| Sign in: |
| Members log in here with your user name and password to access the your admin page and other special features. |
|
|
|
|
|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Any one up for Scuba ? Under Water Photography Inquiry
Rafael Agustin Delgado, Student/Intern, Assistant
 |
Pasadena | Ca | USA | Posted: 12:46 AM on 02.18.07 |
->> Hello there everyone,
I finally took the plunge and will be certified for recreational open water scuba as if tomorrow after my first boat dive. I saw the extensive photo story by Rick Loomis and I simply had to learn.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/oceans/la-oceans-series,0,7842752.special
I was wondering if there is any one in this forum in this field already? Either for fun or work it does not matter. If you do continue making images in this realm, any advice is helpful. Web sites, another forum maybe and gear recommendation will be great help.
As for gear, I see the Canon SD 700 and the housing at Sport Chalet at a decent rate. For a starter kit, not bad but down the line, I would like to take a 5D down into the depths due its size and image quality. The 1D Mark II will be much more suited for surfing and body body work however I am interested in stock images, documentary work, and journalistic work than filling up a CF at 8 frames a second.
To avoid the Nikon and Canon debate, I am a Canon user, however I do wonder if the infrared wireless ETTL setup from the Nikon will work in such environment.
Also if any one cares to play tour guide of Southern California Coast, I am located in Pasadena. I am up for pretty much any dive outing from Ventura down to San Diego. |
|
Max Waugh, Photographer
 |
Bothell | WA | USA | Posted: 12:58 AM on 02.18.07 |
->> Rafael,
I used the SD 700 on my Ecuador trip when I was snorkeling in the Galapagos. Easy to use, reliable housing and worth the price. However, the still underwater photography was really hit or miss in terms of finding the proper focus and decent exposure. The underwater video with that camera, OTOH, blew me away. I never expected it to work so well. I've got some video clips and a few underwater images sprinkled throughout my web site's Ecuador section if you want to view some samples.
If you're serious about your still photography, I would suggest saving for an SLR set-up instead of the SD 700.
Max |
|
Jeffery Patch, Student/Intern, Photographer
 |
Huntington Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 1:24 AM on 02.18.07 |
| ->> I've been dying to learn. I took a trip to Belize last year and wanted to get certified before we went but couldn't work the classes into my schedule. We could have done it in two days while we were in Belize but my girlfriend didn't feel comfortable going that deep. Instead we snorkeled and she made me go somewhere too shallow. I ended up limping for a couple days after sitting on some fire coral. Ok I'm rambling :) |
|
Rafael Agustin Delgado, Student/Intern, Assistant
|
Pasadena | Ca | USA | Posted: 1:43 AM on 02.18.07 |
->> Jeffery,
Stop at your local Sport Chalet outfit. That is where I went and I will vouch for store #2 (La Canada Flintridge)
any day. Main reason why is my instructor Brad Hall, simply a great teacher and just all around enjoyable to be around. The cost like photography can add up however rental is great. You simply need to buy the personal items like boots, fins, mask, snorkel, gloves, the course material and tuition. The BCD, Tank, 7m suit are included in the rental package.
I also found some advice at http://www.underwaterphotography.com
http://www.underwaterphotography.com/Frink/Dive-Etiquette/Buddy-Diving.asp
I have never heard of Stephen Frink or seen his work till today however I did find his advice informative. |
|
Jeffery Patch, Student/Intern, Photographer
|
Huntington Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 4:24 AM on 02.18.07 |
->> They are who I checked out actually. I had a pretty good feeling about their programs and in fact, a friend of mine recently started teaching for one of their stores. Unfortunately I just don't have a schedule with enough flexibility to sign up for the classes, and taking private lessons is way out of my price range.
...One day!
Thanks for the links. I'll be sure to check them out. |
|
Fredrik Naumann, Photographer
 |
Oslo | Oslo | Norway | Posted: 4:46 AM on 02.18.07 |
->> Welcome to the underwater world Rafael, it is a wonderful place! As a photographer I too was very eager to get shooting as soon as I had my license. However, keep in mind you must ALWAYS, ALWAYS be a diver first, and a photographer second. It is important to get enough experience as a diver, so that you can safely dive without putting yourself or your buddy at risk.
