The Maldives, an archipelago of over 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, is a tropical paradise renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. While the Maldives is a dream destination for sun-seekers and divers alike, it holds a special allure for underwater photographers. With its breathtaking coral reefs, diverse marine species, and unique underwater landscapes, the Maldives offers a captivating canvas for photographers to explore and capture the magic of the deep. In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of underwater photography in the Maldives and discover why it’s a paradise for photographers.

Scorpionfish by Tim Yeo

1. The Magical Coral Reefs

The Maldives is home to some of the most exquisite coral reefs on the planet. These intricate underwater ecosystems provide endless opportunities for photographers to capture vibrant colors and textures of corals. From branching corals that resemble delicate works of art to massive coral formations that shelter various fish species, the coral gardens of the Maldives are a sight to behold.

Underwater photographers can use multiple techniques to showcase the beauty of coral reefs. Close-up shots of individual corals highlight their intricate patterns and vibrant hues, while wide-angle shots capture the grandeur of entire reef systems. When the sunlight filters through the water, it creates stunning effects, casting enchanting shadows and illuminating the underwater world with an ethereal glow.

2. Marine Life Extravaganza

One of the primary draws for underwater photographers in the Maldives is the rich diversity of marine life. The warm, nutrient-rich waters attract an abundance of sea creatures, from tiny, colorful reef fish to larger pelagic species. Snorkelers and divers can encounter graceful manta rays, majestic whale sharks, and playful dolphins, among many others.

Schooling Fish in the Maldives

Capturing the essence of marine life requires patience, skill, and the right equipment. Macro photography allows photographers to get up close and personal with tiny critters like nudibranchs and shrimp, revealing intricate details unseen by the naked eye. On the other hand, wide-angle photography is ideal for showcasing the sheer size and grace of large creatures like sea turtles or sharks. Regardless of your subject, the Maldives offers an array of opportunities to capture the wonders of the underwater world.

3. Unique Underwater Landscapes

The Maldives is not just about coral reefs and marine life; it also boasts unique underwater landscapes. One such feature is the vibrant and mysterious underwater caves and caverns. These natural formations provide dramatic backdrops and intriguing compositions for underwater photographers.

Additionally, submerged shipwrecks offer a glimpse into history and create eerie yet captivating scenes that photographers can explore. The juxtaposition of marine life taking residence in and around these wrecks creates stunning visual narratives.

4. Tips for Underwater Photography in the Maldives

To make the most of your underwater photography adventure in the Maldives, consider the following tips:

• Invest in Good Gear: High-quality underwater cameras and housings are essential for capturing sharp, vibrant images. Be sure to also invest in proper lighting equipment, as the underwater environment can be challenging without adequate illumination.
• Understand Your Environment: Familiarize yourself with the dive sites and underwater conditions of the Maldives. Different locations may offer varying visibility, currents, and marine life encounters. Knowing what to expect will help you plan your shots.
• Practice Buoyancy Control: Excellent buoyancy control is crucial for getting close to marine life without disturbing it or damaging the fragile coral reefs. Mastering your buoyancy will enable you to position yourself for the perfect shot.
• Patience is Key: Underwater photography often requires waiting for the right moment. Be patient and observant, and don’t rush your shots. Wildlife encounters can be unpredictable, so be prepared to seize opportunities as they arise.

Underwater photography in the Maldives is an immersive experience that allows photographers to capture the hidden beauty of the ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned underwater photographer or a novice with a passion for marine life, the Maldives offers opportunities to hone your skills and create stunning images that showcase the mesmerizing underwater world. So, grab your camera, don your snorkel or scuba gear, and get ready to capture the magic of the Maldives beneath the waves. Your underwater adventure awaits!

The post Capturing the Hidden Beauty: Underwater Photography in the Maldives first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

Imagine a world beneath the waves, a realm where gravity seems to fade away, and colors take on a new vibrancy. This is the captivating world of underwater photography, where scuba divers explore the depths while preserving their adventures through the lens. If you’re a passionate diver and want to capture the essence of your underwater escapades, or if you’re a proud parent looking to immortalize your children’s scuba diving holiday memories, underwater photography offers a unique and rewarding creative outlet.

