Underwater Photography a web magazine Issue 37 July/Aug 2007

Ikelite Nikon L11 package 10Bar focus light CMAS 11th World Championship Sea & Sea YS-27DX Tokina 10-17mm Under the Blue results Sealux HX7 housing Bonin Islands Temperate temptations Nekton broadcast housings Bonaire Digital ShootOut Parting Shots Canon EOS 5D Compact Digital Still Housings for EOS 10D EOS 20D Canon • Fuji • Nikon • Olympus • Sony EOS 300D Ikelite offers housings for more than fifty different digital SLR-DC Housings EOS 350D, Rebel XT still camera models to meet the diverse demands of the EOS 400D, Rebel XTi The Ikelite SLR-DC housing takes underwater photographer community. Ikelite’s Compact Nikon full advantage of the digital SLR Digital Still Housings are molded of clear polycarbonate. camera’s innovative features. The D-200 D-80 Dive while knowing your system is safe and have housing is injection molded of D-70, 70s complete visual access to the camera, LCD, monitor and clear, lightweight polycarbonate D-50 control functions. Most housings are rated to 60m (200’). for strength, visual access to the D-40 When you invest in an Ikelite housing, you invest in a camera, LCD screens and camera Olympus controls. The housing provides E-330 system. Ikelite offers a full line of accessories for their controls for most camera functions. E-300 Compact Digital Still Housings. Add a Tray and Release Most Ikelite SLR-DC Housings E-500 Handle for easier handling underwater. The Release Handle include conversion circuitry that Sony incorporates a quick-release for mounting and removing provide TTL compatibility with DSLR-A100 Ikelite’s articulating ball socket arm system. Ikelite’s DS the latest Ikelite DS Substrobes. Substrobes provide more power, faster recycle times, wider Many Housings also include a coverage and help eliminate backscatter. Choose the ever Flash Compensation Module which popular DS51 or DS125 Substrobe. Some camera models provides over and under-exposure offer auto exposure with DS Substrobes, or use the compensation in the TTL mode and EV-Controller which provides 10 manual power settings in easily allow you to switch to Manual 1/2 f-stop increments for precision lighting. Exposure Mode which provides eight power settings. All exposure Add the Ikelite W-20 waterproof wide- compensation is done on the back angle lens to your system to widen the Underwater Systems camera’s angle of coverage, allowing you of the housing. There is no need to 50 W. 33rd. Street access complicated camera menus. Indianapolis, IN to get closer to your subject for enhanced 46208 color and clarity. 317-923-4523 www.ikelite.com UnderwaterUnderwater PhotographyPhotography Contents A web magazine Jul/Aug 2007

4 News & Travel 23 Tokina 10-17mm 34 Bonaire ShootOut 41 Temperate water 13 New Products

by Alex Mustard by Mark Webster 35 CMAS 11th World 27 Bonin Islands Championships 49 Parting shot 1 24 10Bar focus light by Stan de la Cruz

50 Parting shot 2 by Andi Voeltz

Underwater Photography by Tim Rock 2001 - 2007 © PR Productions by Mathieu Meur Publisher/Editor Peter Rowlands by Jeff Mullins and Gerald Rambert The views and opinions expressed Cover photo by by UwP contributors are not 39 Under the Blue necessarily those of the Editor Tim Rock www.pr-productions.co.uk Competition results [email protected] www.uwpmag.com 37/ News, Travel & Events

Guadalupe Gt White Sharks with Charles Hood 16-24th September 2008 26-27th October 2007 Royal Geographical Society, Kensington, London Maybe you are a beginner with a relatively modest camera system, alternatively you could be a pro-am with the latest digital SLR complete with custom housing, or maybe you Frans Lanting are somewhere in between. You may presenting ‘Life - A Karl Ammann journey through have already completed an underwater talking about photographic course having gained time’ Hosted by photography for all the theory and completed a week’s Chris Packham conservation shoot in warm waters. You may have got some great pictures and now you want to try your hand at capturing the Find out how to take, improve, Edwards, Eddie Ephraums, Pål ultimate image – a great white shark publish, earn a living from, and make Hermansen, Laurent Geslin, Robert Island on Nautilus Explorer is an portrait. Let the lessons begin. a difference with nature photographs Glenn Ketchum, Tim Laman, Frans owner-operated, 35-metre purpose Charles Hood, the accomplished at WildPhotos 2007. Lanting, and Cristina Mittermeier, built dive vessel, built to the highest underwater photographer and The two-day event brings among others. standards of safety and comfort. She journalist, will make his second together many of the world’s best Also presenting their work and was launched in 2000. The staff and visit to Guadalupe Island to lead wildlife and landscape photographers skills will be winners from this year’s crew pride themselves on matching this tour, which is his choice for the plus leading photographic agents and Shell Wildlife Photographer of the each charter to the individual needs most photographic and exciting shark publishers to offer insights, tips and Year competition, the results of which of the divers on board. In their own encounter on earth. Charles will be visions to appeal to everyone with an will be announced the day before words: “As an owner operated long on hand for informal photographic interest in nature imagery. WildPhotos. range luxury dive boat, we strive discussion and critique. Underwater Featuring the work, wit and to offer a unique combination of photographers of all levels will wisdom of Doug Allan, Karl www.wildphotos.org.uk professionalism, warmth, adventure certainly benefit from Charles’s Ammann, Colin Baxter, Gary and some terrific diving”. knowledge and experience. Braasch, Peter Cairns, Mark We will be visiting Guadalupe Carwardine, Chris Dickie, Mark www.divequest.co.uk www.uwpmag.com 37/ 34th World Festival of dived since her childhood. She will be the honorary guest for the 34th edition Underwater Pictures of the Festival. Antibes – France In the new spaces placed at our October 24th to 28 th 2007 disposal by the marine theme park MARINELAND, the Festival will spread over another dimension. All festival-goers and participants will can attend the shows offered by Upcoming International Photo & MARINELAND. The opening-ceremony will Video Competitions be held round the orcas’ basin, with more than 4.000 seats. This evening will include an Orcas show and the July 14th screening of a film chosen among the Tioman Mega Dive (Malaysia) films in competition. A cocktail will www.tiomanmegadive.com close the evening. During the Festival, the Aug 1st competitors’ films, slides and Scuba Diver Australasia 2007 Photo Comp slides-show will be screened into www.scubadiveraustralasia.com/competition.html two rooms (1.000 and 300 seats). An huge car park, with thousands Aug 1st spaces will provide our visitors with Pix Digital Imaging Contest No.13 (US) more comfort. Three restaurants will www.pixdigitalimagingcontest.com/ receive the festival participants inside The 34th World Festival of the MARINELAND Park. Aug 21st Underwater Pictures will be held The giving-prize ceremony Photo District News World in Focus Contest (US) in Antibes – France, at the marine will be held round the Orcas’ basin. www.worldinfocuscontest.com mammal park MARINELAND from During the ceremony, all the Festival October 24th to 28 th 2007 participants will be able to attend the 2007, it’s AQUA LUNG’s 60th showing of the awarded films in the birthday. The 34th edition of the two viewing rooms. Festival will widely take part in the celebration of this jubilee. www.underwater-festival.com Many celebrities practise scuba diving. Claire KEIM, a French actress and singer with a brilliant career, has www.uwpmag.com 37/ DivePhotoGuide / Wakatobi Underwater Photo & Video Festival March 28 - April 11, 2008

Eco Divers to host Asian Diver magazine’s Ocean Odyssey Digital Photo Shoot out 26th Nov - 5th Dec 2007

Following on from the success Pacific Aggressor Fleet liveaboard trip of the Asian Diver Magazine’s Shoot- to a Mares Proton Regulator, Citizen Out hosted by Eco Divers in 2005, Pro Master Dive watch and more. Wakatobi is truly a slice of Most evenings will be set aside Eco Divers at Kungkungan Bay From 30 November - 5 December, paradise with exceptional diving and for reviews and screenings of the Resort and Tasik Ria Resort has been the event at Kungkungan Bay Resort endless photo and video opportunities. day’s images. Three workshops will chosen to host the “Ocean Odyssey offers prizes from an Emperor Divers’ So where better to hold an underwater be held for novice to intermediate Digital Shoot-out” Competition. Red Sea luxury liveaboard trip, Mares photo and video festival! shooters who wish to polish up on All are welcome to enter, Proton 42 Metal Regulator, Citizen You can choose to spend a week some of the essential skills. whatever the ability, with the Pro Master Dive watch and an overall on board the Pelagian or a week at H2O Photo Pros will be on site emphasis on having fun and learning, Best Portfolio prize of a Nikon D80 Wakatobi resort - or both! There’s both weeks with the latest underwater including free advice and tips from camera kit and Ikelite housing. plenty of opportunity to participate photo & video gear available for in- Eco Divers’ resident photo pros, Cary As well as giving you the chance and hone your underwater photo water demos, and will be providing Yanny and Steve Coverdale. to make your mark in the world of or video skills among some of the underwater video workshops. Guests will also have the rare underwater photography, this is also healthiest reefs in the world. Both weeks will culminate opportunity to meet and dive with a great opportunity to dive one or While at the resort, in a contest where each participant five of the most renowned underwater both resorts and experience two very photographers and videographers will can enter their best images and photographers on the planet, who will different worlds of diving in Bunaken be able to focus on wide angle and videos from the week for a chance hold seminars and judge the entries: and the Lembeh Strait. macro all day long, both on scheduled to win over $10,000 in prizes! The They are Rod Klein, USA, Mathieu boat dives or on the world famous “shootout” format will be split into Meur, Mauritius, Wolfgang Pölzer, www.eco-divers.com house reef, consistently referred to as “open” and “novice” categories. Austria, Stephen Wong, Hong Kong the best house reef in the world. Winning images to appear in and Takako Uno, Japan Guests aboard the Pelagian will Sport Diver Magazine! The Tasik Ria Resort shoot-out dive further into the archipelago, takes places from 26 – 01 December including a recently discovered muck www.divephotoguide.com/ with prizes ranging from a South site. wakatobi_festival_2008.php www.uwpmag.com 37/ Southern Hemisphere Humpback whales DIVEQUEST September 2007 The Ultimate in Diving North Salawesi Photo Trip September 15-22, 2007

