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Duxy’s Underwater Photography Blog: Available Light, Part 1

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available light

This blog is all about getting back to basics, and learning how to master the art of available light while shooting underwater.

When I first got into underwater photography, I only ever shot available light, eschewing the benefits of strobes until much later. I did this because although I was involved in professional photography onland, I never imagined that I would want or need to be weighed down with too much kit on a dive, so I shot with only a compact camera and a very wide angle lens. This helped me to understand the requirements of the fast growing number of divers keen to document their underwater experiences, for whom diving definitely took first place over photography. This coincided with the compact digital photography market place starting to produce very capable small point and shoot cameras, with useful functions for underwater use.

And so I started to champion this style of unhindered shooting as a great way for all divers to get great pictures, and my first articles were all about how to do this effectively and with the minimum of expense and equipment.

I have since also embraced the use of strobes too, but this style of minimalist photography is still enormously appealing.

This shot below was taken on my first ever Liveaboard trip nearly 9 years ago with a digital camera and using an add on fisheye lens with an old Canon Ixus compact camera, and this was the moment when I realised that this “new fangled” technology had some enormous benefits over the bulkier, strobe laden kit of the past.

Go Wide

So, what first to think about with available light shooting?

I would personally suggest that you think very seriously about tricking out your camera with a very wide angle lens.
If shooting with a compact camera, and your camera is a compatible one, then the lens as it is will be fine if you are shooting fish ID shots of the usual reef denizens.

However if you want to get good colours and great shots of larger things, like the dolphins in the main photo above, or clear shots of wrecks or reefscapes, then you need to go much wider than the camera will go with its built in lens.

Why is this?

Well the medium within which we choose to indulge our hobby, even at its clearest, is much denser than air, and colour contrast and clarity will drop off very quickly as you increase the distance between you and the subject. Those dolphins above were around a metre or so from me, which is one of the reasons you can make out the finer details in the shot.
And if I had been using the camera unenhanced without a lens attached that had nearly 180 degrees of view, then to get this group all in shot I would have needed to have been around 10 metres or so away.

available light

Both pictures were taken with the same compact camera. The top shot was just the camera on its own. And to frame it like this I had to be around 5m away. However with the wider angled lens attachment I am now only a meter away for the shot at the bottom. Which is much clearer and sharper simply because I am a lot closer.

Get Close

Getting close to your subject is the key element here, and if it’s a larger subject like a wreck or a reefscape, pod of dolphins or your buddy even, then the only way that the shot is going to be as clear as the shots you see in the magazines is if you are using a wide angle lens much wider than you may be accustomed to. These attach using simple adapters or screw into the front of your housing, and really expand on your underwater photographic possibilities.

If you are in the market for a simple compact camera and want better than average results in these scenarios then please get in touch at duxy@scubatravel.com and I will give you the current up to date advice on what the best choices are for underwater. Sadly just because a camera is great on land doesn’t automatically make it suitable for underwater use.

Of course this simple physics issue also applies to higher end cameras like DSLR’s or Mirrorless cameras, but generally those folk have already come to that understanding as they have travelled up the learning curve, and purchased the relevant lenses and equipment.

available light

The top of Shark Reef in Egypt only possible to get in and keep clear and colourful by using a very wide angle lens and a technique called Custom or Manual White Balance.

Banishing the Blues in Part 2

The shot above was taken with a fisheye lens attached to one of the early Mirrorless cameras, and what I have explained above is one of the reasons the shot is clear and showing good contrast. However in the second part of this series I will be showing you how to get the great colours we associate with this type of shot, by using a variety of techniques to remedy the boring blues that blight a lot of available light for underwater photographers.

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Scuba Travel new logoDuxy is the in house photo-pro for UK-based dive tour operator Scuba Travel. To find out about availability on Scuba Travel’s underwater photography workshops hosted by Duxy click here.

Duxy has worked for nearly 20yrs in the dive industry, starting at the pointy end of dive tourism in Sharm as a guide and videographer, transitioning into a fixture back home in the U.K. helping and advising on all things underwater photographic, and as a popular speaker at shows and dive clubs delivering talks. He now works as the in house photo-pro for ScubaTravel and has conducted nearly 40 overseas workshops for them, helping all flavours of underwater photographer with everything from GoPro's to DSLR's to improve their shots. He speaks fluent Geek but his motto is that what really counts at the end of the day is 'pictures not pixels'.

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Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 2

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christmas

Welcome to Day 2 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!

Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.

Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…

christmas

The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit
by Liquid Sports

info@liquidsports.co.uk / www.sharkskin.com / Sharkskin Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook

christmas

The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof one-piece full suit offers complete protection from the cold, sun, and marine stingers. It is designed to replace a wetsuit in warmer waters or to be worn under an existing wetsuit for extra warmth in colder waters. The 4-way stretch material is comfortable and less buoyant than neoprene, reducing the amount of weight needed, making scuba diving or snorkeling more comfortable.

The chest zip design provides greater flexibility in the torso and reduces water flow. The large cargo pocket on the thigh can be used to store accessories in an easily accessible and secure design.