Preparing for the Dive: Gear and Safety

Before you dive into the art of underwater photography, it’s crucial to have the right equipment. While basic waterproof cameras or phone cases might work for snorkeling, scuba diving demands specialized gear to ensure safety and quality shots.

Invest in an underwater housing for your camera that’s compatible with your model. This will safeguard your camera from water damage while allowing you to control its settings. A sturdy wrist strap or lanyard can prevent accidents.

Safety should always be a top priority. Ensure that you and your subjects are proficient in diving skills and familiar with the equipment. Adequate training and certification are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Mastering the Basics of Underwater Photography

Underwater photography presents unique challenges due to light and color distortion, as well as the need to maintain buoyancy and stability. Understanding these challenges is key to capturing stunning images.

• Lighting: Light behaves differently underwater, often resulting in loss of color and contrast. To combat this, get close to your subjects to reduce the distance between the camera and the subject. External strobes or underwater flashes can help restore colors and illuminate scenes.
• Buoyancy and Stability: Maintaining control while underwater is essential for clear shots. Practice good buoyancy control to avoid stirring up sediment or disturbing delicate marine life. Using a sturdy arm or tray setup can help reduce camera shake.

Composition and Subject Matter

Like all forms of photography, composition is crucial. Consider the following tips to compose captivating underwater shots:

• Rule of Thirds: Divide your frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Place key elements, such as your subject or a striking piece of coral, along these lines or at their intersections for a balanced composition.
• Get Eye-Level: Shoot at eye level with your subjects to establish a personal connection. Whether it’s your child’s delighted face or a curious sea turtle, capturing their perspective adds depth to your images.
• Background Matters: Pay attention to the background, as cluttered or distracting backgrounds can take away from your subject. Position yourself to capture your subject against an open water background or a visually interesting element like a shipwreck.

Capturing Candid Moments

When photographing scuba divers, especially your children, candid moments can be incredibly precious. To capture these authentic interactions and emotions:

• Go Beyond Poses: Encourage natural interactions among your subjects. Candid shots of divers marveling at marine life or sharing a laugh with their buddies can evoke strong emotions.
• Patience is Key: Underwater scenes are constantly evolving. Be patient and ready to capture unexpected moments – a school of fish passing, a curious sea creature approaching, or a moment of serene tranquility.

Post-Processing and Sharing

Post-processing plays a significant role in underwater photography. While editing, keep the following in mind:

• Color Correction: Adjust white balance and color levels to restore the natural hues that might have been lost underwater.
• Contrast and Sharpness: Enhance contrast and sharpness to bring out details that might have been softened by water.
• Storytelling Captions: Share the story behind the photo. Whether it’s your child’s first encounter with a sea turtle or a memorable dive site, captions add depth to your images when shared with friends and family.

In the end, photographing scuba divers underwater, whether your children or fellow enthusiasts, is an exhilarating way to capture the beauty and mystery of the underwater world. It requires practice, patience, and a passion for both photography and diving. So, dive in and capture those unforgettable moments that can be cherished for years to come.

Head over to the Store to find the latest underwater camera gear and accessories here.

Learn about planning a scuba diving holiday with children here.

Join an Underwater Photography Workshop with Bluewater Travel to improve your photography skills in some of the world’s best dive destinations. Click here to view upcoming trip information.

The post Capturing the Magic: Photographing Scuba Divers Underwater first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

Exploring the enchanting world beneath the waves is a captivating experience, and for many, capturing its beauty through underwater photography is an artistic pursuit like no other. Whether you are a seasoned underwater photographer or a budding enthusiast, participating in a Bluewater Travel Underwater Photography Workshop can take your skills to new depths, and maybe even win some prizes. These workshops are designed to offer a unique and enriching experience for photographers of all levels. Let’s dive into five compelling reasons why underwater photographers should consider joining a Bluewater Travel workshop:

1. Expert Guidance from Accomplished Mentors

Bluewater Travel gathers some of the most accomplished and talented underwater photographers as mentors for their workshops. These professionals have years of experience and an in-depth understanding of the marine world and photography techniques. As a workshop participant, you’ll have direct access to their wealth of knowledge, receiving personalized feedback and guidance to enhance your skills. Their insights can significantly accelerate your learning curve, helping you master the art of capturing mesmerizing underwater images.

