra-Flash-Pro-Underwater-Strobe?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCUMmbgC8Rc3hc7MiSTf5UMI=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Retra Pro strobes </a>with <a href=" https://www.backscatter.com/Retra-LSD-Ultimate-Snoot-Light-Shaping-Device?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCUMmbgC8Rc3hc7MiSTf5UMI=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Retra LSD snoot</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.backscatter.com/Backscatter-Mini-Flash-1-Optical-Snoot-Combo-Package?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCUMmbgC8Rc3hc7MiSTf5UMI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Backscatter Mini Flash and Mini Snoot</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Kraken snoot torch</span></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">For more slug images, please check my macro gallery under<a href="https://www.saltwaterphoto.com/Photos/Macro/Nudibranchs/" target="_blank"> Nudibranchs</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Backlighting is one of the essential skills taught in all of my macro workshops, for more info on upcoming workshops at Crystal Blue Resort, please check my website. These fill fast and are sold out a year in advance. I also do 1:1 and small custom groups that are not announced to please email me for more info on that.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-26943707008143814452021-03-09T09:31:00.002-08:002021-03-10T10:45:28.435-08:00The Secret World of Frogfish<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Very few creatures on earth are as interesting or diverse as
the frogfish. The discovery of one on a dive can excite any self-respecting
diver or photographer as everyone want’s to get a chance to see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first glance the frogfish remains
motionless, appearing as a large headed globose and scabby creature that could
hardly fend for themselves. But in reality the frogfish is a calculating and
veracious predator that has truly mastered their domain. What makes them so
unique isn’t just their coloration, size or texture or the ability to remain
motionless for hours at a time. It isn’t even the little jets behind their legs
that helps them swim, what makes them truly unique is that they are all a type
of anglerfish that come equipped with a fishing rod and lure. If that isn’t
enough to grab a photographers attention then im not sure what is, so lets take
a quick peek at a few more uncommon facts of these amazing critters in the
secret world of frogfish.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">
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act hunting for its next meal. Frogfish use their rod and lure to excite and
attract their prey by repeatedly extending and flicking their lure creating an
irresistible appearance of an easy meal. Its the unique rod and lure that
describes all frogfish in the order of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lophiiformes
and a</i>ccording to research this suborder of antennae bearing fish comprises
14 genera and more the 46 species worldwide</span></span></span></div></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4zDQKijqCo/Uab_JX8oE5I/AAAAAAAAAdE/bVNh9FLXpww/s1600/Caption+2++head+on+warty+yellow+(1+of+1).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4zDQKijqCo/Uab_JX8oE5I/AAAAAAAAAdE/bVNh9FLXpww/w640-h424/Caption+2++head+on+warty+yellow+(1+of+1).jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">
Ranging in color even within the same species is not
uncommon making them tough to identify. This yellow warty is squaring off with my
lens port evidently having had enough of my presence. Looking closely you can
see that the lure has sustained damage and is now bent to one side.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKzRaRXoKzM/Uab_QP0lO3I/AAAAAAAAAdU/k7inY7VbMyk/s1600/Caption+3+comerssoni.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKzRaRXoKzM/Uab_QP0lO3I/AAAAAAAAAdU/k7inY7VbMyk/w640-h424/Caption+3+comerssoni.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
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most common of the bunch is also the largest which makes sense as they are
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prefer reefs and walls. I speculate that these two are probably males that
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The smallest fully grown frogfish is the miniscule pygmy
frogfish (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tuberosi) </i>which when fully
grown will reach a maximum size of 1.25 centimeters<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i>Found living amongst rubble in the shallows near runoffs and
