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Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Daniel Brinckmann
In an ongoing series, Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Editor Nick Robertson-Brown talks to underwater photographers from around the world that he admires. In this blog: Daniel Brinckmann
NRB: How did your underwater photography start?
DB: Back in 1998 on the Greek island of Zakynthos. I was 18 at the time and had been an avid scuba diver for six years then and I coerced my girlfriend at the time to spend our holiday there as I was aware of the resident loggerhead turtles. I bought a couple of one-way cameras, which is unthinkable of today, and the same goes for the diving: I just borrowed a set of equipment and marched straight into the water on my own and came back an hour later with a handful of nice shots. Thinking of it now, it was a really beautiful initiation. A year later on the Azores I had ambitions…
NRB: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
DB: I rely on my good old Nikon D7100 bodies in an Ikelite housing with two DS-161 strobes and ports for 10-17mm, 12-24mm, 50mm and 105mm. I have owned four Ike housings and like them not only for weight and price, but for the the fact that all camera functions are accessible, that there is a tripod thread and other details. There is a shark site off a power plant in Israel that has a reputation of a “housing killer” due to all the sediment from the turbines. I feel relatively safe in such places as I can at least judge the amount of sand on my major o-rings thanks to the transparent housing. For whales, dolphins and wrecks I am also very happy with green and red Magic Filters.
Also, I always have a Actionpro X9 in their 200m waterproof aluminium housing mounted on top of my DSLR housings with 2 Codylight lights on my strobe arms to do videos at the same time. Both actioncam and housing are great – even in caves or mounted to a baitbox for shark dives.
I started out on Nikonos V with Velvia and Sensia slide film and must say I still miss those blue tones.
NRB: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
DB: First learn photography on land, then attend a course or read a good book on underwater photography to learn about differences and peculiarities, then adapt and modify your knowledge about topside to what is needed underwater. Avoid too much water in between your camera and the subject and just go closer. Pay attention to maintenance – a hair or sand in the wrong place might ruin your entire gear.
NRB: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
DB: Kurt Amsler (73) from Switzerland. He comes from the era of dive pioneers (and worked with them) when people needed to build equipment themselves, went from black & white in the 1960s to colour slide films and flash bulbs in the 1970s and to digital photography in the 2000s, always embracing new ways while retaining his style and ambition. Enthusiasm at this age enabled him to photograph the birth of a sperm whale about 5 years ago. His episodes on different topics of underwater photography in German diving magazine “tauchen” were a huge inspiration to me. He always remained very approachable and it is always a delight to meet him at the dive shows.
NRB: What image are you most proud of and why?
DB: Tough question. I tried a free-handed panoramic of the rim between Dahab’s Blue Hole and the outer wall once and I was surprised the fourth attempt worked with 11 photos stitched together.
NRB: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
DB: Lembeh Strait (macro), Yap (big fish close up), South Africa (diversity)
NRB: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
DB: I used to detest shark feeding, but now I am rooting for it as the commercial aspect is the sole means that allows populations to survive, so I am guilty here. Generally I don’t like marine life manipulation and moving subjects at all. Not only does it put stress on the animal, it means a very unhealthy competition among underwater photographers for “that” shot evoking emotions from non-divers. Wrapping seahorses around a q-tip, moving harlequin shrimps from an aquarium to the sea, placing shrimps on nudis or putting frogs from the freezer in front of a pike, will not get much respect from me.
NRB: What do you look for when you are making your images?
DB: The right moment.
NRB: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
DB: Hunting & gathering, immense love for nature and the outdoors, even if it’s a pond with frogs in front of your doorstep; sharing with non-divers to create awareness, making a connection with the text I write as a journalist.
NRB: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
DB: Let’s say there are some ancient buildings in a big lake in the Near East. Other than that, I would love to photograph on the Gorringe Seamount way offshore from the Algarve or the Orcas in the Straits of Gibraltar.
To see more of Daniel’s work click here.
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.
For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.
Freedivers: Explore the depths on a single breath with guided freediving experiences and courses.
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Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
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