2. Access to Pristine Dive Destinations

One of the highlights of a Bluewater Travel Underwater Photography Workshop is the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most pristine dive destinations. These workshops are often organized in locations known for their abundant marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the biodiversity-rich waters of Southeast Asia, each destination offers a unique photographic playground. Not only will you improve your photography skills, but you’ll also create memories of unforgettable dives in some of the planet’s most breathtaking underwater landscapes.

3. Hands-On Learning and Workshops

The best way to learn underwater photography is through hands-on experience. During a Bluewater Travel workshop, you’ll participate in guided dives with your mentors who will help you apply photography techniques in real-time situations. Additionally, the workshops include informative sessions and workshops that cover various aspects of underwater photography, including composition, lighting, camera settings, and post-processing. These sessions are interactive, allowing you to ask questions and engage in discussions with your mentors and fellow participants.

4. Small Group Environment

Bluewater Travel ensures that their workshops maintain a small group environment. This means more personalized attention from mentors and an intimate setting that fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. The small group size allows for better communication, feedback, and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for underwater photography. Lifelong friendships and a supportive network of fellow photographers often result from these workshops, making them an excellent choice for solo dive travelers.

5. Conservation and Ethical Practices

Beyond just taking stunning images, underwater photographers have a responsibility to protect the delicate marine ecosystems they capture. Bluewater Travel emphasizes ethical diving and environmentally-friendly photography practices during their workshops. Participants are educated on how to minimize their impact on marine life and coral reefs, ensuring that they leave behind only bubbles and memories. Some workshops collaborate with local conservation organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of marine conservation efforts.

Join a Bluewater Travel Underwater Photography Workshop!

In conclusion, a Bluewater Travel Underwater Photography Workshop is a remarkable opportunity for underwater photographers to grow their skills, explore breathtaking dive sites, and contribute to marine conservation efforts. The guidance of accomplished mentors, combined with hands-on learning and an emphasis on ethical practices, make these workshops an enriching and unforgettable experience. So, whether you are an experienced photographer looking to take your craft to new depths or a novice eager to plunge into the world of underwater photography, joining a Bluewater Travel workshop might just be the splash of inspiration you need. Join one of the upcoming workshops today!

Further Reading

To learn what to expect on a Bluewater Travel Underwater Photography Workshop, read about previous trips here.

Looking for new underwater photo gear? Head over to the store to find the latest cameras, lights, and more!

New Review: Read about our experience shooting with the Nikon Z8 here.

Heading on a liveaboard? Learn about how to keep your batteries charged onboard.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you depart on a trip! Learn more about the importance of travel insurance here.

The post 5 Reasons to Join a Bluewater Travel Underwater Workshop first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

Many customers love the Thinktank rolling bags for travel, but how do you pick the right one?

With a variety of options, its best to look at the size and features of each bag to help you determine what you need. Check out the three top Rolling Bags below and a sample packing configuration to help you decide which will be the best for your camera set up!

Why we love the Thinktank Bags

These bags don’t look like a heavy camera bag from the outside. They could easily be seen as a standard carry-on piece of luggage, meaning there’s a chance you may sneak through without being weighed in some locations. In addition, they are well padded and come with removable divider inserts, allowing you to pack exactly as you need for your camera set up. Special pockets for laptops and accessories make these bags great as an all in one carry-on.

Rolling Bag Line Up

Thinktank Airport International – This is the go to bag for many of our customers. It is designed to meet international carry on requirements, making it a no brainer for all dive travel. In addition it offers a large interior, capable of holding a DSLR system. The bag now features a dedicate laptop / tablet pocket and user replaceable parts (like wheels, should you have an issue). This is Scott Gietler’s bag of choice!

BUY THIS BAG!