The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof range is an enhanced version of the standard Chillproof range. This range incorporates Titanium Far Infrared (FIR) nano-technology into the fabric, which retains your body’s heat, improves circulation, and enhances metabolic function. The T2 Chillproof range is 100% windchill proof and has the same thickness as the standard Chillproof range, but provides the warmth equivalent to a 4-5mm wetsuit. This makes it a great substitute for a wetsuit in warmer waters or an extra layer of insulation in colder waters. The Titanium nano-particles reflect and retain the Far Infrared heat energy emitted from our bodies, effectively keeping us warmer and increasing blood flow for better metabolic function and recovery.

christmas

AP Diving Ratchet Reels

christmas

Treat yourself or your dive buddy to one of our best-selling AP Ratchet Dive Reels this Xmas. Unique benefits include:

  • The line is totally encased, preventing snagging or tangling – common problems with open reels.
  • Both reels are lightweight and sit comfortably in the palm of the hand or pocket.
  • High-visibility, positively buoyant, Dyneema line – stronger than steel.
  • Simple switch to change between ratchet and free-running modes.
  • The cases are glass reinforced polymer – rugged and extremely light.
  • Ideal as both an SMB deployment reel and a navigation reel.

The APD90 90m reel – £127.20
https://www.apdiving.com/…/90m-ratchet-pocket-reel.html
The APD45 45m reel – £60.62
https://www.apdiving.com/…/45m-racheted-pocket-reel.html

*GRAB A SEASONAL DISCOUNT on AP Ratchet Reels, Surface Marker Buoys and BCDs!*

Enter the Voucher Code AP-XMAS-24 at the checkout online to get 10% off.
Offer ends 19th Dec. Last postage dates vary with the carrier and destination. If in doubt, please check with the AP office 01326 561040 for up-to-date delivery information.

sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook  / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV

christmas

The Diver & the Cook
A book published by Dived Up Publications

info@divedup.com / www.DivedUp.com / Dived Up Facebook / Dived Up Instagram / Dived Up tiktok

christmas

A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone. Braving treacherous conditions, Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.

Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?

The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. Told first-hand, with authentic images and detailed reconstructions, veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life.

An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.

Available now from online retailers and direct from DivedUp.com

info@divedup.com / www.DivedUp.com / Dived Up Facebook / Dived Up Instagram / Dived Up tiktok

christmas

Suunto Ocean Dive Computer

info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.suunto.com / Suunto Diving Facebook / Suunto Diving UK Facebook / Suunto Diving Instagram

christmas

Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy, the Suunto Ocean is tailored for an active lifestyle, from exploring the depths below surface to conquering the heights above. Featuring multiple dive modes, wireless tank pressure support and extensive set of alarms for scuba and freediving; more than 95 default sport modes, GPS, barometer, offline maps and advanced training features for sports; and finally on-wrist heart rate with activity tracking for daily use, this device ensures you stay in tune wherever you’re exploring.

Featuring a large, vibrant color display, the Suunto Ocean ensures exceptional readability and usability in all conditions.

Dive enthusiasts will appreciate its dive modes for scuba and even technical diving, including nitrox and the Suunto Bühlmann 16 GF algorithm. Additionally, freedivers and snorkelers will find dedicated dive modes to suit their needs. Pairing seamlessly with the Suunto Tank POD before diving allows users to monitor tank pressure, gas consumption, and remaining gas time directly from their wrist. To enhance safety during dives, the Suunto Ocean offers an extensive selection of customizable audio and vibration alarms.

info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.suunto.com / Suunto Diving Facebook / Suunto Diving UK Facebook / Suunto Diving Instagram

Scuba Travel Gift Vouchers

christmas

Looking for the perfect gift that will make a splash this holiday season? Consider giving the gift of adventure with our Scuba Travel Gift Vouchers! Whether your loved ones are seasoned divers or curious beginners, these vouchers open the door to unforgettable underwater experiences.

Our gift vouchers can be used for a variety of scuba trips, from liveaboards to resorts worldwide , ensuring there’s something for everyone.

This Christmas, give the gift of exploration and adventure.

Purchase a Scuba Travel Gift Voucher today and let your loved ones embark on their next great underwater journey!

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Dived Up Publications announces the release of The Diver and the Cook by Lasse Spang Olsen

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The Diver and the Cook

A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone.

Braving treacherous conditions, saturation diver Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.

Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?

The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. With first-hand accounts, authentic images and detailed reconstructions, author and documentary maker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life. The book is the result of over four years of work, including intensive interviews, access to previously unknown material, and deep study of conversations and film recorded during the actual incident.

Witness the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Jascon 4 galley chef, Harrison Okene, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico van Heerden faces a daunting challenge: spearheading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?

An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.

Quote from the author, documentary-maker Lasse Spang Olsen:

“There are a whole lot of different versions of this story out there. But I believe that by speaking directly to the key people involved, creating meticulous reconstructions and doing original research we have dug much deeper and got far closer to the truth about the rescue and the sinking than anyone has ever managed to before.”

About the author

Author and veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen – in a 40+ year career – has participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. Originally published in Denmark as Dykkeren of Kokken (February 2024), this is his fourth book.

The Diver and the Cook (ISBN 978-1-909455-61-0) is released on 12 November 2024 in paperback and ebook. It is available via online retailers, bookstores, from DivedUp.com and to the dive trade via Nautilus UK.

Dived Up Publications website: www.DivedUp.com
Facebook @DivedUpPublications / Insta @diveduppubs / X @DivedUp / TikTok @divedup

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