Joe Wysocki of Optiquatics will be leading a special trip to North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on the Sulawesi Aggressor. This is one of the most fabulous dive destinations on the planet, with muck diving, reef diving, I am a Hawaii based portrait tiny macro critters, and big animals. Bahamas Palau, Yap, Truk and wedding photographer who The North Sulawesi Aggressor is a Turks & Caicos Bikini Atoll once a year organizes a photography beautiful 107-foot dive boat, with Tobago, Dominica Australia’s Coral Sea expedition to exotic locations. excellent accommodations, great food, Bonaire, Venezuela Papua New Guinea, Solomons This year I have organized a and fantastic diving support, including Little Cayman, Cozumel, Belize French Polynesia small boat that takes 3 people to nitrox! Honduras, South Africa & Fiji, Hawaii, photograph whales above and below And, because this is an Mozambique Sea of Cortez the sea. As a result of a cancelation, I Optiquatics trip, you will get the Thailand, Sipadan, Mabul Revillagigedo Islands am looking for two people to join the personalized attention and service that Layang Layang Cocos & Malpelo Islands expedition. you get nowhere else. Joe will have Derawan & Sangalaki The Galapagos The boat is reserved for 5 days photographic equipment and guidance Bali, Komodo, Wakatobi, Wrecks of Palau from Septrmber 12th, but because so even an beginning photographer Manado, Kungkungan Bay of the remote location and flight will be taking home great shots. More schedules the adventure will require 8 advanced image makers can try out days. The expedition including boat, new equipment, and everyone will get Plus Underwater Photography Group Trips and Courses with leading fuel, and captain will cost $1,500 per great diving! photographers: Martin Edge, Linda Dunk, Malcolm Hey, person. Interested people need to be Charles Hood, Gavin Anderson and Alex Mustard. able to snorkel. The boat takes only a www.optiquatics.com few people so everyone gets the most The Ultimate in opportunities. DIVEQUEST Underwater Photography Adventures www.douglasjhoffman.com ATOL Protected 2937 Telephone: 01254-826322 Morrissey Pat by Photo www.uwpmag.com e-mail [email protected] website: www.divequest.co.uk37/ Anmdaman Islands with latest scientific knowledge, illustrated by the imagery from the world’s leading underwater artists Barefoot Traveller and photographers. Each edition of Ocean Geographic is a visual adventure of discoveries, exploration and dives into provoking issues that guarantee to inform, inspire and invigorate. Ocean Ocean geographic is published quarterly. The subscription rates are Australia and Singapore Geographic A/S$50 per year or International: USD$68/A$83 magazine (airmail) Barefoot Traveller is a small independent www.ogsociety.org company, specialising in tailor made holidays to Ocean exotic destinations with spectacular diving, and as Geographic much to offer above the water as below. explores the Turks & Caicos UW Photo The Andamans, 362 lush green islands, dynamics of our scattered in the Bay of Bengal, some 900 kms from ocean – the source Competition India are gratefully unaffected by mass tourism. and cradle of all These islands really are the perfect place for nature life on Earth, lovers, offering extraordinary beauty, tranquillity, occupying nearly With a track record of successes in 2005 and tropical rainforests, exotic birds, empty unspoilt 70.98 per cent of 2006, the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board announces beaches, clear waters and magnificent reefs. our planet’s surface the Third Annual “Turks & Caicos Underwater The dive sites are suitable for all interests and and provides 99 per cent of the Earth’s living space. Photographic Competition” to be held in the Turks experience levels, and are totally undamaged by Since most life on Earth is aquatic, in terms & Caicos Islands, British West Indies from June 1st human activity, boasting some of the largest variety of both diversity and biomass, Ocean Geographic through September 31st, 2007. of coral and fish life anywhere. Is there little wonder focuses on getting to know who’s who in the sea, Along with $25,000 in cash and subsidiary the Rough Guide to India describes them as ‘perfect allowing readers to appreciate the complexity of the prizes, the Prize Winners will have their for snorkelling and scuba diving’. oceanic life forms that make up the vast biospheres, photographs published by the Government of the Barefoot Traveller has linked up with the as well as understanding the environmental Turks & Caicos Islands as a set of commemorative eco-retreat of Barefoot at Havelock, on Havelock influences and climatic conditions that that make postage stamps, each bearing a winning photograph Island, which has a fully serviced PADI dive centre, this water planet a hospitable place. and the photographer’s name and country of origin. but also offers other activities including kayaking, Ocean Geographic also looks at the cultures Winning photographs and those awarded nature walks, yoga and even swimming with which have historically been dependent on the sea, “Honourable Mention” will also be included in the elephants. and delves into the navigation and migration of annual Turks & Caicos “Out Of The Blue” calendar. early civilizations. Ocean Geographic promotes www.barefoot-traveller.com awareness, beauty and the importance of preserving the health of our ocean environment through the www.underwaterphoto.tc www.uwpmag.com 37/ UWP 146x210_ocean 2 14/5/07 12:49 pm Page 1

Fathoms Expedition Solomon Islands 9th – 23rd October 2007

We`ve chartered the Bilikiki OCEANODYSSEY 2007 during one of the best times of the year for both settled weather and Digital photo Shoot-out diving conditions. For photographers, Photo by Burt Jones (in association with Asian Diver Magazine) it`s one of the best venues in the world! The well-appointed, 120-foot vessel is fully air conditioned with 26 Nov - 5 Dec private double cabins and each with wonders of these islands. The North Sulawesi, Indonesia it`s own head and shower. villagers are friendly and there will The Solomons are one of the top be plenty of opportunity to interact two regions in the world for coral, with the islanders while anchored near fish, pelagics, macro subjects, and some of the dive sites. Burt Jones, breathtaking tropical scenery. Sharks, renowned underwater photographer rays, endless coral reefs and some and pioneer diver, will be leading fascinating World War II wrecks the 2006 adventures. This trip is highlight the diving. This is a chance suitable for all levels of experience so to log over 45 dives with visibility come join the Fathoms group for an Tasik Ria Resort & Spa Kungkungan Bay Resort up to 200 feet in warm water teeming unforgettable trip. Manado Lembeh Strait with life. You`ll be able to take a break www.reefrainforest.com Check out www.eco-divers.com/ocean-odyssey from the underwater world to to find out how you can be a part of this exciting event! experience the cultures and topside [email protected] www.uwpmag.com eco-divers.com 37/ Brothers, Daedulus & Elphinstone Photography Workshop on board MV Kawarty II Escorted by JP Trenque & Jane Morgan 21st – 28th September 2007

2 digital photography workshops are planned to help underwater photographers with all levels of experience. Whether you have just purchased a new camera, have just “gone digital” or have been using your DSLR for some time and just want to shoot to your heart’s content, these workshops will benefit you. The theory sessions will If you are already familiar concentrate on your photography with your equipment, the advanced technique. At the end of this workshop will help you make pictures workshop, you will be familiar with rather than take them. This workshop concepts such as speed, aperture and will be based on practical exercises on depth of field. You will also learn to composition and light. make the most out of your camera’s Evening Photoshop sessions will manual settings to take underwater concentrate on advanced manipulation pictures rather than holiday snaps. techniques. Evening sessions will cover www.hiddendepthsdivetours.com image optimisation using Photoshop. www.uwpmag.com 37/10 Whale Shark & Manta Photo Safari New overnight Solomons with Anne-Marie Kitchen-Wheeler Hammerhead Shark trip 27th Oct - 9th November 2007 with Fred Dion from Sharm Nov 13-27th 2007

Paul Vinten Ocean Optics has organised Islands and a long term favourite with a Maldives liveaboard charter to underwater photographers. Her usual This is the ideal way to stand photograph and video the world’s complement is twelve passengers, a good chance of diving with largest shark and largest ray. but on our private charter only eight hammerheads! Cruise to Tiran for To maximise the opportunities guest places are offered. By limiting your first dive and then, when the Join Fred Dion of Underwater for shooting professional standard numbers, we will greatly increase day boats have left, your second Photo-Tech for a fantastic two-week portfolios and video sequences , your personal photo opportunities. dive is at Jackson Reef in search of photo dive trip aboard the MV Spirit we’ve engaged leading manta ray Only a small number of places still Hammerheads. operated by Bilikki Cruises November researcher and celebrated Maldives remain. The boat overnights at Laguna 13-27, 2007. dive guide Anne – Marie Kitchen - Mark Koekemoer will be where you can do a night dive Fred will be available for help Wheeler to lead this safari. on board to represent Ocean returning to Jackson Reef early in the with any photo question whether it Anne – Marie’s extensive fi eld Optics. Mark will be able to help morning for your first dive at about be as simple as, how to set-up your experience of finding and interacting with photography and equipment 05.30. Then to make the most of quiet camera system, to explaining complex with these creatures will assure you questions and will have some back up waters, it’s breakfast and another dive lighting techniques for improving of the best possible chance of getting equipment on hand for emergencies. at around 07.30 before the day boats image quality. There will be plenty stunning results from this safari. This twelve-night voyage is start to return. of time for one on one consultation Anne Marie is promising some going to be something very special. It This itinerary is ideal for giving to keep your trip a vacation and not a fascinating evening presentations is all about aiming high to capture on you a much stronger chance of seeing photo competition. Demo equipment to enrich your safari experience. camera the beauty of the Maildivian hammerheads when there are fewer will be available for use from point Anne – Marie is also a UK champion reefs and the majesty of two of the boats and divers about. And Emperor and shoot digital systems to advance freediver and an accomplished seas most mystical creatures. is the only dive centre offering this DSLR outfits. underwater photographer. one-day safari trip so book your place The liveaboard Sea Queen will www.oceanoptics.co.uk now. www.uwphoto.com be our base of operations. She is one of the best known boats in the www.emperordivers.com www.uwpmag.com 37/11 Click on the link below to go to the Tech-Talk Newsletter www.urprofilters.com New Products Fantasea Nikon Sea & Sea YS-27DX Coolpix FP-5000 strobe Ikelite Nikon L11 housing USA package

that allow it to operate safely to 60m (200 feet). All functions of the camera are accessible through the housing. A flash diffuser is included for improved Fantasea Line announces the Getting into underwater lighting quality when the camera’s addition of a new housing specifically The new YS-27DX strobe has photography can be easy and built-in flash is used to illuminate designed for the Nikon Coolpix beam angle of 105° x 84° and a guide affordable. The Nikon Coopix L11 subjects underwater. P5000 digital camera. The FP-5000 number of up to 20 (ISO 100 / m) / 66 camera & housing package provides For optimum lighting underwater housing is fully functional providing (ISO 100 /feet), providing spread and everything you need to start taking an optional DS-Series Substrobe is photographers with access to all power for subjects that range from great photos. Add optional color recommended. The DS Substrobes camera functions. With Fantasea’s wide-angle to macro. filters, a wide-angle conversion lens, are brighter, recycle faster and new housing design and improved The light level control dial of or an external strobe for a system that offer wider coverage. Being farther construction the FP-5000, with a the YS-27DX has nine different light grows with you and supports your from the camera lens, the optional depth rating to 60 meters/200 feet, level controlsand a pre-flash cancel creativity. DS Substrobe aids in reducing the is ideal for outdoor and underwater mode (*1) that ensures the strobe The Nikon Coolpix L11 digital illumination of particles in the water, photographers. The Fantasea FP- won’t fire prematurely when used camera is 6.0 Megapixels for Prints thus helping to eliminate backscatter. 5000 housing has a double O-ring seal with digital cameras that emit a small Up To 16” x 20”, it has a 3x Optical An external DS Substrobe is on all controls, anti-glare hood over pre-flash burst before the main flash. Zoom-Nikkor glass lens and a bright triggered off the camera’s built-in LCD screen, and built-in diffuser. The This strobe is compatible with 2.4” LCD viewing screen and you can flash by the optional EV Manual FP-5000 also features a 46mm port most digital cameras that have a pre- even shoot movies with sound Controller, which provides 10 power ring thread for easy attachment of flash The compact digital housing settings for precise control of strobe accessory lenses and filters. is moulded of corosion free clear output. www.seaandsea.com polycarbonate, it is virtually www.fantasea.com indestructible with heavy duty walls www.ikelite.com www.uwpmag.com 37/13 Heinrichsweikamp Seatool housings Sony TTL converter