In this bag:

• Sea & Sea D810 Housing (with D810 camera body inside)
• Zen Mini Dome
• Dual YS-D2 Strobes
• Sola 800 Photo Light
• Nikon 16-35mm F4 Lens
• Nikon 60mm Macro lens
• (arms & clamps packed in separate, checked baggage)

Thinktank Roller Derby – This bag is very similar in size to the International version (now that the International offers a laptop pocket!), but comes with 4 wheels instead of two. Four wheels make for a smoother, lighter push with more maneuverability. In addition, its easy to stack a lightweight backpack or shoulder bag on top for less fatigue when moving through the airport. The four wheel design does mean a little loss of space inside the bag, but it is still fairly large! This bag will easily fit a full mirrorless system, and can fit most of a DSLR system too. Kelli Dickinson loves this bag!

BUY THIS BAG!

In this bag:

• Nauticam OM-D E-M1 Housing* (with Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera body inside)
• Olympus 7-14mm PRO Lens
• Olympus 8mm Pro Fisheye Lens
• Olympus 75-300mm Telephoto Lens
• Nauticam 7″ dome port with adapter and zoom gear
• Nauticam 4″ Dome port and extension ring
• Dual YS-D1 Strobes
• Dual Sola 2000 Video Lights
• GoPro with Red Filters
• Backup hard drive, batteries, chargers, spare O-rings, grease and other accessories in zippered pockets
• Some arms / clamps pack in this bag, the rest packed in checked luggage.

*The handles were removed from the housing to make packing easier and packed separately.

Thinktank Airport Takeoff – this is one of the latest bags from Thinktank. The cool thing about this bag, is that it is convertible! This two wheeled, rolling bag turns into a backpack, with comfortable padded straps, when you need it! Slim and designed for traveling it meets most international airline requirements, has a laptop/tablet pocket and a customizable interior like all Thinktank bags. It is comparable in size to the Airport International Roller.

BUY THIS BAG!

In this bag:

• Nauticam A6500 Housing (camera body can be stored inside housing)
• Nauticam Battery Pack for A6500
• Nauticam Macro Port 45 and Zoom Gear for 16-50mm Lens
• Dual YS-D2 Strobes
• Venom 38 Video light with spare battery
• Spare camera battery, o-rings, 2 x 5″ arms, 2 x 8″ arms with Six Floats and more accessories too!
• Note – this customer even slid the Cinebags Work Mat into the front pocket!

Comparison of three Thinktank bags, packed for a trip to Galapagos! (Airport Security*, Airport International & Roller Derby)

*At this time we don’t stock the Airport Security as it is too large for many international destinations, however it can easily be special ordered, just give us a call!

The post ThinkTank Rolling Bags Comparison first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

Welcome to the Sea of Cortez. Dubbed by Jacques Cousteau as the “World’s Aquarium” this living sea definitely lives up to the name. Abundant life swimming through warm waters provides a unique diving experience where temperate and tropical worlds collide. From the tiniest skeleton shrimp to the giant whale shark, the Sea of Cortez provides a variety of marine encounters and incredible diving. For one week, I lead a great group of people on a photo workshop organized by Bluewater Travel.

After an easy flight from Los Angeles to Phoenix followed by a comfortable shuttle ride through the Head Out to Rocky Point service we arrived at the Rocio del Mar liveaboard.
The 110ft vessel stood waiting at the end of the dock as the crew made final preparations for our voyage. Once on board we were shown our cabins for the week and set up our dive gear on the dive deck. This is a large deck offering a spacious camera table in the middle where there was plenty of space for our group with many large cameras. Shortly we were on our way. Due to a storm that had just rolled in we had a bit of a rough crossing the first night, but after a fitful night’s sleep and a few folks with sea sickness we woke up to a beautiful morning with bright sunshine and calm seas.

Our first two days were spent at Isla Angel de Guardia where we explored various dive sites including Piedra del Angel, Los Nidos, and La Vela. Water temperatures were a little cooler, around 79º on average. With the macro lens on I hunted for the many unique and colorful critters. Spread out with my fin tips resting on the sand I spent minutes watching the little blue spotted jawfish dart in and out of holes and the orange throated pike blennies dance for mates by pushing out of their tubes and showing of their large dorsal fin and brightly colored throats. Within seconds they were back to being just a small black head poking out of the sand. Tiny gobies, wrasse, sea stars, arrow crabs, small stingrays and more were everywhere. Divers also found sea horses, vibrantly colored nudibranchs, octopus and small blennies hiding out among the rocky reef.

