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Underwater Photography in Mexico

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Principally there are three main areas for diving along the ‘Riviera Maya’ which have well developed diving provision:

Untitled-1Untitled-2Cancun itself, with the surrounding, nearby reefs, several wrecks and La Musa (concrete statues depicting the moods of mankind – well worth a visit).

Cozumel, simply wonderful and kaleidoscopically coloured reefs, abundant marine life and sometimes, deep drop-offs.

Playa del Carmen (Playacar), reef diving, Bull Shark diving, and of course……

The Cenotes.

All of these destinations are within easy travelling distance of each other, so much variety offering ‘top ten’ tick box dives in abundance.

But the point of this little article is to chat about the frustrations and pleasures of trying to do justice in photographic form to adequately convey the colours, wildlife and clear water.

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Nowadays just about every newbie diver’s first kit purchase is a camera and housing so that they can ‘capture their memories’ – come on, we all did it. Sadly the results are usually terrible and stored in electronic memories in huge numbers. I remember sitting through interminable sessions watching slides that my parents had taken to be followed by the guests showing theirs.

I’m sure the bit of me that died during those darkened room viewings has a lot to do with my subsequent vagueness and inability to concentrate.

So some time ago I set out on a mission to:

Untitled-61. Not subject my friends and family to the same, showing them hundreds of not so great pictures.
2. Actually try to make better images (note the use of the word image here?? Can’t call them snaps or pics any more).
3. Try not to spend too much money, inasmuch as I don’t have any.

In reverse order, the way Sports Personality of the Year does it,

3. Not spending too much money – ouch!!! I use a Canon S95 and Canon housing, INON Z240 strobe, INON wide angle ‘wet’ lenses with various arms ranging lights etc, etc (this was the cheap option!!!).

2. A fully manual camera, fill-in light and wide angle lens, good images are automatic, right ?? Wrong.

There are many sources of information regarding underwater photography written by far more learned people than me. However, one thing I’ve noticed, is that socially, photographers can attract, shall I say, ‘negative vibes’ from staff and other customers on dive trips.

Untitled-7At my stage on the UW photographic learning curve I need time to take the shot. I can’t just fire off several rounds into the reef and come back with a masterpiece. My results are delivered from almost painful adjustments and experiments.

Time is of the essence when you’re a photographic grasshopper. Other divers just don’t understand your needs. The more time you spend shooting that colourful slug, the shorter their boredom threshold becomes (an opportunity for them to continue developing their buoyancy skills I say).

The dive guides in Mexico were relaxed about us hanging off the back of the dive if a tad unprepared for how distant we’d get. Once they became accustomed to our needs it worked well as it tended to separate us from the other guests.

Photographers tend to hog the best spot to see the beasties, worried that they will disappear if confronted by flailing, gasping and panting newly qualified frogpersons. This too can cause annoyance.

Untitled-5By being a little detached from the group these potential irritations were removed. Win – win!!

So, if like me, you need time to practice with an absolutely huge range of subjects in some of the best conditions you’re ever likely to encounter, then try Mexico.

Wildlife – and I don’t mean the mosquitoes – is massively varied and plentiful. It’s also quite tame. A little care and patience, planning and thought will allow you to approach the animals quite closely. In my experience they seem to tolerate divers more than other places I’ve visited and as such make great models. The turtles are amazing, really awesome.

Among the wide variety of life on display are huge shoals of grunts on the shallow reefs of Cancun. The lack of depth and great light give a wealth of opportunity to practice taking photographs. Truly, the quantities of fish on the reefs here need to be seen to be believed, and I’m told that they are resident all year round.

So, that’s me trying to offer some tips for the beginner.

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My last point, not subjecting loved ones et al to viewings of my ‘works of art’… well, I can see where my Parents were coming from. It’s true, I am turning into my Dad.

Travel to these destinations was provided by The Scuba Place:

www.thescubaplace.co.uk

+44 (0) 207 644 8252

First class accommodation and world class diving are available for all levels of experience and interest. Sail-fish and Whale Shark expeditions in the summer, Bull sharks in the winter, supreme reefs and the Cenotes all year round. Couple that with the welcome Mexico offers and, well… you’ll love it.

 

Andy took his first fin-kicks in the scuba world in 2002. Almost immediately obsessed, diving became his one really serious interest (apart from underwater photography, mountain walking, cinema, music, chopping firewood, and purchasing shiny new kit), and following PADI instructor certification through the London School of Diving, he now finds himself regularly teaching scuba around the world. Having joined the team at The Scuba Place in 2012, Andy is also ‘deeply immersed’ in the world of scuba holiday provision for TSP clients. His role includes going out to dive clubs and centres to host seminars, visiting holiday providers to scope the quality and value of their product offered (a particularly arduous task!), and represent TSP with a view to enhance the company’s presence in the market place. Andy has developed a keen interest in the Dark Art of underwater photography, making any excuse to get away and practise. He is currently wrestling with the problem of what his next camera is going to be - and how he is going to convince his wife that it’s in her interests to pay for it.

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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…

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The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit
by Liquid Sports

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

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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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