News
NUPG hears the confessions of an ex-critter-fiddler, Alex Tattersall
The Northern Underwater Photography Group gathered en masse in March to hear from acclaimed underwater macro photographer, Alex Tattersall. The group meet at a curry house in South Manchester and it was great to catch up with such a lovely bunch of underwater photographers over some spicy food before the talk started in the function room upstairs.
Alex’s talk attracted a large crowd, as he is an award winning photographer, great speaker, is the Nauticam distributor in the UK and his talk subject was about a hot topic that we all care about. Alex’s talk focused on macro photography subjects, and how it seems that more and more competition winners seemed to have moved or manipulated their subjects. Alex confessed to having done this himself in the past, but he is now a reformed character and is championing the cause to stop underwater photographers from being tempted to cause distress and harm to marine life, just for a photograph. He also is calling for judges to stop awarding huge prizes to photographers shooting animals out of their natural environment.
Dolphins hunting on the Sardine Run by Nick Robertson-Brown
The NUPG holds a competition each month for the members and those attending the meeting to enter. This months theme was “schooling” and was obviously a tricky subject for the members, as there were fewer entries than normal, but there were some great shots. Two of the images could not be separated and so joint winners were announced: Nick Robertson-Brown with a shot of dolphins hunting in a school of sardines on the sardine run in South Africa, and John Spencer with a shot of a lionfish hunting in the shallows in the Red Sea. Maggie Russell took the compact winner, with a shot of a school of sweetlips in Raja Ampat in Indonesia, which also came third in the overall competition.
Lionfish hunting in the Red Sea by John Spencer
Alex’s second half of his talk moved on to finding ways to create stunning underwater macro images, without having to manipulate the subject. He talked the group through using techniques such as depth of field and lighting to create images that stand out from the crowd, as well as gear available to make photos stand out, such as snoots and wet lenses. He showed off some of his outstanding macro images to the group and shared how he got those shots.
Schooling Sweetlips by Maggie Russell
It was a great meeting, with plenty of great tips for macro photography from Alex, plenty of discussion about how we all abhor “critter-fiddling” and how we thought it could be tackled going forwards, as well as a great chance to meet up with others who share a love for underwater photography.
The next NUPG meeting will be on Monday 9th April at the Gurkha Grill from 8-10pm. Joseph Litt will be speaking about his new book Galapagos.
For more information about the Northern Underwater Photography Group visit their website by clicking here or their Facebook site by clicking here.
For more about Alex Tattersall, visit his website: Underwater Visions.
Marine Life & Conservation
Steve Backshall to headline Shark Trust’s flagship event: For the Love of Sharks
Join a host of amazing, shark loving, speakers including Steve Backshall and the Shark Trust team for an evening celebrating shark conservation at the Royal Geographical Society in London this November.
Date: 29th November 2024
Time: 6-10pm
Location: Royal Geographical Society, London
Tickets: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
The event will be a celebration of all things shark. Those lucky enough to get hold of tickets will hear from engaging guest speakers with a passion for sharks.
The line-up includes (*subject to change if unforeseen circumstances arise)
Steve Backshall: One of television’s busiest presenters, BAFTA award-winning wildlife expert Steve has been passionate about the wild world ever since he was young.
Steve’s impressive TV career has taken him all around the world, investigating a wide array of species and environments. Steve has filmed over 100 hours of children’s wildlife programmes with the BAFTA award winning Deadly 60 franchise and recently, with Sky Nature, for his new series ‘Whale with Steve Backshall’. He has been a patron for the Shark Trust for 10 years.
Simon Rogerson: is a photojournalist specialising in natural history, diving and the sea.
He is editor of SCUBA magazine, the official journal of the British Sub-Aqua Club. Simon started his career as a crime reporter but gravitated towards his ‘less depressing’ interest in underwater exploration, joining the staff of DIVE magazine in 1999. In 2005 he was named ‘Editor of the Year’ in the PPA’s Independent Publishing Awards. Simon also works as a freelance writer, contributing frequently to the Sunday Times and Telegraph, in addition to BBC Wildlife, Esquire, and a host of international diving magazines. He is the author of a book, Dive Red Sea, published by Ultimate Sports. Now based in Berkshire, Simon has been a Patron of the Shark Trust for 20 years.
More speakers to be announced soon. Head to the Shark Trust website to learn more.
The evening will also allow guests the final chance to see the Oceanic 31, shark art exhibition. Some of the artwork will be auctioned/raffled at the event, while the rest will be auctioned online to raise money for the Shark Trust Oceanic Programme.
For the Love of Sharks is an evening with something for everyone who is interested and fascinated by sharks. Join the Shark Trust, their Patrons, Trustees and Staff, along with a host of supporters for this celebration of shark conservation.
For more information or to buy a ticket: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
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