Between dives there was time for relaxation, photo talks and food. Quickly we fell into a fantastic schedule of dive, eat, dive, eat, etc. The chef on board, Joshua is definitely talented in the kitchen and provided our group with delicious meals prepared with a creative flare. Consistently happy to help, the crew took requests and did their best to accommodate all dietary restrictions. They were even happy to let us order “half portions” for those of us who just could not finish the full plate provided. Meals varied from traditional american style to delicious Mexican fare. From breakfasts of sausage, eggs and waffles, to chilaquiles and beans, or lunches of fresh fish filets bought from local merchants to cheeseburgers. Pork tenderloin and incredibly flavored lasagna for dinner. Everyone agreed that the food was top notch, and of course, each dinner was followed by a delicious dessert! Twice they provided dinner up on the top Sun Deck as a fantastic BBQ with steak topped with a basil sauce one evening and carne asada tacos another. On these evenings they spread out the sides and toppings along a built in bar and everyone served themselves buffet style then sat along tables and enjoyed the colorful sunsets. Beer and wine are included with the trip and they offered Tecate (light or regular) and a variety of good white or red wines.

With the exception of the first day of diving, we completed four dives per day including two night dives. Krill was very abundant around the islands, so the nights dives were an interesting dance of krill in front of your lights which made photographing critters difficult. Many of the animals found in the Sea of Cortez are more active at night, and these two dives gave us a chance to find octopus moving around, anemone’s fully stretched out and other fish that often hide during the day swimming around.

After two days of fantastic macro diving around Isla Angel de Guadia we woke up at the tiny speck of an island called San Pedro Martir. This little rock is well known as a home to thousands of sea lions. With clearer water and the chance for larger animal encounters, I switched to the wide angle lens and off into the water we dove.

Diving from the Rocio del Mar is easy. Don your gear aboard the boat and walk down to the large dive deck. This deck sits right at water level making it easy for the “panga” (rubber inflatable dinghy) to pull up alongside so you can step from the large vessel to the small one. Sitting on the inflatable tubes we donned fins and zipped off to the dive site. Our longest ride was possibly ten minutes. The crew was always very helpful assisting you into and out of the pangas, getting fins and camera gear aboard. Once back from the dive they would bring up your gear and start filling tanks.

Speaking of the crew, they were excellent. All extremely helpful, pleasant and ready to assist. Not only were they helpful and friendly, you really felt as if they truly cared that your experience was exceptional, not that they were only doing their job. They made conversation and were happy to answer all questions, and most spoke English extremely well. Several of the other divers remarked on how great the crew was throughout the trip. One thing that I loved were the intricate dive site drawings the two divemasters, Gilberto “Gil” and Esteban “Pato” would create before each dive briefing. These really helped you know what to expect and plan the dives.

Diving in the very warm waters around San Pedro Martir, with temperatures varying between 82-86º, we explored large walls with sweeping fields of black coral (named so because once dead after harvesting the dried shell of this coral is black, however alive and well underwater is is bright yellow). Some sites had currents running, so we would drift along taking in the sites. While we did not get to experience the big groups of sea lions all playing in the water with us thanks to several large and dominating males who trumpeted along the perimeter of their territory, keeping the inquisitive adolescents and females inside, we did have a variety of sea lions join us in the shallows, dancing and swimming circles around our group. In addition to the sea lions we saw sea turtles swimming through, large moray eels and even mobula rays swimming in the blue.

We spent two days at San Pedro Martir before moving for a day at Sal Si Puedes Island. Further north again, this brought us back to the cooler waters, around 76-79º around this island, and back to the macro lens. We had excellent dives at El Lavadero and Los Cuervos, both teeming with life. On these dives our divemasters instructed us to gently settle on the bottom once they spotted a giant jawfish poking his head out of a hole. These fish, with heads about the size of a grapefruit live in a network of holes in the sand, swimming out to grab food before sliding back inside. Armed with pieces of fish and shrimp the divemasters would entice the jawfish out of their homes so we could watch them in action. It was great to watch them lunge for the fish and then slide back into their burrow. Once finished we carefully added a bit of air to our BCD’s so we could float up and away from their homes without destroying the sensitive burrows with a misplaced fin kick. The rest of these dives was spent exploring along the rocky reefs hunting for more critters to capture through my lens.