estuaries. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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</span><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdfRQ4Vi2CU/Uab_b99fZ_I/AAAAAAAAAd8/eo7jkgytvRM/s1600/caption+5+manny+moe+and+jacky-.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdfRQ4Vi2CU/Uab_b99fZ_I/AAAAAAAAAd8/eo7jkgytvRM/w640-h424/caption+5+manny+moe+and+jacky-.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mating and Spawning</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> - </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mate selection occurs with males, book-ending the female until one of the males finally gives up.</span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAYSYguEbWg/YEetBoMghFI/AAAAAAAAA2g/Gjq2h9PpgPwspOwmka4Esf6BB3qDnSR7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/spawning%2Bfrogfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.tif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1361" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAYSYguEbWg/YEetBoMghFI/AAAAAAAAA2g/Gjq2h9PpgPwspOwmka4Esf6BB3qDnSR7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/spawning%2Bfrogfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.tif" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Spawning frogfish</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Frogfish are cast spawners. The male pushes the female or follows the female up into the water column where she releases her eggs, simultaneously he discharges his sperm onto the eggs, fertilizing them. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This is both an effective and efficient way of fertilizing a large mass of eggs, all at once. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The eggs are released in what looks like a small capsule which quickly unfurls into a ribbon which then floats on the current. The eggs mature and eventually settle to the substrate.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5mCVDbS0w0/Uab_UsM3mrI/AAAAAAAAAdk/IeyOJPlJFEQ/s1600/Caption+6+juvenile(1+of+1).jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5mCVDbS0w0/Uab_UsM3mrI/AAAAAAAAAdk/IeyOJPlJFEQ/w640-h418/Caption+6+juvenile(1+of+1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A freshly settled frogfish</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Camouflaged hunters, the Hairy Frogfish <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Antennarius
striatus)</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are amongst the most
sought after critters worldwide and are considered a holly grail find for
photographers and divers alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can
range from pink to black in color but typically have visible lines or stripes
on their body. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A. striatus </i>is
normally found on the substrate or perched just above it. They will live out
their entire lifecycle here and have adapted some very unique survival tactics
in the process including an oversized worm like lure, the use of pheromones to
hunt and its namesake hairy appendages. Yawning amongst all frogfish could be a
show of stress or aggression or even an attempt at appearing larger than what
they really are to ward off the paparazzi.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vsnsmZjR3M/YEevlrFlryI/AAAAAAAAA2w/VuepeiUJlV0gWYyQOJuaZHx3GpRh1Pq-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/3-Classic%2Bhairy%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vsnsmZjR3M/YEevlrFlryI/AAAAAAAAA2w/VuepeiUJlV0gWYyQOJuaZHx3GpRh1Pq-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/3-Classic%2Bhairy%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A classic shot of a hairy frogfish (A. striatus) <br />Using is worm-like lure to entice its prey.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">
<br />
<br />
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oa1oTA8IRwU/Uab_WZwf13I/AAAAAAAAAds/kdoKxWwm2gk/s1600/Caption+8+Black+hairy+frog1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="549" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oa1oTA8IRwU/Uab_WZwf13I/AAAAAAAAAds/kdoKxWwm2gk/w640-h549/Caption+8+Black+hairy+frog1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Monster-Black A. striatus</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Black version of the hairy frogfish is considered
rare and was a treat to see. It proves how adaptive frogfish fish can be even
within the same species. The black coloration helps it to black with the black
sands of the region and is said to mimic black spiny urchins</span></div>
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<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apABPxLiLjQ/Uab-8a4QG0I/AAAAAAAAAck/z3EHc45l6vU/s1600/Caption+12+antisocial+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhxj3PNnUSQ/Uab_DKnQknI/AAAAAAAAAc8/40_Evwh9utE/s1600/Caption+13+froggy+w+suitor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhxj3PNnUSQ/Uab_DKnQknI/AAAAAAAAAc8/40_Evwh9utE/w424-h640/Caption+13+froggy+w+suitor.jpg" width="424" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">
Courting A.striatus</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">
The male is attracted by an irresistible pheromone produced by the female.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q26iVadR0_E/Uab_YxvyB-I/AAAAAAAAAd0/XWvjDBLckc4/s1600/caption+11+Antisocial+behavior.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q26iVadR0_E/Uab_YxvyB-I/AAAAAAAAAd0/XWvjDBLckc4/w640-h426/caption+11+Antisocial+behavior.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf_VykYPQWc/Uab_d73nA2I/AAAAAAAAAeE/KN6YRS4HES4/s1600/caption+7+Juvi+hairy+yawn+(1+of+1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">
Antisocial Behavior in frogfish is often seen before a
mating cycle has begun. The pushy male just wont take NO! for an answer. The female was a little more than irritated by her male suitor and let him
have it. There isnt any exterior organs or markings to tell a male frogfish