In June, Heinrichsweikamp, the German electronics manufacturer, announced that their TTL Mk11 converter is available with Seatool, along with sister Sony compatibility. company Fisheye has been For further details visit manufacturing cutting edge products www.heinrichsweikamp.com for underwater use in Japan, and now we’re pleased to offer these products in the US. Seatool has come to symbolize the attention to detail and meticulous engineering that the Far East is famous for producing. Using state of the art engineering and both polycarbonate and corrosion resistant aluminum components combined with precision befitting the cameras they house, Seatool sets new standards for compact sized, lightweight housings which still retain a full compliment of professional features. The housing shown is the Seatool SR1/UX1 underwater housing for the Sony HDV Handycam HDR-SR1/ UX1

www.seatoolusa.com

www.uwpmag.com 37/14 Hugyfot port adaptors INON accessories for Olympus PT-037

Japanese manufacturer INON have announced the availability of a basetray, arm and fibre optic cable to enable their D-2000 strobe to be used German housing manufacturer for external lighting. Hugyfot have developed port adaptors In addition it is possible to which allow the use of ports other configure a rig to take two strobes than Hugyfot in combination with triggured from a central fibre optic Hugyfot housings. link. These adaptors are available for Aquatica, Sea & Sea, Seacam, Sealux www.inon.co.jp and Subal. A Nexus version should be available shortly.

www.hugyfot.com www.heinrichsweikamp.com i n f o Silverfish video @ h e i

housing n r i c

h Use your existing analog strobe

Using the Lanc connector to s w

control the camera, the Silverfosh e with your new digital camera! i video housing can accommodate no k a fewer than six Sony HDV cameras - m p .

HC3, HC5, HC7, A1, SR1 and UX1. c o

It’s dimensions are 338 x 273 x m 195mm (L, W, H) and it weighs 4.5kg. It is rated to 160 metres The HeinrichsWeikamp Digital Adapter. www.silverfish. info www.reefwreckandcritter.com www.uwpmag.com 37/15 Nekton broadcast housings available for hire from Top-Teks

Originally designed by Peter Scoones for the BBC and used on the flagship series PLANET EARTH, these housings are now being offered for hire by Top-Teks Ltd in the UK. Housings are available for most current Sony and Panasonic High Definition broadcast cameras. Typically these are the Sony HDW 900 (Cine Alta) HDW 750/730 etc and cameras are now available for general the Panasonic AJ-HDXC 27(Varicam) hire. & AJ-HD900. Training for underwater The housings also accommodate cameramen can be provided, at the following wide angle HD lenses present, on a one to one basis. Field Canon HJ11 x 4.7 IAS , Fujinon ‘familiarization’ courses will be HA13 x 4.5BERD , Fujinon A10 x 4.8 arranged if needed. BERD-R28 For further information, hire The Sony version of these charges and conditions, please Housings was previously used Contact: Brian at Top Teks *44 (0)189 exclusively by the BBC NHU for the 582 5619 or email to Hire@top-teks. PLANET EARTH and GALAPAGOS co.uk series. These units and the newly developed units for Panasonic HD www.top-teks.co.uk www.uwpmag.com 37/16 Sealux HX7 Pro housing for the Sony HVR-V1E/P

German housing manufacturer and is inclined by 15 degrees for Sealux have announced their HX7 Pro easier viewing. A longer eye relief housing for the Sony HVR-V1E/P. version is available as an option. The camera mounts in the front The housing combines both and the aluminium housing is sealed mechanical and electronic controls, with 3 overcentre catches. Ports the latter being incorporated in left are interchangeable and there are and right external housings, easily two internal flip filters for colour accessed from the main handles. correction and macro. The standard The position of these handles is viewfinder provides 8x enlargement adjustable and they can be removed, www.uwpmag.com 37/17 Nexus Canon 5D housing

The Canon 5D camera features toughest assignments. Depth Rating 200’ (60m) a full-sized 12.8 megapixel 35 mm The hull is cast aluminium, Buoyancy Neutral depending on port equivalent 1.4” CMOS sensor which combining strength with lightness Port Not Included, Required eliminates the telephoto effect created - two key qualities demanded by Accessory together with the carrying handle, for by smaller digital camera sensors underwater photographers who Internal Flash Not Usable transportation. such as the Nikon D200 and brings will travel by air and then need to External Strobe Connector Dual 5 pin The HX7 can take the NP-F770 back the spacious feel of 35-mm use equipment under the harshest Nikonos battery which will provide up to 3 film photography. Wide angle lenses conditions. The housing body weighs Color Black hours duration. The housing is tested provide full coverage. in at a fraction over 2kg. Nexus Dimensions: (WxHxD) 13.6 x 6.8 x to 90 metres. The Nexus 5D housing has housings are, of course, anodised 5.6” (340 x 170 x 141 mm) The dimensions with the flat been created as a workhorse for the and painted to prevent any corrosion Weight (without Camera) 4.77lb port are 333mm (L) x 240mm (W) serious enthusiast or seasoned pro. problems. The hull hugs the Canon x 190mm (h). On land it weighs 6kg Considerable care has been taken in EOS5D body, keeping the housing www.oceanoptics.co.uk but just 874gms underwater. thedesign of this housing to ensure extremely compact. It takes up little www.usanexus.com A remote monitor with or fast operation of key shooting space while travelling and creates without electronic controls is available controls, so you don’t miss never minimal drag under water. as an option together with a wide to be repeated photo opportunities. Construction: Corrosion-resistant angle and fisheye lenses. The standard of manufacturing is aluminum alloy, grip is corrosion- extremely high and the choice of resistant die-cast aluminum with www.sealux.de premium materials will ensure the multiple screw holes for strobe arm Nexus 5D Multifinder stands up to the placement.

www.uwpmag.com 37/18 Olympus PT-039 Olympus UFL-1 for mju780 compact slave flash

The UFL-1 is an incredibly compact and light (less than 300g) TTL underwater flash been specially customised for use with Olympus digital cameras and compatible underwater cases. Waterproof up to a water pressure equivalent to a depth of 40 metres this underwater flash is one of Waterproof to 40 m there are only a few that allow TTL underwater controls for all the camera functions flash photography in slave mode - and there’s a detachable LCD hood ideal for multiple flash applications for LCD monitor. and single flash macro shots with The housing is neutral under 28mm wide angle. water and the front port incorporates a screw mount for converter lenses and www.olympus.com filters. The internal flash can be used underwater to trigger digital compatible slave and a standard tripod socket permits attachment of a lighting tray www.uwpmag.com 37/19 10Bar Ultra Compact Focus Light Reviewed by Jeff Mullins . c o m Dthe onlIine dGirectorIy forD digitaEl underEwater-Pimaging equipment Although I have found that even in dull conditions most digital cameras I use underwater have very good auto-focus there have been odd times when a small focusing light would aid the camera in being able to focus-lock much faster. I notice this most when diving around caves, shaded ledges and wrecks where the very low ambient light makes the camera’s auto focus system hunting for focus-lock. Now I have seen some ‘monster’ lights being used by The LED Focusing light is as the underwater photographers, some name suggests – Ultra Compact. are as big (or bigger) as the camera Your online resource to more than housing itself! I own an Underwater 2.700 underwater imaging products - photo & video Kinetics HID Light Cannon 100, which is fantastic night diving light. problem is its brightness! Even with 5.200 enthusiastic underwater photographers So not being one to waste money on the diffuser fitted this light showed 600 news, articles, reviews and travel reports un-necessary u/w camera equipment hot spots in the final image, and I am 5.000 images in our weekly photo contest (at least when the wife is watching sure I saw one particular nudibranch squinting when I got a bit too close; ...growing every month! anyway). I figured that the Light Cannon should make a great focusing also every fish in sight disappeared as light - particularly since I already soon as I turned the light on! owned one! The main reason for even join the thinking about using a focusing light contest My conclusion was pretty easy and win was a tiny boxer crab that lives at one a funky to report..... Sadly it is far too bright t-shirt!!! and too big (and clumsy) for use of my regular dive haunts. I had seen as a focusing light (which it was that it was carrying eggs that were never designed to be). The biggest clearly visible under its abdomen, and http://www.digideep.com www.uwpmag.com 37/20 I of course wanted a photo of the crab showing its eggs. This particular crab resides on a black sand slope among small black pebbles, at a depth of around 12 metres. This alone wouldn’t be a problem, but since this crab began carrying eggs, it would only venture from its refuge among the pebbles at sunset. I figured this was to avoid fishy predators that, during broad daylight, would probably regard an egg-laden crab as lunch. I had tried unsuccessfully The sensor for the auto cut-out without a focusing light to capture the function is in the centre of the 8 LED boxer crab and its future offspring. cluster. Light conditions were so low that my Olympus E-330 DSLR was struggling. Around eight out ten shots The price I boldly advised my wife I took were not in focus - and fairly would make an ideal early birthday typically the two shots that were present at only US$45. The most This tiny Boxer Crab carrying eggs, was my excuse for purchasing the 10Bar focused, weren’t composed well. interesting feature of this light was its Ultra Compact LED Focusing Light. The dull lighting combined with the Auto Cut-Out feature. The newsletter Taken with Olympus E330 DSLR, 10Bar Housing, 50mm Olympus Zuiko F2.0 lack of contrast in the crab’s body indicated that the light would turn Macro Lens with ‘Reefnet’ external close-up lens, ISO 100 F22@1/160th, 2 xInon was making it very difficult for the off when it sensed the camera strobe Z220 strobes, manual exposure. camera’s auto focus to lock onto firing, so the light would not appear in the crab. I needed an answer - a fast the image as a hotspot on the subject. answer. Otherwise my crab friend was A week later my early birthday came complete with a mounting into its rocky refuge. I soon found a very soon going to be egg-less and I present (11 months early) arrived by bracket that can be connected to Sea nudibranch at around 28 metres deep .....would be photo-less. mail, and I had to admit I was a little & Sea type strobe arms (YS mount). under a dark ledge, a perfect test, as The answer to my dilemma disappointed.....it was so small. How Well.... size aside, it seemed like it there was very little ambient light to came in an e-mail newsletter from could I show off my new light, if I might do the job. aid focus. With the Ultra Compact Hong Kong based u/w camera gear could hardly see it? I quickly slipped Without delay, I prepared my LED Light aimed, I moved-in and distributor 10Bar. Their newsletter in four AAA batteries and turned it camera to head off in pursuit of my watched the camera LCD screen as had an LED Ultra Compact Focusing on. Well it certainly threw out plenty friend, the pregnant crab. First I the Nudibranch appeared bright lit-up Light with Auto Cut-Out, for what I of light, in a nice bluish/white colour figured I should try the light on a still and sharp. thought at first was a printing error. with quite a soft, even beam. It also subject before scaring the crab back The camera focused almost www.uwpmag.com 37/21 instantly and after releasing the Jeff Mullins has been exploring shutter, the strobes fired, the light under the seas of Australia, South- switched-off and the image appeared East Asia & the South Pacific for 36 on the camera LCD. A second later the years. He began taking underwater light switched back-on. I checked the photographs in 1976 and has since image on the camera LCD screen for been published Worldwide. Jeff any evidence of the light showing-up was awarded the PADI Hallmark of in the image, but it showed only the Excellence Award for Outstanding strobe exposure (as it should). Now it Contribution to Photo Journalism was time to locate the boxer crab and in 1995. wait for it to come out and play. Currently Jeff runs one on one I surprised myself by easily Digital Underwater Photography finding the crab. The small white Courses in Tulamben, Bali anemones that this species carry - specialising in small groups in their pincers soon gives away of divers with an interest in their hiding spot under the side of a underwater photography and pebble. Ten minutes later the tiny crab marine life. Visit his website at emerged from its refuge and wandered reefwreckandcritter.com down the slope straight towards me. I Jeff & his wife Dawn have left the light aimed where it had been recently published a book titled on my previous nudibranch photo, Reef Wreck & Critter - Tulamben, and moved in ever so slowly. The crab a pictorial guide to Tulamben’s came into view and filled the frame dive sites and marine life, see - it didn’t appear to be disturbed at all reefwreckandcritter.com/Book.htm by the light. The camera focused very quickly and I took my shot. Wow, the eggs were clearly visible and all nice and sharp. I tried only four shots and each was pin sharp...... Happy (early) Birthday Jeff! Jeff Mullins www.reefwreckandcritter.com

www.top-teks.co.uk www.uwpmag.com 37/22 Shooting the Tokina 10-17mm with Alexander Mustard

