On diving day 4 in Raja Ampat I had become somewhat comfortable with my camera and housing, and I decided to try my hand at macro-photography (closeup photography). I know photographers who take absolutely amazing macro images and I have always wanted to do it myself. I know these do not come close to their expertise but I was fairly happy with the result.
After a couple of dives with my macro lens I switched back to my wide angle. A wide angle lens allows a diver to get very close to their subject and still have the whole subject and background in the image. So, these fish are closer than they appear! In dive photography, you must get close to the subject in order to have enough light to photograph it. The density of the water means that you have to be 2 to 5 feet from the object or your photo will be all blue, without other colors. Photographers who do scene photography have huge strobes in order to light the area they are shooting. My strobes are not large enough to do that, but maybe someday! There are often scenes I pause to gape at, and wish I could show it to people so they could see the beauty of the underwater realm.
I just love looking at your stunning photos. I would never be able to both dive and take photos like that at the same time!
I’ve been diving since 1986 (yikes!) and taking photos since the late 90s! It definitely takes time!
Incredible! I’d love to experience what you do, but I think I can only manage from afar. Your photos are absolutely stunning.
Thank you Sheryl!
Your photographs are riveting. That bubble coral– I couldn’t leave that image for at least five full minutes!
It looks as though it has fingerprints…see the whorls? I am in love with bubble coral!
I’m so impressed with your photos. Each one is more beautiful than the next! Thanks for sharing them. I could stare at them for hours!
Thank you so much!
What incredible pictures! I would be having a panic attack down there and to think I once wanted to be a marine biologist. What amazing fun!
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aw, no panic attack! It is so peaceful and calm!