apart from a female but the behavior can sometimes give it away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s34QOWkszIY/YEeuT6uPruI/AAAAAAAAA2o/SfjO3oI-dqcPCvv28Gh3_LDVQ_TdIZ2JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/ambon%2Bfrogfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s34QOWkszIY/YEeuT6uPruI/AAAAAAAAA2o/SfjO3oI-dqcPCvv28Gh3_LDVQ_TdIZ2JgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/ambon%2Bfrogfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ambon frogfish</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Ambon frogfish mimics deep water sponges and are one of the few frogfish that actually carries their eggs. They do this by cupping their eggs against their body with their tail. They carry their eggs and will sit in one place brooding them unless disturbed. </span><br />
</span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Frogfish are certainly an incredibly morphed subject with wild behavior, appearances and behavior which makes them one of my favorite subjects of all time. This of course in addition to every other marine creature.</span></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPhilippines12.879721 121.774017-15.430512836178846 86.617767 41.189954836178842 156.93026700000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-55614025149608433672021-03-08T17:23:00.009-08:002021-03-16T16:38:22.415-07:00The WAM Factor-Kraken Wide angle conversion lens<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It never fails, whenever i slap on a dome port and wide angle lens, all the macro critters come out to play. It took me a long time to figure out that i shouldn’t be looking down for macro subjects when i should be looking up and seeking the sun. From packing for a day trip or preparing for a long haul, the question of wether to shoot wide or macro has always been a challenging one for underwater photographers. Fortunately for SLR shooters that harsh reality of lens choice is beginning to fade. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The possibility of shooting true 1:1 macro AND wide angle on the same dive is now a reality. The engineers at Kraken have developed a highly functional conversion lens that for me is a game changer. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwuvjEDp_c/YEbHVqU3HVI/AAAAAAAAAzM/Nh_XPsxdqJU35qd3FjEmy_hPaLUBselnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Camera%253AConversion%2Blens%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwuvjEDp_c/YEbHVqU3HVI/AAAAAAAAAzM/Nh_XPsxdqJU35qd3FjEmy_hPaLUBselnwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Camera%253AConversion%2Blens%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> KRL-09S- Conversion lens flipped down | Nikon D850</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">When you see the mounted conversion lens on the camera above water it appears to be big and heavy. When flipped down the lens extends outwards but the dome portion of the lens itself is actually the size of a small zen port (100mm) and allows for tight working spaces. This particular lens has a buoyancy collar already built into it which makes the setup underwater totally neutral.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The extension also helps with lighting as i can use the barrel of the lens to block some of the light while using inward lighting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Ive always gravitated to using the Tokina set up (10-17 + Zen port) for this style of shooting but have found that the Toki's fish eye distortion to be a bit annoying. The KRL-09S is rectilinear with zero barrel distortion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A couple of basic field test’s:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Both of these tests are not scientific by any means but illustrate an example of how the lens works underwater. Both are shot from aprx. the same distance, shutter speeds and aperture.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFBzcLbdlhc/YEbI4Ck3Y-I/AAAAAAAAAzU/j6FXrA1q0y04oGUsXL5jYpZ46I4Wrp8kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Conversion%2Btest-Sharpness.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFBzcLbdlhc/YEbI4Ck3Y-I/AAAAAAAAAzU/j6FXrA1q0y04oGUsXL5jYpZ46I4Wrp8kgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Conversion%2Btest-Sharpness.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">60mm and 60 with conversion lens</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lgudC8LXRA/YEbJMjVx1gI/AAAAAAAAAzc/gvagbPu2TG8aw3qGW5-GAEPOwhcn13hygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Conversion%2Btest%253Aangle.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lgudC8LXRA/YEbJMjVx1gI/AAAAAAAAAzc/gvagbPu2TG8aw3qGW5-GAEPOwhcn13hygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Conversion%2Btest%253Aangle.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">standar and 2:1 magnification</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xM7chmY8KJ8/YEbJmTr3hhI/AAAAAAAAAzk/dLRDTMZB8T8MlrhNx08sowfaTde5SUdAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/7-Lionfish%2Bkwacl%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xM7chmY8KJ8/YEbJmTr3hhI/AAAAAAAAAzk/dLRDTMZB8T8MlrhNx08sowfaTde5SUdAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/7-Lionfish%2Bkwacl%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lionfish and sunball</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">capture</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> strong WAM style images, subject matter is extremely important. I’ve found that mid sized or palm sized subjects give the strongest, front of the frame presence and dimension. Adding some kind of model or reference in the back of the frame add’s perspective, pushing the primary subject forward. Think of the frame in a dimensional manner, including multiple elements will help to ad layers and enhance the image. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWZbAwgJg6k/YEbJ6tHAYaI/AAAAAAAAAzs/8mCq7DsPlM0lFoD-sJI37tsJG8SkBoGQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4-Slug%2Band%2BGladz_conv%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWZbAwgJg6k/YEbJ6tHAYaI/AAAAAAAAAzs/8mCq7DsPlM0lFoD-sJI37tsJG8SkBoGQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/4-Slug%2Band%2BGladz_conv%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1:1 macro and model</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Getting close to the subject is also very important which requires care and patience. Think of the animal first. If possible, I try to position my camera prior to looking through the viewfinder just to make sure that i don’t hit the subject or stress them too much. Checking your images while shooting or “chimping”should also be done very carefully. Not just because you might kill the frogfish but you also have a chance a scratching your new lens. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Look for vertical relief, kelp forests, crinoids, pier or jetty structure and of course if you can include the green or blue water, it will tell the story of where the image was shot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The depth of field will be much greater due to the nature of the optics so using open ƒ-stops more frequently used for wide angle shooting are okay too which will help balance the available ambient light.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C19kBBt1dA/YEbKRCz7r1I/AAAAAAAAAz0/XgbJwUGQSJY1i7hwOfzgaP_apdQM29opwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/5-Rhinopias%2BWAM%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C19kBBt1dA/YEbKRCz7r1I/AAAAAAAAAz0/XgbJwUGQSJY1i7hwOfzgaP_apdQM29opwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/5-Rhinopias%2BWAM%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CFWA with a Rhinopias</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Lighting and backscatter can also be a bit tricky, particularly in chunky water. Snooting also works although using a beam flash restrictor and/or diffuser give’s the image a more natural feel. Remember ƒ-stop for color in the foreground, ISO and shutter speed to control the light in the background. For strobes, i prefer to keep them at the 10 & 2 but if the composition weighs heavier to one side or the other, i might eliminate or decrease the strobe power on the side that doesn’t need strobe flash. In other words, theres no need to flash empty water, after all it will only create backscatter which equals, more work in post. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4281bhXw14g/YEbKbNslyEI/AAAAAAAAAz4/7b5ZDS0ur3sJYvH_MwAFbWavT5k5m-jGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/8-standard%2Bwide%2Bangle%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4281bhXw14g/YEbKbNslyEI/AAAAAAAAAz4/7b5ZDS0ur3sJYvH_MwAFbWavT5k5m-jGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/8-standard%2Bwide%2Bangle%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True wide angle @ 20mm'ish</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Color is an essential ingredient with any style of UW photography. In-fact thats what makes shooting underwater so special. However that color doesn’t come through in our images without strobe flash. The kaleidoscope of colors that we are able to experience while diving should be included whenever and wherever we can and as much as possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">RGB+Negative space is a good rule of thumb for color and composition. All three of the primary color channels diminish as you get deeper, loosing the reds first. Shallow water means richer natural light. That being said, this also means you will need to use strong strobe flash to give those colors the vibrance to come through. Its counterintuitive thinking when shooting in shallow sunny environments as were are now competing with the sun. Bright colors will be pushed to the front and dull colors will be pulled to the back in any image. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oSIk6kYoS1g/YEbK1cQefiI/AAAAAAAAA0E/F9DBkFGXhQI0QYXgfYJtpeBtONxFhFBCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/3-Valley%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bcrinoids%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oSIk6kYoS1g/YEbK1cQefiI/AAAAAAAAA0E/F9DBkFGXhQI0QYXgfYJtpeBtONxFhFBCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/3-Valley%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bcrinoids%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley of the crinoids</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">KWACL flip down lens-valley of crinoids exists in the deeper portion of our house reef. The colorful feather stars cover every centimeter of sand for as far as you can see underwater. The white tube anemone stood out like a beacon amidst the encroaching crinoids.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Kraken conversion lens is proving to be valuable in many different scenarios including blackwater photography and video. The thread like streamers or the Pompano are what makes these subjects so beautiful and difficult to shoot with a standard 60mm. Flipping down the KWACL and capturing the subject in all of its glory was a breeze.