I am sorry that this review is late. I wasn’t the first to get my hands on the Tokina 10-17mm when it was released at the end of last year and I had actually expected it to have been reviewed by now. I believe that this is a very important lens for underwater photography and it would be a glaring omission if it wasn’t covered in the hallowed pages of UwP. So here are some of my thoughts on shooting this lens - better late that never. Fisheye lenses have always been The zoom allows us to fill the frame with subjects when we are not sure how close popular in underwater photography we will be able to approach. Schooling bumphead parrotfish, Sipadan, Malaysia. because they are the widest viewing Nikon D2X + Subal housing. Tokina 10-17mm @ 17mm. F9 @ 1/40th. 2 x lenses, allowing us to shoot large Subtronic Alpha Pro strobes. subjects from as close as possible and also to create space in the murky undersea world. Our community on the Nikonos series. More recently, distortion. Not having to worry about book The Art Of Diving fisheyes has a long history of taking them underwater corrected fisheyes have maintaining a rectilinear image (in contributed more than 50% of images. underwater often showing great been manufactured by Sea & Sea other words keeping straight lines Probably the biggest real world inventiveness in doing so. For for the Nikonos V and by Nikon straight) allows lens designers to frustration of actually using fisheye example, in the early 1970s, before themselves in autofocus SLR form concentrate on making fisheyes ultra lenses in underwater photography is housings were widespread, Geoff for the Nikonos RS. And in the last wide and sharp. Fisheyes have limited that they are so wide. Unless your Harwood designed and made the few years Inon have produced their appeal on land and are generally subject is very big, or lets you get Vizmaster I and II for the Nikonos WL-165 accessory fisheye for digital considered special effect lenses, but very close there are plenty of times cameras in the UK. Others, such compact cameras. underwater, where there are few when you just can’t fill the frame. as Flip Schulke and UWP’s own By definition, fisheye lenses straight lines, they are transformed That is where the fisheye zoom comes Peter Rowlands made lens housings are ultra wide angles that forego a from niche lenses to workhorses. Like in. for the manual focus Nikon 16mm rectilinear image to achieve their wide many of you, I use fisheye lenses The Tokina 10-17mm is not fisheye so it could also be mounted coverage with characteristic barrel extensively, for example in my first the first fisheye zoom to be widely www.uwpmag.com 37/23 (Far left) The Tokina works well for standard subject and model shots, although most of these photos are taken at 10mm and therefore the zoom offers no advantage over a fisheye prime lens. Giant clam and diver, Sipadan, Malaysia. Nikon D2X + Subal housing. Tokina 10-17mm @ 10mm. F9 @ 1/80th. 2 x Subtronic Alpha Pro strobes.

(Centre) Some users have reported that this lens can struggle to autofocus. I have not found this problem either in the tropics or in the darker conditions in the UK without a focus light. Nikon D2X + Subal housing. The svelte UWP editor on the wreck of the James Eagan Layne, UK. Tokina 10-17mm @ 10mm. F13 @ 1/13th. 2 x Subtronic Alpha Pro strobes. used underwater. In the early 1980s the Pentax LX dominate the underwater DSLR world. The Tokina was one of the more popular underwater cameras, 10-17mm Fisheye zoom is designed specifically for (Above) I have found that the lens resists flare made all the more so by the Pentax 17-28mm APS-C or DX sized sensor digital SLR cameras. It similarly well to other fisheyes, capturing good details fisheye zoom. We must also thank Pentax for the will not project a frame-filling image at its wider in highlights within the limitations of digital camera Tokina 10-17mm as the optics of this lens first focal lengths on a film cameras or full-frame digital sensors. Turtle and batfish, Sipadan, Malaysia. Nikon appeared in 2005 as a Pentax branded lens for their cameras. D2X + Subal housing. Tokina 10-17mm @ 17mm. F9 range of digital SLRs. Since then we have all be The Tokina 10-17mm has received mixed @ 1/50th. No flash. waiting with baited breath for Tokina to release it reviews for land photography. Most fail to see a in other mounts, particularly Nikon and Canon that reason for its existence and then comment on the

www.uwpmag.com 37/24 (Far left) The Tokina has particularly short minimum focus, making it possible to take frame filling portraits of approachable subjects. Frogfish, Kapalai, Malaysia. Nikon D2X + Subal housing. Tokina 10- 17mm @ 17mm. F10 @ 1/8th. 2 x Subtronic Alpha Pro strobes.

(Centre) When zoomed in to 17mm the Tokina hides much of its fisheye barrel distortion as you can see in the jetty at the top of this frame. Starfish and jetty, Kapalai, Malaysia. Nikon D2X + Subal housing. Tokina 10-17mm @ 17mm. F13 @ 1/80th. Magic Filter.

(Above) The Tokina is an excellent wreck lens. At 10mm it captures vistas and zoomed in, hiding some of the barrel distortion it is well suited to capturing interior details. Tiles in the Chrisoula K, Egypt. Nikon D2X + Subal housing. Tokina 10-17mm @ 14mm. F7.1 @ 1/80th. 2 x Subtronic Alpha Pro strobes. fringing. I struggle to think of any compelling Underwater this lens is particularly suitable to angle, I feel that it does not offer much advantage reasons to have this lens on land, but by the same action packed diving: encounters with big animals over a prime fisheye as most shots tend to be taken token I cannot think of a more useful focal range and schools. I am sure that you have all made dives at the 10mm end anyway. The lens is very suited for wide angle photography underwater. In fact this where you would like to put on a fisheye for high to shipwreck photography: at 10mm providing the lens could have been designed specifically for us. If impact images, but are concerned that the subjects coverage for large wreck vistas while at 17mm you are someone who has to justify a lens purchase will not come close enough to fill the frame. Worry being suited to wreck details and interiors. As the for a dual role both above and below the waves then no longer. It is also a great lens for photojournalists, lens is zoomed towards the 17mm end much of its the Tokina might be tough. For the rest of us it is an who want to photograph whatever they encounter to fisheye distortion disappears, helpful for the straight answer to many prayers. tell the story of their diving. For close-focus wide lines of wreck innards. www.uwpmag.com 37/25 The flexibility of the Tokina makes it ideal for underwater photo-journalist keen on The Tokina lens does not have a rear filter mount, although gel filters can easily be recording various and unpredictable encounters that tell the story of a dive. Diver attached to the rear of the lens and work well over these focal lengths. Turtle and swimming through a school of snappers, Egypt. Nikon D2X + Subal housing. reef, Sipadan, Malaysia. Nikon D2X + Subal housing. Tokina 10-17mm @ 15mm. Tokina 10-17mm @ 14mm. F7.1 @ 1/100th. 2 x Subtronic Alpha Pro strobes F7.1 @ 1/60th. Magic Filter.

One of the strengths of the them. I found I would concentrate on perfect travelling combination. the fringing issue is much less. At Tokina is that it has exceptional close one type of shot for most dives, only For me, this review comes down typical apertures (not wide open) focus, meaning that it is capable switching if something exceptional to one big question. Any underwater under normal shooting conditions I of surprisingly high magnification was encountered. Although it was photographer will appreciate that have found the Tokina photos to be portraits, as long as the subject will fabulous to have the option. the focal range is very useful, but all but indistinguishable from my let you approach closely. That said I should also stress that this lens how does the image quality compare Nikon 10.5mm for sharpness, colour all these different types of shots (e.g. is really wide. Even zoomed in. At with a prime fisheye. Testing the lens saturation and fringing. That said, close-focus wide angle, big animals, its widest the coverage is close to on land I found that the zoom was pool tests published by Steve Frink wrecks and portraits) require quite 180˚ corner to corner, and zoomed to more prone to chromatic aberrations and Mike Mesgleski on Wetpixel.com different strobe positioning for 17mm it is still about 100˚. Zoomed in and particularly purple fringing on have shown more fringing from the optimum lighting. And on any dive it to 17mm it is about equivalent to the high contrast details in the corners Tokina, although they note that pool does become a hassle and a distraction widest end of a rectilinear 12-24mm of the frame. Sharpness was similar. test shots are not truly representative to constantly be switching between zoom, making theses two lenses a Underwater, behind a dome port, of how fisheyes are used in the ocean.

www.uwpmag.com 37/26 camera’s autofocus is well above dive with the Tokina and never once average. If your camera struggles to put the 10.5mm on my camera. I am focus at times underwater you may loyal person, but I have to admit that want to use a focus lamp with this my previous beau, the 10.5mm, is lens. getting less and less attention. One frustration I have had with It is a pity there is no equivalent this lens is that it does not have a for this lens for full frame digital filter slot for gel filters on its rear. cameras. Ironically, given the reasons Filters are particularly useful for that made many slow to convert from wrecks, reef scenic and big animal film to digital SLRs, this lens is so photography and well suited to fisheye useful for underwater photographers photography. On the Nikon mount that it may stop many switching to full version of this lens a small square frame digital cameras in the future. A filter can easily be taped to the back pertinent issue if Nikon introduces a of the lens on the wide plastic lens full frame DSLR later this year. surround. The Canon-fit lens has a The bottom line for this lens is different rear lens construction, which that I have found the image quality makes the job more fiddly, although to be almost indistinguishable from many have fitted filters successfully. my prime fisheye. With the added The lens works well for split level photography, where personally I favour fisheyes. If you are new to fisheyes this advantage of zooming focal range Sipadan Island, Malaysia. Nikon D2X + Subal housing. Tokina 10-17mm @ lens provides the perfect introduction. this lens seems hard to resist for any 10mm. F13 @ 1/100th. No flash. The wide coverage of fisheyes makes underwater photographer. I can best them difficult to light, but the zoom summarise my affection for this lens of the Tokina 10-17mm allows you by the fact I have already given it two The barrel length of Tokina 10- although I found that one of the to work up to the widest settings nicknames. And generally in life we 17mm is about 10-15mm longer than existing Subal gears in Ocean Optics’ building your experience on success. only reserve nicknames for those we most of the prime fisheyes and most parts bin fitted my Tokina perfectly. For Canon users this lens makes really adore. users find the best optical performance A few of my friends have total sense, as it finally provides by using the lens behind a standard commented that they have found APS-C sensor Canon’s with a 180 Alexander Mustard fisheye dome and small 10-15mm that this lens is prone to hunting degree fisheye lens which has not www.amustard.com extension ring. Some manufacturer’s and failing to lock on subjects when been available before. If you want a recommend using just a standard autofocusing. Possibly this is due to fisheye, look no further. For Nikon dome port without an extension ring. it being a slowish lens with a widest users your decision whether to get this And Nexus have already produced aperture of f3.5-f4.5. I have not had lens will certainly depend on whether a dedicated port for this lens. A few any problems with its autofocus, you already own a 10.5mm fisheye. manufacturer’s have already produced either in the tropics or dark in UK I continue to use both, although on a dedicated zoom gears for this lens, waters, although I accept that my recent visit to Sipadan I made every www.uwpmag.com 37/27 We’ve got you covered! Have you learnt something invaluable by reading this issue of UwP? Have you saved a lot of time benefitting for the experience of UwP contributors or do you simply just enjoy UwP and want to help it continue? If so, please donate to the UwP contributors