While it may only take a few days to get a certificate in your hand, this does not automatically mean you are ready to handle multitasking in this new environment. Photography tends to give us bit of a tunnel vision underwater, more than on land. Not good when you in addition to looking through the viewfinder have to remember your air, your buddy, your depth, your bouyancy, the current, the rest of the group, the divemaster, the time, the distance to the boat/shore, and that shark behind you!
I don't mean to put you off, but I had to rescue a novice photographer early in my diving career, so I know what happens when someone is fiddling with their camera, rather than paying attention to their diving.
Photographing underwater is entierly different from shooting on land. A point ans shoot camera may be useful if you just want some holiday snaps. But for serious work, stock and journalistic, you must (yes: MUST) get something better, like a housing for your 5D. Using your SD 700 for work, is like expecting to win Formula 1 Racing using a bicycle...
Underwater photography isn't cheap. However, check out http://www.ikelite.com, they make reasonably affordable housings and flash units. As for reading reviews on gear, discussing underwater photography etc, this is my favourite: http://wetpixel.com/
And lastly, some blatant self promotion: http://www.photoshelter.com/gallery-show/G0000sJ_dGIEnYf0 |
|
Walter Calahan, Photographer
|
Westminster | MD | USA | Posted: 2:27 PM on 02.18.07 |
->> Rafael
I've been certified for 29 years. Underwater photography takes a lot of top side planning to do well. You should map out the dive so you know exactly what you're after before entering the water. This takes scouting dives before hand, as well as research of what is in the water in the area you'll be diving.
Start out slow with purchasing gear. This stuff is expensive. Also, as a beginner you simply need time under your belt getting use to being in an underwater environment.
I suggest you study the masters, such as David Doubilet.
http://www.daviddoubilet.com/
There are others to use as mentors as well, but for me, David always transcends what others are doing.
The one book I recommend, but is out of print is "Underwater Photography for Everyone" by Flip Schulke.
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=861230343&searchurl=isbn%3...
It is pre-digital, but everything in Flip's book applies to today. I have read and re-read this book many times.
If fact, my very first National Geographic Society assignment was underwater, and I couldn't have pulled it off if I hadn't read Flip's book.
Hope that helps. |
|
Robert Longhitano, Photographer
 |
Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 2:53 PM on 02.18.07 |
->> Rafael,
I'm a certified diver with 25 years experiences. Take Walter's and Fredrik's advice. Really learn to dive first. Photography underwater requires you to master the art of neutral buoyancy. The only way to do this is experience, experience and experience.
Unfortunately underwater photography requires speciality equipment that is expensive. Getting a good shot required you to get the subject as close to the lens as possible. Particles in the water get greatly enhanced when there is a lot of water between your flash and subject. I would recommend a Nikonous, a good strobe and if you can a 15mm lens. If the lens is too pricey for you use the 35mm lens with some extension tubs and brackets and learn macro photography. It fun and you'll learn a lot doing it.
Besides the photographers mentioned I also like Stephen Frink ( http://www.stephenfrink.com/ )
Good luck!!! |
|
Juliann Tallino, Photographer
 |
Los Angeles | CA | usa | Posted: 3:44 PM on 02.18.07 |
->> Hey Rafael,
Congratulations! I'm a divemaster and have worked in the Scuba industry off and on for the last 20 odd yrs. The last dive shop I worked at was Reefseekers in Beverly Hills and Ken Kurtis (one of the owners) is a pretty good underwater photographer. They lost their lease in December but Ken is still running trips and doing workshops, he has a free photo workshop in March. Here's the website http://reefseekers.com/
he also has free beach dives every week, it's squid season right now and that's a fun dive off Redondo Beach. The camera part is only half of it, you need a good flash, no light, no color. Check out Ikelite and Sea&sea for some inexpensive outfits. Robert'S suggestion of a Nikonos is a good one too, you can pick up a Nikonos V pretty cheaply. But you really need a strobe!
Have fun and remember to breathe!
Juli |
|
Sam Morris, Photographer
 |
Henderson (Las Vegas) | NV | USA | Posted: 5:13 PM on 02.18.07 |
->> Rafael,
You are about to experience a whole different world that most will never see. You'll love it.