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWn-x-1ZmCE/YEbLhCItY_I/AAAAAAAAA0M/sd4PLdMxmwYaCWlrGBQJMO1tryK_R0cWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/6-kwacl-pompano-3%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWn-x-1ZmCE/YEbLhCItY_I/AAAAAAAAA0M/sd4PLdMxmwYaCWlrGBQJMO1tryK_R0cWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/6-kwacl-pompano-3%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pompano | Blackwater dive| Slow shutter and pan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This also translates well to video capture on blackwater diving (Please click on the link) <a href="https://youtu.be/eJ_UGM4xl8E">Video Capture</a>. Normally my go to lens is the 60mm for such dives however with the flip down option, i can use either angle of view. The wider angle makes framing a moving subject in open water incrementally easier than with the 60mm. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BnN6Zhnd9g/YEbNLu3EgiI/AAAAAAAAA0U/3ZP-kWiuYmEF8FBA1SO9bSX4HvvhhO0FACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Purple%2Bjelly%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BnN6Zhnd9g/YEbNLu3EgiI/AAAAAAAAA0U/3ZP-kWiuYmEF8FBA1SO9bSX4HvvhhO0FACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Purple%2Bjelly%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0NEGmvNBJw/YEbNShklgrI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/Y1aIhyAuAy0MVvam5Y9eCHYb1OPMocaygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Edgar%2Band%2BJelly%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0NEGmvNBJw/YEbNShklgrI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/Y1aIhyAuAy0MVvam5Y9eCHYb1OPMocaygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Edgar%2Band%2BJelly%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edgar and Jellyfish</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> Overall, a conversion lens means more creative options underwater and less opportunities missed. As a diver with a camera, having options underwater are always a luxury and with the new Kraken Conversion lens opportunities abound. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Lens Link:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://krakensports.ca/product/krl-09s-wide-angle-conversion-lens/" target="_blank">Conversion lens link</a><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.backscatter.com/Nauticam-M67-Flip-Holder-for-MWL-1-Lens?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCUMmbgC8Rc3hc7MiSTf5UMI=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Recommended flip adapter:</span></a></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Until then, stay optimistic and stay healthy!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Mike Bartick</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-20310276679465251272021-03-06T09:29:00.003-08:002021-05-16T12:13:22.667-07:00The High Key Effect<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Many of my images throughout my portfolio are shot using a snoot or shot at high shutter speeds to create the black background. Shooting subjects in this manner helps me to create a true portrait of my subject and gives it a distinctive "pop" of natural contrast. However, i get tired of shooting this way and if the same style is over used, a portfolio can become boring! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, being a person of extremes, i tried shooting similar subjects using a "High Key" effect resulting in a fun and fresh way for me to create images with a bright feel.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrOhZ89_x9s/YEOpIrhiloI/AAAAAAAAAys/WfZgGrpQZO0A_y5jtHDCq9PlgSvHsN4HACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Sailfin%2Bblenny%2BD7100%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrOhZ89_x9s/YEOpIrhiloI/AAAAAAAAAys/WfZgGrpQZO0A_y5jtHDCq9PlgSvHsN4HACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Sailfin%2Bblenny%2BD7100%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailfin Blenny-High Key Exposure</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">High Key exposures, concentrates on using the bright high point instead of the dark or low point to create your exposure values. This is an old studio method of lighting when using multiple light sources to create an image. In nature, we have the best light source known to man, the Sun. However, sunlight can be a double edged sword for photographers and we must overcome the power and effect of sunlight using our strobe flash and positioning.<br />When im creating a high key image, i use a single strobe to capture my sample images and check for exposure on my subject as well as the position of any shadows. Then, i position my second strobe in a way to "Fill" the shadow and to create a sanguine, bright, soft feel in the frame. </span></p><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj1wK4Nzuek/YEOyaLYZypI/AAAAAAAAAy0/vBMVIdpjm0cKP4xX4D2ZdCQdWss69Q1jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Goby%2Bhk%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj1wK4Nzuek/YEOyaLYZypI/AAAAAAAAAy0/vBMVIdpjm0cKP4xX4D2ZdCQdWss69Q1jwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Goby%2Bhk%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whip Coral Gobie-High Key <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">High key can be a great alternative to creating all kinds of different feels and textures to your portfolio. In this image, im using a combination of nearness to my subject and an open aperture, together with 10 & 2 sidelighting. This style of lighting should give a nice, even exposure to the entire frame. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Slightly overexpose without blowing out your channels then work your image according to what you want. </span><span style="font-size: large;">For example, if i want to shoot at ƒ, 5.6 then i must adjust the exposure without touching my aperture dial by dropping my ISO or by pulling my strobes back. Problem solve according to how you would like your image to look and feel working towards the end result. Of course, this means knowing what you want, before you begin.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfEfXakmYbQ/YEO5FRctyeI/AAAAAAAAAzE/KDo07UyEUxQ7bnbfel3Szb1inJqu1IXWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/2-Jaruna%2Bhigh%2Bkey%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfEfXakmYbQ/YEO5FRctyeI/AAAAAAAAAzE/KDo07UyEUxQ7bnbfel3Szb1inJqu1IXWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/2-Jaruna%2Bhigh%2Bkey%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The High key effect can be used across a wide range of subjects and for both macro and wide angle images. Small animals like sea slugs are perfect as they don't swim away quickly and will allow you to make adjustments as needed. Shooting large animals might not be achieved as easily but the same technique can still be used. I always suggest to start small and build your skillset before taking the show on the road.</span> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Camera: Nikon D850 | D500<br />Lens: 60mm and 105mm + Kraken Pro Diopters<br />Strobes: Sea and Sea YSD-2 and D2-j<br />Housing: Sea and Sea <br /></span></h4></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPhilippines12.879721 121.774017-15.430512836178846 86.617767 41.189954836178842 156.93026700000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529739893415506294.post-20154221784366073382012-04-26T09:03:00.003-07:002021-03-10T10:45:46.939-08:00Estuary Batfish<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbkM7Xm-4-E/T5lvcaMkYGI/AAAAAAAAALE/IzesKFzNu3A/s1600/Batfish+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbkM7Xm-4-E/T5lvcaMkYGI/AAAAAAAAALE/IzesKFzNu3A/s640/Batfish+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Haleutia sp</i><br />
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
encountered this intriguing little fellow while on a night dive at a new sight
in the Philippines, Mindoro to be exact. The site is the only white sand muck
dive that I have ever dived and is proving itself to be worthy with finds like
this, the “Estuary Batfish”. The Batfish’s faunal range is described as Local
to Indonesia, but im not surprised to find this guy in the Philippines. The
Mindoro-Anilao Triangle is fed by rich currents making this area both diverse
and unique for marine animal life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">My dive
buddy and I were doing our nightly dive when we happened upon this strange
looking benthic walker. Disc shaped and very cryptic in coloration, at first it
appeared to be a patch of moving sand. After inspecting it closely I observed hydro
jets, two sets of walking fins and a wide mouth for gulping its prey. I quickly
checked it against my odd creature list in my head and It came to me as to what
it was. Our new little buddy was some kind of batfish like the ones I have
found in the Galapagos but without the lipstick. Except this Batfish was tiny
compared to its cousins. This new find
stumped me at first and I began shooting pics to document the find.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The Batfish
kept my full attention for a long while until I finally lost track of it,
blending into the sand once again. Finally looking up I see my buddy waving me
over for another great find but that’s a different story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Camera:
Nikon D300s</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lens: Sigma
28-80 macro lens</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Strobe: YS
250 pro’s</span></div>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKlk-b8K6bU/T5lw6vvO8YI/AAAAAAAAALM/TIkJuwNhUw8/s1600/Batfish+side+profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKlk-b8K6bU/T5lw6vvO8YI/AAAAAAAAALM/TIkJuwNhUw8/s320/Batfish+side+profile.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Haleutia sp<br /><br /><br /><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZTy_O1V8Vk/YEOkdDfIvUI/AAAAAAAAAyk/q28Jy_lBbmMWXVdCckdh3RiiD0lyUH3GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6-Larval%2Bpancake%2Bbatfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Batfish, Blackwater, Anilao" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZTy_O1V8Vk/YEOkdDfIvUI/AAAAAAAAAyk/q28Jy_lBbmMWXVdCckdh3RiiD0lyUH3GwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/6-Larval%2Bpancake%2Bbatfish%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Larval Pancake Batfish<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Found on a blackwater dive some 4 miles and across the Verde Island Pass from Mindoro we've been seeing this incredible little guy. Not on the sand but feeding in the water column. After checking and reading about this odd bottom walker, we discovered that it settles to the sand at depths, well beyond that of recreational dive depths.</span><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Camera: Nikon D850</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lens:60mm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Strobes: Sea and Sea YSD- J2</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comMêdog County, Nyingchi, Tibet, China29.325298 95.333197-3.1474220669689537 60.176947 61.79801806696895 130.48944699999998