You may not know this but more their percentage. none of the UwP contributors get When deciding how much you paid. They provide their articles want to donate please bear in mind and photo talent in support of the that PayPal’s charge for amounts cause of UwP which aims to keep smaller than £3 or $6 can be as the magazine free for anyone to high as 24%!! Whilst I accept that download. PayPal is absolutely brilliant and Donations are all handled in safe, I don’t want this to become a total security through PayPal and ‘Donate a lot to PayPal”!! you can also pay securely by credit You can make a donation in Magic filters are now available in 3 options. card using the PayPal links. either US $ dollars, UK £ sterling Your donations will be or € Euros by following this link Original Magic for use in blue water with DSLR and distributed to the contributors of compact cameras with Manual White Balance, each issue on a pro rata basis i.e. www.uwpmag.com/donate. Auto-Magic for compact cameras in automatic the more pages they contribute, the html point and shoot mode. GreenWater Magic for use in green water with DSLR and compact cameras with Manual White Balance. Prices start at just £19. Donate here www.magic-filters. www.uwpmag.com 37/28 Bonin Islands, Japan Story and Photos By Tim Rock and Yoko Higashide

They call it Bonin Blue. And for these playful creatures. there 60 feet under surrounded in I’m not sure if it was that or my sapphire I hovered. Below me large beat up wetsuit, but to my great luck boulders littered the sea floor. In and glee, they came right for me. They the distance, the ocean stretched to slowed down, came in close and took infinity. Some divers poured across a good look as I happily flashed away. the sea floor looking at colorful fish One younger dolphin kept looking that made their refuge on the rocky right at me. Some of the dolphins had bottom home. But I was interested in small remoras, a suckerfish that rides the blue and what it might bring. along for free. One older one had a Naho, our effervescent guide, tail with odd barnacles attached. They told me that they sometimes did an moved with grace and ease. It was exploratory dive mainly in the open over almost as quickly as it started as water to see what came along. This they swam off into the Bonin Blue, remote place was known to have tails swaying as they disappeared. huge dogtooth tuna, wahoo and wild That episode was enough dolphins. So there I hung in neutral to make me very happy but when buoyancy staring to see what the blue we drifted out to sea for our would bring. Below me was a huge decompression stop, a huge wahoo marble ray resting in the sand between came in to look. Divers rarely see some boulders. I was tempted to go these game fish. They do not frequent Snorkeling with wild bottlenose dolphins off of uninhabited Muko Jima in the deep and take a closer look when the coral reefs but are found in the Bonin Islands. Nikon D200 in Aquatica housing with Tokina 10-17mm lens at something caught the corner of my current lines of the open sea. My 10mm. F 6.3/Shutter 1/125. eye. diving partner Yoko Higashide had It was a lot of movement from a trick. Small bubbles make them something big. As it got closer I could curious. So she made some bubble this remote and it didn’t disappoint. People come to see and interact with see a pod of bottlenose dolphins and clouds and sure enough it kept circling This was just one excursion into the humpback whales, spinner dolphins, they were headed right to the divers. and getting closer until it was but a depths of Bonin Blue. bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales and I adjusted my camera and strobe and few meters away. These islands, the Bonin occasionally spotted dolphins, short- prayed my big wide-angle lens dome This is the kind of thing you Islands, have become famous as a finned pilot whales, whale sharks and would become an object of curiosity hope to see when you come to a place refuge for marine and bird wildlife. other pelagics. www.uwpmag.com 37/29 Yoko Higashide snorkels down about 30 feet to greet a wild pod of bottlenose at Ototo Jima’s Eagle Bay. Nikon D200 in Aquatica housing with Tokina 10-17mm Snorkeling in the protected cove at lens at 10mm. F 5.6/Shutter 1/60. A sperm whale sounds at Ogasawara near sunset. Nikon D200 with Nikon Tsurihama. This is the narrowest point 18-200 lens at 55mm. F 4.8/Shutter in the passage and currents get over 5 1/750. ISO 250 knots outside the bay. Nikon 180200 They are better known around Chichi-jima. VR at 18mm with circular polarizer. F Japan as the Ogasawara Islands. It isn’t tropical bliss here. It 6.3 at 1/40. Located in southeast Japanese waters, can actually get to be a bit chilly. The 131m, 6679 ton, Ogasawara-maru it is an archipelago of about 30 small climate is subtropical; the average that is based from Tokyo. The 25-hour rocky islands not really too far north temperature varies from 17.7C (Feb.) cruise from Tokyo departs 4-6 times know a few people. of the Mariana Islands. Only two of to 27.6C (Aug.). per month and offers low cost group One man I met was Jessel the islands are actually inhabited: You can’t get there from here area sleeping and communal showers Savory. This is a famous last name Chichi-jima, also called Ogasawara, unless you’re in Tokyo. There is no all the way up to private suites. This on Ogasawara as his great, great which is about 1,000 kilometers south airport. Japan wants to try to keep ship also has a nice restaurant and grandfather was part of the founding of Tokyo. The other small village the islands as pristine as possible small lounge, upper deck outside fathers of the islands back in the is Haha-jima, 50 kilometers farther by keeping visitor numbers low and sitting areas and entertainment 1800s days of whaling. In 1830 south of Chichi. The population human impact at a minimum. The centers. This overnight ride is part of Savory and 24 other Euro-Americans is about 2,300 with most folks on only access to Chichi-jima is on the the adventure and allows you to get to realized the potential of supplying

www.uwpmag.com 37/30 Divers approach a resting marble ray A sand tiger shark swims through the Bottlenose stop to check out a snorkeler at Ototo Jima. Nikon D200 in Aquatica at 80 feet. Nikon D200 in Aquatica big boulders at Muko Jima. Nikon housing with Tokina 10-17mm lens at 10mm. F 5.6/Shutter 1/80. housing with Tokina 10-17mm lens at D200 in Aquatica housing with Tokina 10mm. F 4/Shutter 1/30. Natural light. 10-17mm lens at 10mm. F 5.6/Shutter 1/30 whaling vessels. They moved to the uninhabited. Ancient settlers had Galapagos’ vast species diversity or want to see whale hunting anymore. island and raised animals and crops been long gone. So the history here is history of isolation, but it is a very We just like to watch them play.” and sold meat, veggies and water to relatively short but still colorful. natural place with plenty to offer For many years, the whale actually whalers. There is also an endemic tree Aside from whaling, it is hikers, birders, WWII history buffs avoided the place. Whether it had to called a savory palm after Jessel’s known as the place during WWII that and those who love the sea. do with past hunting or the one time family. He was raised in Ogasawara, U.S. president George Bush was shot The big draw is whale low numbers of whales worldwide, no went to high school in Guam and now down. He was rescued but his crew watching. This once 1800s whaling one knows. But humpback whales and lived in the States. He was coming were taken captive and never made it. port full of whalers and pirates is sperm whales have now been coming back with his oldest son to visit his The reason for this low volume now full of whale lovers. “I don’t back in good numbers for quite a few mother, who still operates a family inn tourism is to protect the delicate understand our government”, one decades. on the island. balance of wildlife that is found here. Japanese man told me referring to In whale season, the humpback Before the settlers, the It is sometimes called the Galapagos Japan’s constant quest to resume whale watch around Ogasawara boasts islands were virtually unused and of Japan. It doesn’t really have the whale hunting. “Most people don’t a daily 90% success rate for watching www.uwpmag.com 37/31 the passes doing a drift snorkel in three-to-five knot currents. The reef rushes by and you barely have to kick a fin. The impressive underwater world features huge boulders tumbling down to the depths. These form small caves that hold seasonal visitors with an scary array of teeth. Sand tiger sharks prefer these refuges and can be seen at 20 to 35 meter depths in many of the known shelters. While their toothy grin is alarming, they are normally shy and not aggressive. Some of the best diving is done farther up the Looking out to the shipwreck Hinko Maru from chain at islands that are big, rocky and rough and Sakai Ura beach. Nikon D200 with Tokina 12-24mm have no one living there. Muko Jima holds some lens at 12mm. F 8/Shutter 1/60. great marine surprises. And a couple of the natural arches are the haunts of hundreds of immense dogtooth tuna. You can swim in and stay off to the The Work of Art angelifish is found only in the waters side of these stunning arches. Breathe lightly and of the Bonin Islands... a beautiful endemic. Nikon island also has some tougher trails that can take the tuna will drift in close. Some are as large as the D200 in Aquatica housing with Tokina 10-17mm lens a couple of hours both ways through goat trails. divers watching them. There are few places in the at 14mm. F 6.3/Shutter 1/80. But the reward is an isolated beach with sand like world where divers can approach congregations like powdered sugar. this. We combined dolphin searches and whale While we were enjoying the diving and humpback whales by boats. So if you wanna see a watching with diving. You get in two and even three the added bonus of seeing both humpbacks and whale up close and personal, this is a pretty good dives in a full day and in-between you can eat a sperm whales in between dives, our main reason place to go. The humpbacks can be an active lot snack and lunch and the captain and crew will go for coming here was dolphins. All-day dolphin when males fight for the attention of a female. There out and look for whales and dolphins while you watching and swimming tours for bottlenose and is breaching, fin slapping, tail splashes and lots of munch. spinner dolphin pods are offered and this can also action to keep you intrigued while boxcar-sized Like the savory palm, there are some unique be done in-between dives. mammals fly out of the sea, going through their and special things to see underwater as well. The By far our best encounters took place up at mating routines. The season runs from February Ogasawara butterflyfish (Chaetodon daedalma) is remote Muko Jima. But there are some stunning to April but they can be seen coming in early and a stunning little fish found only in these waters. white sand shallows to the south at Minami Jima leaving late as well. We saw them in pairs and small schools along the that is also magic when the dolphins appear. Also, the islands have some nice vantage rocky undersea terrain of the islands. While most of Dolphin snorkeling is a real adrenalin points with well-maintained trails in the west. There the terrain is rocky and not all that colorful, there pumper. You hang off the back dive step of the boat are good whale lookouts to see humpback whales are also current fed passes with thick growths of and get up ahead of the pod. On the signal, you by land. Just bring your power binoculars. The very healthy corals. You can have a wild time in gently enter the water and head for the dolphins. www.uwpmag.com 37/32 Wild goats still roam the ragged cliffs of the main islands. Nikon D200 Nikon 18- Spinner dolphins play in the stern wake at Miko Jima. Nikon D200 Nikon 18- 200mm lens at 200mm. F 5.6/Shutter 1/500. 200mm lens at 200mm. F 7.1/Shutter 1/500.