I'll second the recommendation to pay attention what Robert, Walter and Frederik have said. Diver first, UW photographer second. It is so easy to get distracted if you don't have much experience. I was doing a drift dive along the Santa Rosa wall in Cozumel and we were supposed to stop at 80 ft. All of a sudden I heard a rap on my tank and my dive buddy, my dad, motioned to me to check my depth and ascend. I had drifted down to about 110 ft. without realizing it because I was distracted by the wall and trying to shoot. Things can go wrong pretty quickly and underwater they can be disasterous.
If you are going to be serious about shooting underwater, get a Nikonos, or at least a Sea&Sea. I don't own any underwater gear and the last time I dove the only thing I had access to was some Canon point and shoot and it was horrible - you need a strobe, but it's almost worse to have an on camera flash because all of the particles in the water reflect the light and it looks like you are shooting in a snow storm.
Happy diving and have fun. |
|
Rafael Agustin Delgado, Student/Intern, Assistant
|
Pasadena | Ca | USA | Posted: 10:30 PM on 02.18.07 |
->> To all that posted, many thanks.
Its good to know that there is a decent crew here that venture below the surface.
I have no ambition to take on more tasks than qualified and will not be taking any camera gear out for some time. One simply because I at the moment do not care to carry more than what I already am. And two, I rather save those funds for other certification and training courses. I am really looking forward to the night dive for the advance certification. Just learning and absorbing this whole new culture is a lot fun.
As for today's outing on the Spectre, out to the Channel Island from the Ventura Harbor, nothing else but simply great. 4 Dives on my 1st boat outing, just a solid day of fun and well worth waking up at early to make the launch.
The weather and water conditions were favorable and I had the opportunity to talk to several divers sporting everything from point and shoots to SLR's.
Cheers! |
|
Seh Suan Ngoh, Photographer
 |
Singapore | SG | Singapore | Posted: 10:45 PM on 02.25.07 |
->> Only bring a camera with you down below if you're utterly certain that you're able to function as a diver first, then photographer as a secondary role... without affecting the diver in you.
Without strobes, the main things you can do would be silhouettes and reaaaally close macros - your flash is good as almost no flash underwater.
Some folks use small lights such as a UK (Underwater Kinetics) UK40 lights to spot, and to add as additional source of light, similar to how strobing is done.
Dive safe... shoot later! |
|
Rafael Agustin Delgado, Student/Intern, Photographer
|
Pasadena | Ca | USA | Posted: 9:15 PM on 05.21.07 |
->> Update-
I recently finished my advance course this last weekend on the Great Escape. I could honestly say I have never had a salad with cuts of steak until yesterday; it was an interesting meal to say the least.
The course included a night dive, deep dive, navigation and other skills. My next desired certification is rescue. However that will wait until I get more dives under my belt. However if you are in the Southern California region, look up the dive vets scuba club as well as the others I come to discover. They go for a weekly beach night dive on Wednesday at Veterans Park in Redondo Beach, bring quarters; the meter maid is always on patrol. If you do not have a dive partner, there is bound to be some one there that needs a buddy too.
http://www.divevets.com for more information on this dive club
I am totally addicted to Scuba from now on. It is the only sport I know that makes my frame weightless at least under the water even with all the gear. Best part, when October comes around this fall, I will be able to catch my dinner as well; that of course if the lobster is a willing participant.
And here is a heads up for scuba enthusiasts. The scuba show is around the corner as well on the 2nd and 3rd of June at the convention center of Long Beach. I was told there is not much selling happening however plenty of informative workshops to experience.
Take care fellow shooters and divers. |
|
Barry Curtis, Photographer
 |
Laguna Beach | Ca | | Posted: 12:00 AM on 05.23.07 |
->> Rafael
Congratulations on getting certified.
If you want some great dive equipment let me know.
Its in the closet with my original 1D, my steadicam that I bought and never used, and right under the box with the sun-swatter that I paid $634 at Samys and never used.
Barry |
|
Scott Kroll, Photographer, Photo Editor
 |
Melrose | MA | USA | Posted: 10:08 AM on 05.23.07 |
->> Congrats on your certification. Between photography and diving you might need a second or a third job now.
I have to repeat what others have said and be a diver first. I have only been diving for 7 years now, but have worked my way up to Dive Master and have over 250 dives under my belt.
When working with new divers the one thing that stands out is that they might be good divers when just diving, but when they have to focus on something else like reading a compass, running a line or working with a camera the diving part goes out the window pretty quick. The biggest thing that you need to master is your bouancy. I have only shot a few times, but have found that good bouancy is what helps the most for getting the great shots. New divers tend to use their hands a lot more then they should to help keep themselves level in the water, but once you introduce a camera your hands are now tied up. If you are in control of your bouancy you can use your breathing to bring you up to your subject or even drop you down over a reef to get the shot.