Spinners normally dive down. Their down 10-15 meters and mimic the remoras attached to their sides. We - October the best season. This is the ease and grace make them a pleasure dolphin movements. Sometimes the were able to hang with this pod for a place National Geographic sponsored to see beneath the waves. dolphins would go for it and chaos nice long swim. Bobbing down with scientists just recently took the first But the bottlenose are a ensued with lots of play and tricks. them as they moved slowly along ever photos of giant squid, the favorite different story. Sometimes they also Perhaps our best encounter the sea floor and then playing at the food of sperm whales. just swim right by. But usually they came while the locals were off surface when they came up for a War buffs can also visit here get curious, playful and downright gathering some octopus after the full breath. and see the many caves and old acrobatic. It is for these moments you moon. When they went ashore to The rays of the sun created guns and artifacts still in the hills. spend days at sea looking and jumping reef walk looking for fresh “taco”, shafts of light filtering up from the Snorkelers and diver can go out to see into the water. The encounters are we went off in search of a pod. Sure stunning clear blue of the sea. It was a the WWII wreck Hinko Maru. It was normally brief and wild, with dolphins enough a small group appeared and bit of magic. hit by an enemy submarine torpedo swimming at you, under you and they were relaxed and curious. They A day at sea is usually an 8 and hauled into the Sakai Ura bay circling around. would swim right with us, their tails hour-trip and June-October is the area. Now crumpled but a great refuge We spent a couple of days with coming within centimeters of actually best season, but they are around all for fish, shallow dives and snorkels some local divers who seemingly touching my wide-angle lens. I could year. Sperm whale watching is best can be done here. Best visibility is at were part dolphin. They would swim see odd barnacles on their tails and spring to late autumn with August high tide. www.uwpmag.com 37/33 Chichi-jima and four boats on Haha-jima, which Bonin Islands are members of Ogasawara Whale Watching Association (OWA). Getting There: You can’t swim with whales here. The OWA has established its own voluntary rules: There is only one way to get there unless - A whale watching boat must slow down within you own your own ship or sailboat. That is the 300m of whales. Ogasawara Maru. - Do not violate the normal behavior of whales. Ogasawara Kaiun K.K. - A whale watching boat must not approach within Asahi Bldg., 5-29-19 Shiba, Minato-ku, 100m of humpback whales and 50m of sperm Tokyo, 108-0014, Japan whales. A sandwich shot of a Ogasawara sunset and a Ph. +81(Japan)-3-3451-5171 Larger boats are required more severe rules. humpback taken in Ogasawara Bay. Both shot at Prices range from about 22,500 yen to 55,000 And an aircraft is restricted not to approach within 200mm with a D200 and Nikon 18-200mm VR. yen one way (not cheap). 300m of whales. There are 42 inns on Chichi-jima and 12 Contact: Ogasawara Whale Watching Association The island’s town has a nice selection of on Haha-jima, costing about 6,500 - 10,000 yen for a single with 2 meals. For general tourism Chichi-jima, Ogasawara-mura, Tokyo, 100- small eateries and pubs. The stores have some 2101, Japan Ogasawara products like sea salt and amberjack information, contact: Ogasawara Tourist Association Ph. +81(Japan)-4998-2-3215 Fax. sushi. There are museums and whale info centers. +81(Japan)-4998-2-3500 Gift shops offer souvenirs carved from whalebone. Chichi-jima, Ogasawara-mura, Tokyo, 100- At night you can take a hike looking for fluorescent 2101, Japan mushrooms and fruit bats. Ph. +81(Japan)-4998-2-2587 Fax. The Seasons It’s a fascinating little place that few visit but +81(Japan)-4998-2-3555 those who do never forget the magic of Bonin Blue. It is good to speak and read some Japanese The best time to see a lot of the marine life here. Not much is in English, but you can get by if here is late spring through early fall, although the you need to. humpbacks come in winter. August and September Tim Rock sees a lot of fish spawning as well. www.doubleblue.com Whale Watching Humpback whale: January - April. Ogasawara Whale Watching Association Spinner dolphin & bottlenose dolphin: (OWA) was established in March 1989 to help through the year but June through October is best. manage and regulate whale watching, and to Sperm whale: mainly summer – autumn operate as an information center. OWA has Sand tiger sharks and Spiny Lobster – May members who have interest in whale watching, through September boat operators, owners of tourism businesses Sea Turtles – March through September and simply fans of whales. There are 11 boats on Dogtooth Tuna – May through September www.uwpmag.com 37/34 www.uwpmag.com 37/35 60 participants attended this In an action packed week years Digital Shoot Out in Bonaire participants got to dive the beautiful from June 16th to 23rd. reefs around Bonaire and learn from Now in its 6th year this is an lectures given by Berkley White of established event in the underwater Backscatter, Jim Watt from Hawaii, Eric photography calendar and is the Cheng from Wetpixel, Dan and Mary ideal trip to practice and learn from Lynn on video and Dan Baldocchi from experienced professionals. Light & Motion. The venue for this years event Wide-Angle Traditional At the end of the week there was was the Divi Flamingo’s Resort 1st Place: Clark Miller. a competition in 5 categories for shots which incorporates Capture Photo, the Prize: Kararu 7-night liveaboard trip taken during the week. underwater photo and video shop. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the shootout! As they Macro Traditional, like to say each year, “All of us are 1st Place Jody Elliot winners. Some are just more prize- Prize: Sea & Sea DX- challenged.” D200 housing www.diviflamingo.com www.capturecaribbean.com

Wide-Angle Unrestricted, 1st Place Brad Brown Prize: Wakatobi 7-night trip

http://wetpixel.com/i.php/full/digital-shootout-bonaire-2007-winners/ www.uwpmag.com 37/36 CMAS 11th World Underwater Championships A Judge’s Perspective By Mathieu Meur

Held over 4 days in May 2007 in Mauritius, Under the rules of the the 11th CMAS World Underwater Photo competition Carlos Championship gathered 27 photographer-model Minguell Banos from teams from 16 countries and 4 continents, vying for Spain was the overall the coveted title of World Champion. winner despite not having Organised by the Mauritian Scuba Divers won any of the 5 categories Association (MSDA) and the CMAS (World because he was the most Underwater Federation, founded by Jacques consistent in all of the Cousteau), the competition was held under the categories and so scored watchful eyes of 7 international judges, including the highest points. former World Champions FrÈdÈric Di MÈglio, Andrea Giulianini, and JosÈ Luis Gonz·les, cinematographer Mike Valentine, as well as world-renowned photographers Mathieu Meur and Michael Aw (also founder and publisher of several dive publications), and Anna Arzhanova (president of the CMAS Sports Committee). For the first time since its inception, the Hopefully, both issues should be ironed out by the The judges are intentlly poring over the pictures one championship allowed only digital cameras, next edition of the event, due to be held in Korea in last time before giving their final verdict demonstrating a firm resolution to usher the event 2009. into the next era of underwater photography. On For this championship, competitors were the flip side, the switch to an all-digital competition allowed to take only 100 photos per diving day, and resulted in a lower than usual turn-out, with half had to submit one photo in each of the five selected the number of participants as compared to previous categories, namely Wide-Angle With Diver, Wide- years, numerous previous competitors still shooting Angle Without Diver, Macro With Theme (this film. In addition, the judges all agreed that the year’s theme was Crustaceans), Macro Without overall quality of the entries was below par for a Theme, and Fish. No digital manipulations were competition of this level. Again, this can certainly allowed. All the photos submitted had to be exactly be explained by the fact that most participants as they were taken in-camera. only made a late switch to digital camera systems. The winning entries were selected in two www.uwpmag.com 37/37 scores given by each judge to individual entries, and updating the score of the participants as the judging progressed. Due to the comparatively low level of the entries this year, some of the judges elected to push the scores up to obtain a wider spread, while others preferred to score the pictures for what they deemed worth, occasionally resulting in some good- humoured booing from the public. A winner and two runner-ups were thus determined for each category, and the participant with the overall highest score (based on the sum of his scores in each of the five categories) was (Left) Laurent Beche (2nd place, from France) crowned World Champion. In the roll-of-honour and (above) Rui Guerra (3rd place, from Portugal). this year, were Carlos Minguell Banos (1st place, from Spain), Laurent Beche (2nd place, from France) and Rui Guerra (3rd place, from Portugal). The scoring system did draw some flak, as it can teams, guests and the press assembled in a large result in someone who is consistently in the top 10 cinema hall for the final judging session which being voted best photographer overall, without once was carried out in public. Having participated in stepping on the podium in individual categories. a number of photo competitions as a judge in the However, the system emphasises consistency in past, this particular experience was rather new to all aspects of photography, rather than outstanding me. However, it was reminiscent of the judging performance in a particular style of subject. process for large international sporting events, like After the final results were unveiled, all those gymnastics or ice skating. For this second round of involved in the event gathered back at the Suffren judging, the identities of the photographers were Hotel for a much deserved cocktail dinner, featuring revealed to all before scores were given. However, local fare, and famed Mauritian rum, before flying steps. First, all the photos were scored by the judges in order to prevent any bias, the highest and lowest back home in the wee hours of the morning. in a private session, and the 10 best shots in each score given were not taken into consideration To find out more about the CMAS and the category were set aside. At this stage, the identity in the final tally, only the five other results were World Underwater Photo Championship, check out: of the authors of the photos was not disclosed to considered. Again, this is in line with what is http://www.cmas.org the judges. Some entries were disqualified from the practised at the highest sporting competition level. outset for obviously flouting the competition rules Most impressive were the large technical such as manipulating living organisms or digitally means deployed for this public judging session. Mathieu Meur modifying pictures. A professional electronic scoring system supplied www.mathieumeur.com Next, the judges, organisers, participating by Omega was at hand, displaying in real-time the www.uwpmag.com 37/38 A competitors view by Gerald Rambert