Congrats again.
Scott |
|
Craig Glover, Photographer
 |
London | ON | Canada | Posted: 5:14 PM on 05.23.07 |
| ->> I'm glad I found this thread. I just finished the first part of my Open Water last night ... not sure if I can wait till July to do the second (currently booked to go to Tobermory here in the frigid waters of Georgian Bay/Lake Huron). I was going to make a similar post, but have some good info from this one. I might just have to head on down to Gilboa in Ohio and finish my certification sooner! |
|
Jim Donnelly, Photographer
 |
Coral Springs | Fl | USA | Posted: 10:36 PM on 05.25.07 |
->> Just got this email (posted below) today for you hard core divers and photographers... I really liked the oceanoptics site listed at the bottom.
I have a youth sports business in South Florida and shoot a lot of swim teams and water ballet stuff.
To be different I tried shooting a lot of underwater portraits that the parents loved.
The bag I have for my 10 D works for recreation, but will not do for professional stuff so I was looking around for better gear. This thread came at the right time... Thanks to all of you for the great thread. Great advice and awesome stories. Guess its time to do more homework...
Thanks..
Ocean Optics has organised a unique liveaboard charter to photograph and video the world's largest shark and largest ray. Combining the fantastic diving for which the Maldive Islands are renowned along the way, our focus will be to bring back superlative images of these impressive and evocative animals. To maximise the opportunities for shooting
professional standard portfolios and video sequences , we've engaged leading manta ray researcher and celebrated Maldives dive guide Anne - Marie Kitchen -Wheeler to lead this safari. Anne - Marie's extensive field experience of finding and interacting with these creatures will assure you of the best possible chance of getting stunning results from this safari. Anne - Marie is promising some fascinating evening presentations to enrich your safari experience. Anne - Marie is also a UK champion freediver and an accomplished underwater photographer.
The liveaboard Sea Queen will be our base of operations. She is one of the best known boats in the Islands and a long term favourite with underwater photographers. Her usual complement is twelve passengers, but on our private charter only eight guest places are offered. By limiting numbers, we will greatly increase your personal photo opportunities. Only a small number of places still remain. Mark Koekemoer will be on board to represent Ocean Optics. Mark will be able to help with photography and equipment questions (within the obvious limits of being at sea and not in a workshop, so try not to flood anything) and will have some back up equipment on hand for emergencies.
This twelve-night voyage is going to be something very special. It is all about aiming high to capture on camera the beauty of the Maildivian reefs and the majesty of two of the seas most mystical creatures.
For a taste of what's on offer, see Anne - Marie talking about her manta research over behavioural footage taken by "Blue Planet" cameraman Peter Scoones on "The Underwater Channel".
For more details please contact Mark or Steve.
Overseas clients are most welcome.
See attached PDF
--
Special Offers on Housing Clearance Lines
Subal Housing for Canon 30D/60D Body Only £500.00
Subal Housing For Canon 300D Body Only £500.00
Lots of Discontinued Olympus and Canon Compact Housings from £50.00 - Check Website for Deals
Regulator Deals
Free Octopus with any Aqua Lung Regulator
OR
25% Discount on any Aqua Lung Regulator when you trade in your old valve and octopus
Ocean Optics & Mavericks Diving
7&8 Bush House Arcade,
Bush House, Strand,
London WC2B 4PA
FAX 020 7240 7938
Tel 020 7240 8193
http://www.mavericksdiving.co.uk
http://www.oceanoptics.co.uk |
|
|| Sponsor Special Deals
We BUY & TRADE you OLD Gear
|
Available from:
Adorama Camera
|
Price: $0.00 |
Notes:
We all have some cameras & lenses sitting around collecting dust right?...Or you work at a Newspaper that has downsized?...What to do with your excess photographic equipment? Adorama's Used Dept is looking for your used gear to purchase or take in trade. Contact me directly jsnyder@adorama.com or 1-800-223-2500 X2435 and I can fill you in on the details. Cash in your pocket is better than sitting on the shelf, right?
|
|
-- More Info -- |
|
Return to --> Message Board Main Index
|