Having won the Mauritian national competition in February, I was excited to be selected to represent the country for the 11th International Championship of the CMAS. Patrick Davy, my team mate, was participating for the second time, as for me it was my first. He warned me about the stress and the tension there was going to be at the event, and I was soon to discover what he was talking about. First we went to check out just how good the A festival of cameras on the at least 10 meters long others were. We found out rapidly that some of them had blocked their websites and we couldn’t get access to any kind of information. which was allowing us an average dive time of 50 We had phone calls from other competing to 70 minutes including deco stops. Even if the teams and soon realised that the others were doing maximum dive time allowed was 90 minutes, there the same. The competition had already begun! was no way we could last that long. I arrived in Mauritius three weeks before the I was expecting people to go beyond their event and started diving immediately with my limits and face problems, but even if some of them fellow friends from the north and the southwest of came out without air, which I am sure must have the island, both of which were potential locations happened, no major incident arose. for the championships. Other competitors were rushing to all the I knew the west coast like my pocket; I even diving centres in these two areas of the island. After had a turtle hole, where you could see it most of the a few days of training, we had the word from the time but the north side of the island however, was organisation that the championship was definitely my weakness. I didn’t know the landmarks by heart going to be held in the north of the island and that Surface interval! A little rest and taking notes after and even underwater, I could just find my way. So I the west part was reserved in case of bad weather. the dive. concentrated my time mainly there. To the disappointment of many who had I soon found out that most of the interesting already spent time taking markings there, we all tense. The competition spirit was in full swing and stuff was quite deep and that we had to manage our rushed to the north. I was spied on from the start, as no one wanted to share their pictures after the dives. dive time very carefully. The average depth was I was the person who had the most experience on The boats used were around 8 meters long around 25 meters, with no real chance of doing the island. and could fit around 15 people. So we didn’t multilevel diving, because most of the reef stops at If participants got lost underwater, I seemed to really get much place for all the equipment. We 18 meters. be held responsible and accused of being secretive! had to be very careful with the cameras. Most The tank capacity was restricted to 12 litres, I was quite shocked but I guess everyone was very of the participants were using 2 at the same time www.uwpmag.com 37/39 Carlos Minguel and I discussing equipment. Oceanica TV was present to follow the event. I am having a chat with Portuguese underwater and video cameras to not allowed to touch our cameras It was quite hard to choose which every participant has got a good eye, memorise the place. anymore. The dives were spread over dive site you were going to make, but knows all the little techniques and Pressure was such that some two main zones, covering about four what I soon realised was that it didn’t secrets of underwater photography, participants nearly ended up fighting dive sites each. actually make a big difference on the and truly it only depends on chance, when one of them accidentally hit We could choose the dive sites day if you knew the place more than on what the sea has to offer that day. another’s housing. That was a bit of within the zones and were assigned someone else. Nevertheless it was a great action! boats accordingly. The weather I found out that getting your shot experience, where I had the chance to On the day of the competition, conditions were not ideal as we had was mainly dependent on how the meet a lot of interesting people and we all headed early to the north on no sun on the first day, and there was a fish and the subject decided to behave world-renowned photographers. I got big boats from Port Louis, the capital lack of ambient light at depth, forcing on the day; if they wanted to pose or a silver medal in the macro category of Mauritius where everyone was us to work at slow speed and flashes not, or if you had the chance to drop and was proud to have represented my staying. After a 45- minute drive we on rear. on a nudibranch or something more country. arrived at “Choisy” the site of the The second day the visibility interesting. You can dive the same ‘competition village’. Once there, we wasn’t that great and wide angle place a 100 times, and it will never be Gerald Rambert had to format our memory cards in wasn’t really possible, so everyone the same. www.geraldrambert.com front of the commissioner, and were was mainly concentrating on macro. At this level of competition, www.uwpmag.com 37/40 “Under the Blue” 2007 results

‘California’ - Rick Coleman, USA 1st Place - Man in the Sea Prizes: One week live aboard trip to Eastern Indonesia with Archipelago Fleet + Noam Kortler, Israel Best of Show Winner Ikelite flashlight Prizes: One Week of Shark Diving in Yeang Chng, USA Beach, California, June 2nd and 3rd, Prizes: One week diving in Papua New Popular underwater imagery Fiji with Beqa Adventure Divers + $100 and are now posted online at the Guinea with Walindi Resort + $500 websites DivePhotoGuide.com gift certificate from Ultralight Control official competition website www. Amphibico gift certificate & Wetpixel.com teamed up with Systems UnderwaterCompetition.com. SCUBA Show to develop an annual Photographers competed in four international competition for amateurs still image categories, including a and hobbyists worldwide. premium dive travel, and underwater As with all category for images that focus on The 1st annual UNDER THE photo & video equipment! Travel UnderwaterCompetition.com events, California’s unique and beautiful BLUE competition was a tremendous prizes include trips to some of the 15% of entry proceeds will be donated underwater environment, and one success. Entries flooded in from top photo destinations in the world to marine conservation efforts. video category. Winners shared more around the globe, and were on display including Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New than $20,000 in prizes, including www.UnderwaterCompetition.com during SCUAB Show in Long Guinea, South Africa and Australia. www.uwpmag.com 37/41 Nexus. The Best Value Aluminium Housing For Your D200

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Introductory price £2200 inc 45 degree viewfinder Often fished but rarely dived, Connemara Lough diving in loughs are bog diving territory at its best. Sliding into brackish water riddled by a Connemara7 Bush House Arcade, Bush Houseseasonal downpour mightwww.oceanoptics.co.uk not be everybody’s Ocean Optics Strand, London, WC2B 4PAidea of a week-end [email protected] the Wild West...but for the by JeromeTel 020 Hingrat 7240 8193 Fax 020 7240frustrated 7938 winter diver that I am, there is sometimes nothing like the peaty waters of Connemara. www.uwpmag.com 37/42 Temperate Temptations by Mark Webster

Regular readers of UWP will know Nudibranchs that I occasionally sing the praises of diving in the cooler waters of the UK. We have a number of appealing Many of us live closer to temperate and colourful species of nudibranchs in waters than we do to tropical and the the shallow coastal waters of the UK cost of travel means that if you eschew but the major difference between them your home grown opportunities then and their tropical cousins is that of size. you may only dive once or twice a The cold water species tend to be much year in warm waters with your camera, smaller and consequently are more of a dependant on your personal budget of challenge to find. Understanding when course. The added benefit of diving at and where the nudibranchs are likely home is that you have the opportunity of to appear will help you in your quest, testing equipment and techniques which but the key to finding them is moving will improve your success rate when slowly and examining the habitat very you take that expensive trip. carefully – using a torch will help A common misconception is that and some may even find that a strong temperate waters have less colour and magnifying glass can assist – you variety than tropical destinations. We can buy large plastic ones in varying do of course lack the reef building strengths from an optician. Nudibranchs corals, but there are temperate locations are at there most abundant in spring and worldwide that will challenge tropical very early summer, but the exact season reefs for colour and variety and there are many closely related species. The purpose of this piece of prose is to advocate the attractions of nudibranch Coryphella lineata feeding on oaten species and sea hares in the UK and pipe hydroids. Nikon D100, L&M Titan perhaps offer a few pointers for finding housing, 105mm micro Nikkor, Inon and photographing them successfully. Quad flash, ISO 200, f16 @30th www.uwpmag.com 37/43 Polycera quadrilineata. Nikon D100, L&M Titan housing, 105mm micro Nikkor, Coryphella verrucosa feeding on bryazoan sea mat. Nikon D100, L&M Titan Inon Quad flash, ISO 200, f16 @125th housing, 105mm micro Nikkor, Inon Quad flash, ISO 200, f16 @15th

Flabellina pedata. Nikon F90X, Subal housing, 105mm micro Nikkor, Inon Quad flash, Velvia 50, f16 @125th will depend largely on how cold the gorgonian fan corals which thrive winter has been – if the winter has more on the offshore reefs which are been mild then you can often find exposed to strong currents. species beginning to appear as early The first species to appear in as February. late winter are normally the sea I find that the best hunting lemons (Acanthodoris pilosa) which grounds are the shallow coastal reefs are one of the larger species and particularly in amongst the seaweeds can look just like small sponges, so and kelps. There are particular can be quite difficult to spot on the species (e.g. Coryphella lineata and reef. One of the first things to look Tritonia nilsodhneri) which like to for is the rosettes of eggs this species feed specifically on hydroids or on deposits in a variety of colours on www.uwpmag.com 37/44 there is a positive orgy occurring! Among other very colourful species are the Flabellina sp. and Coryphella sp. There are several similar looking species which are also very abundant in late spring and many of these are often found feeding on the stinging cells of oaten pipe hydroids which thrive in shallow waters on the offshore reefs where tidal currents are much stronger. These species are able to digest the nematocysts in the stinging hydroids and store them in their cerata which deters potential predators. These nudibranchs can be a bit of a challenge to photograph as the hydroids are often moving around significantly in the current and swell. If you cannot find a sheltered section Janolus cristatus. Nikon F90X, Subal housing, 105mm micro Nikkor, Inon Quad of reef then try positioning yourself up flash, Velvia 50, f16 @125th Limacia clavigera. Nikon D100, L&M current to block the water movement Titan housing, 105mm micro Nikkor, in front of the subject – this is only Inon wet lens, Inon Quad flash, ISO the reef, often under overhangs. of maerl, which is a type of calcified possible when the current is not too 200, f16 @125th Having found one or more of these seaweed which forms into small coral strong! egg masses, start looking hard in the like structures and often has a strong In the UK we also have a species immediate area and you will more purple tint. This habitat also seems of gorgonian fan coral, which is much than likely find your quarry. If you to attract the sea lemons during their kelp feeding on algae. Searching smaller than the tropical cousins but are lucky you may find mating pairs season and can be a much easier amongst the weed on the seabed is host to a particular nudibranch or one actually laying eggs which environment to find them in. will generally reveal some of these (Tritonia nilsodhneri) which mimics will make an attractive behavioural Other early species include but they are occasionally found on the polyps of the coral that it feeds shot. I have found that some of these Polycera quadrilineata and Limacia overhanging sections of reef wall on. They can be quite a challenge to are light sensitive and will retract clavigera both of which are very small as well. In the late spring and early find, but are often given away by their their rhinophores and gills when a (10-15mm) and coloured white with summer Polycera quadrilineata is egg trails which are also laid on the focus light is on them – use the light bright yellow markings in mixture often found in large numbers on coral. These guys are very small and to pre focus, lock your lens and then of stripes and spots. These are very kelp fronds grazing on the sea mats often the fans are in deeper water, but wait patiently until the appendages attractive subjects and are found (bryozoans), copulating and laying it is satisfying to find and photograph emerge. In my locality we have beds mostly on various seaweeds and the their egg spirals – sometimes it seems them. www.uwpmag.com 37/45 making it very difficult to light with flash. I often use a wet lens with a 105mm Micro Nikkor, either an Inon or Nexus, to boost the magnification – you can also achieve this increased magnification with a diopter or tele-converter inside the port, but this then commits you to small subjects for the dive. A good light helps with focusing and it often helps to lock your lens in manual or use AF lock one you have reached your desired magnification – then simply rock back and forth until the subject is sharp and release the shutter. Having your rig close to neutrally buoyant helps this process as often you need to hold the system with one hand. There are various ways of achieving this, my method is a Coryphella verrucosa and spawn. Nikon D100, L&M string of small net floats on bungy cord that I put Titan housing, 105mm micro Nikkor, Inon Quad around the port (see picture). flash, ISO 200, f16 @125th If you are using a compact camera you may need to add a macro wet lens, dependant on the zoom range and close focus ability of your lens. There are also other species that are less Some compacts do offer a super macro setting, common and require a little more diligence and a but this is normally at a very short distance to the portion of luck to find. These include the spectacular subject, which makes it difficult to light – and in Lomanotus and Aegires punctilucens. Although fact some compacts will not fire the flash in super most of our species are quite small there is one macro. Once again, it is best to use manual focus larger species that is often encountered in muddy or options or AF lock once you have the range and Aplysia punctata. Nikon D100, L&M Titan housing, sandy environments particularly in river estuaries. desired magnification for your subject. 105mm micro Nikkor, Inon Quad flash, ISO 200, f16 This is Pleurobranchus membranaceus which can be @125th up to 12cm in length but is often well camouflaged Sea Hares and difficult to spot. As with other species early spring is best when you will most likely find the Closely related to nudibranchs are the sea this is an early spring species which can be quite large egg swirls first and the nudibranch close at hares, the major difference between the two is difficult to find as the colours blend very well with hand. that sea hares (Aplysia sp) have retained a very their habitat. However, every two or three years we If you are shooting with a DSLR then the best small shell on their backs as a part of their mollusk seem to have a brief population explosion normally lens for the small species of nudibranch will be in ancestry. You often wonder how creatures earn after a mild winter. During these seasons there are the 90-105mm range with 1:1 magnification. For their common name, but with a bit of imagination I positively hundreds if not thousands of sea hares me, a shorter focal length of 50-60mm brings you think they do look a bit like a hare or a rabbit when on our local dive sites with mass mating activities too close to the subject at maximum magnification, viewed head on, but judge for yourself. Once again which would raise eyebrows if we indulged in www.uwpmag.com 37/46 Pleurobranchus membranaceus spawn. Nikon F90X, Subal housing, 60mm micro Aplysia punctata mating. Nikon D100, L&M Titan housing, 105mm micro Nikkor, Nikkor, two Sea & Sea YS30, Velvia 50, f16 @125th Inon Quad flash, ISO 200, f16 @125th

Pleurobranchus membranaceus. Nikon F90X, Subal housing, 60mm micro Nikkor, two Sea & Sea YS30, Velvia 50, f16 @125th similar activities in public! The also be found all over the seabed and colouration and patterns on these sea on the reef. The egg mass is left on hares varies dramatically from plain the seaweeds in tight coils and trails in browns and greens, through bright colours varying from white to pink. purples to those decorated with yellow As described above, many or white spots and stripes. Many of nudibranchs and sea hares can be them can be quite large (4-8cm) and found grazing on seaweed and kelp so are well suited to a 60mm macro on the reef top which gives you lens. the opportunity to introduce a little Sea hares are most often found natural light behind the subject even feeding on seaweed and kelps, but at high magnification. As you will be during the mating season they will using a small aperture to maximize the www.uwpmag.com 37/47 Subal ND20 housing, Inon Quad flash, Inon wet lens, focus/spotting light and fishing floats for increasing buoyancy.

depth of field you need to take a low photographers are wary of cold water, view towards the surface and slow but the wide range of dry suits and the shutter speed down significantly thermal under suits available today to record the natural light. I regularly means that you can stay warm and shoot at 1/15th or 1/8th of a second to comfortable and increase the ‘return’ achieve this – you may also want to on your investment in expensive play with the ISO setting as well if camera equipment. Perfecting conditions are particularly gloomy. techniques in temperate waters Keep shooting and varying the shutter will give variety to your portfolio speed and aperture until you are happy and enable you to recognise image with the colour of the background. opportunities and compositions in You can also open the aperture to warmer waters thus making your narrow the depth of field further, but expensive trips more productive. this means that your focusing must be Come on in – the water is lovely, very accurate and it can be difficult to really! hold a heavy housing steady. As we all know, practice makes Mark Webster perfect particularly in the art of underwater photography. Many www.photec.co.uk

www.uwpmag.com 37/48 Have you learnt something invaluable by reading this issue of UwP? Have you saved a lot of time benefitting for the experience of UwP contributors or do you simply just enjoy UwP and want to help it continue? If so, please donate to the UwP contributors

Learn from the pros You may not know this but more their percentage. none of the UwP contributors get When deciding how much you paid. They provide their articles want to donate please bear in mind and photo talent in support of the that PayPal’s charge for amounts cause of UwP which aims to keep smaller than £3 or $6 can be as the magazine free for anyone to high as 24%!! Whilst I accept that download. PayPal is absolutely brilliant and Donations are all handled in safe, I don’t want this to become a total security through PayPal and ‘Donate a lot to PayPal”!! you can also pay securely by credit You can make a donation in Mike Veitch Simon Buxton Tim Rock card using the PayPal links. either US $ dollars, UK £ sterling Your donations will be or € Euros by following this link distributed to the contributors of In order to offer the best diving experience and variety of marine life, Dive each issue on a pro rata basis i.e. www.uwpmag.com/donate. Photo Fest workshops are scheduled in the Indo Pacific’s premiere locations. html From the sharks and mantas of Palau and Yap to the amazing reefs and the more pages they contribute, the bizarre critters of the Philippines and Indonesia, we offer a great mix of photo subjects to choose from. With 3 pros on hand, in water help is a trademark of our workshops, not only do we talk about theories, we help participants implement them in the field. Nightly critiquing sessions and entertainment in the form of slideshows, videos, and presentations add to the fun of our workshops. Donate here

www.divephotofest.com www.uwpmag.com 37/49 Guidelines for contributors

The response to UwP has been nothing short of fantastic. We are looking for interesting, well illustrated articles about underwater photography. We are looking for work from existing names but would also like to discover some of the new talent out there and that could be you! UwP is the perfect pubication for you to increase your profile in the underwater photography community. The type of articles we’re looking for fall into five main categories:

Uw photo techniques - Balanced light, composition, etc Locations - Photo friendly dive sites, countries or liveaboards Subjects - Anything from whale sharks to nudibranchs in full detail Equipment reviews - Detailed appraisals of the latest equipment Personalities - Interviews/features about leading underwater photographers If you have an idea for an article, contact me first before putting pen to paper. E mail [email protected]

How to submit articles

To keep UwP simple and financially viable, we can only accept submissions by e mail and they need to be done in the following way: 1. The text should be saved as a TEXT file and attached to the e mail 2. Images must be attached to the e mail and they need to be 144dpi Size - Maximum length 15cm i.e. horizontal pictures would be 15 cm wide and verticals would be 15cm. File type - Save your image as a JPG file and set the compression to “Medium” quality. This should result in images no larger than about 120k which can be transmitted quickly. If we want larger sizes we will contact you. 3. Captions - Each and every image MUST have full photographic details including camera, housing, lens, lighting, film, aperture, shutter speed and exposure mode. These must also be copied and pasted into the body of the e mail.

www.uwpmag.com 37/50 Parting Shot 1

I was looking forward to this I put on 2 Inon UCL 165 wet particular dive. I signed up for the lenses on my PT 27 housing, composd trip to Cabilao, Philippines because the shot and fired the shutter. After it had a dive dedicated to finding reviewing the shot on the lcd, I this critter and even had a specially glanced back at the seafan to locate hired diveguide to ensure success. I the subject again; and that was when carefully cleaned and lubed the o- I saw a slow steady stream of bubbles rings of my housing and put a freshly emanating from my housing! charged battery and an empty newly I quickly shut off the camera formatted flash card in the camera, an and started a controlled ascent. I Olympus C7070. I even did a leak test hoped the divemaster understood my in the resort’s pool. sign language when I tried to convey 6:30 AM was the set departure what had happened. I glanced at my time. I boarded the banca (Philippine computer and saw that I still had to dive boat), and put on my dive kit. I complete 4 minutes of decompression. talked with the guide and he told me I knew then that the camera was a that the seafan where the Desniise goner and watched helplessly as the pygmy seahorse lived, could be found stream of bubbles gradually slowed as at 25 meters and that the pygs could the housing filled up. Olympus C7070 in PT27 housing – F10, 1/640, 2 Inon UCL165 wet mate macro usually be found near the periphery Back on the boat, I retrieved the lenses, 1 Inon D2000 set at sttl low -0.5 of the fan. We got in the water and card from the camera and rinsed it I checked the housing for leaks, with some bottled water. After letting descended, and sure enough, at 25 it air dry for an hour, I put it on the meters was a big orange seafan. The cardreader and was rewarded with a guide started looking intently at the steady blue light. I then opened the Do you have a nice shot with a short story edges of the fan while I tried to help camera software, chose the only file behind it? by looking near the center of the fan on the card and heaved a sigh as the If so e mail me and yours could be the next (just in case). Imagine my surprise above picture came up. “Parting shot”. when I saw a thin branch of the seafan [email protected] move! I positioned my torch and Stan de la Cruz focused my magnifying lens on the [email protected] area and found to my delight a Pygmy seahorse. www.uwpmag.com 37/51 this bigger and more colourful camera. As Parting Shot 2 this camera was pulling his arms upwards it looked like he was taking photos of us, when I “Is this photoshopped?” – No it is not, but snapped the winning shot. I even managed to certainly you asked yourself this question when take a picture where he does white balance on seeing such a very unreal picture in the days of the PADI slate. So he obviously enjoyed digital digital photography and computers. So if this photography. picture is not made artificially and happened as it After loosing track of your dive number was, then what is the story behind it? one-thousand-x it gets harder and harder to I recently was on an assignment with experience something in the sea which you do Germany’s unterwasser dive magazine in Sardinia, not consider as usual. So I mentally logged this when we did a long shallow dive in what can be dive as one of my most positive memories in considered as a Mediterranean house reef. Alex, the sea and more entertaining than many shark the editor and I went on a dive to test several dives I previously did. recent compact digital cameras under the same Actually I lied in the beginning of circumstances. So we were searching the sea-grass this text there is some marginal quick and for photo subjects and stumbled on this juvenile dirty photoshopping in the image to blur octopus. the backscatter and dust that occurred in the He was hiding in a hole so I started offering background. I have shots from the little octopus my finger to him, which he accepted and after some fellow which are technically more perfect but nibbling more arms followed. The little guy was the framing and moment is not as striking as in quite strong and even tried to pull my hand into his this shot. So I thought it’s worth upgrading it a mini-cave. Alex was amazed. I looked at him and little bit. took one of the five cameras were planning to test That is what the new tools are for, I think. and started offering it to the octopus. He pulled However the picture is not a trick. And it into the cave and after we were confident with though, isn’t it a little bit sad that this has him not swimming away I tried to snap one or two become first question (next to: what camera do pictures. you use?) when somebody comes back with a Usually I try to avoid firing my strobe at an unique picture from an unbelievable moment octopus but this specimen seemed to handle it quite that just does not seem real? well without any signs of stress or releasing the Camera was Canon EOS 5D in a Hugyfot Do you have a nice shot with a short story camera. So we recovered the first camera which was housing with Canon 17-40 4.0L lens and a Hugyfot behind it? black and negatively buoyant and fiddled around to Mega eTTL Substrobe. If so e mail me and yours could be the next release the positively buoyant Canon camera you “Parting shot”. see in the picture. It was wired to a retrac ring on Andi Voeltz Alex’s jacket. [email protected] www.digideep.com When we offered it to the octopus he accepted www.uwpmag.com 37/52