The final two dives, El Caballo and La Corona were not as great as previous dives. With stronger current and cloudy visibility we wrapped up the diving for the trip. Once more the captain and crew jigged for humbolt squid, our third attempt after the first night was cancelled by the wind and we were skunked the second. Unfortunately we had no luck luring one of these giants up to our boat.

One more move during the night and we woke up on Friday morning just outside the Bahia de Los Angeles, home to many graceful whale sharks. With an early breakfast we headed out for a day on the water following these giants around the waters of the bay while they cruised and fed on the abundant krill and plantkton. Encountering these creatures in the water is mind blowing, they hang vertically while sucking in large amounts of water and food, then swim with long slow movements deceptively moving faster than we could keep up. The Bahia de Los Angeles is a Mexican National Park, and the locals are working to turn the fishing town into a port of touism, with the local whale sharks as the main draw. The Rocio is required to rent local boats to take us into the bay and snorkel with the sharks, and our guide, Marco Blanco, was excellent. My group braved the beating sun and capitalized on our time, staying out the full 6 hours.

Friday night as the boat prepared for the long haul back to Puerto Peñasco our group enjoyed our last dinner, then gathered upstairs in the lounge for a slideshow review of everyone’s favorite images and video clips from the trip. We reminisced on the fantastic week of diving and commiserated about having to return to reality. The crossing back was calm, and Saturday morning we woke up in Puerto Peñasco, our trip at an end.

 Interested? Join us in 2016!

July 30th – August 6th, $2395

August 6th – August 13th, $2395

Click the dates above for more information on our two group photo workshops for 2016.

The post Trip Report: Sea of Cortez first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

by Nirupam Nigam

Deep in the heart of Indonesia, some of the best diving in the world can be found in Southeast Sulawesi. The reefs of this region are renowned for their remarkable biodiversity and healthy corals. A diver can find anything from looming sea fans and schools of batfish to pygmy seahorses and sea snakes. Perhaps the most popular dive resort in the region is the famed Wakatobi Dive Resort.

Getting to the resort is no small feat. Upon arrival in Bali, divers must spend a night on the island and then fly two and a half hours to the island of Tomia. From there it is a short twenty minute boat ride to one of the most remote locations on the globe. However, all this travel is beyond worth it.

Maranggo Airstrip

Almost as famous as the diving, the service at Wakatobi is some of the best in the world. You literally do not have to lift a finger. The staff is happy to help with anything from setting up dive equipment to finding anemone fish under the jetty. And after you are done diving, three gourmet meals a day are served by some of the best chefs in Indonesia. The service is not a service for tip; it is a service of Karma – a philosophy that remains strong with Indonesians. At the end of the trip, you feel as though you have made quite a few friends.

Sunset

The reefs at Wakatobi are some of the only reefs in the world that are getting better every year. The resort works with local villages to create sustainable fish populations and sustainable reefs – a strategy that has been working wonders. In fact, the house reef has been rated one of the world’s best shore dives and the number one house reef in the world!

5-6ft Barracuda at the House Reef

Divers have the option to dive as many dives as they want at the house reef from 6am to 10 pm every day. The resort even offers a water taxi service to reach farther areas of the house reef. There are also has several “Waka-boats” that take divers to various areas of Wakatobi National Park to dive three times a day. These dives are guided by some of the most knowledgeable dive guides in Indonesia. If you are looking for a certain species of marine life, chances are that they will find it for you.

Pygmy Seahorse found by Dive Guide

Wakatobi’s reputation for housing many macro gems is well deserved. Underwater photographers will not be at a loss for subjects. In fact, there are often so many subjects that it is hard to pick one to photograph. The famed pygmy seahorse is common at Wakatobi as well as many species of shrimp, gobies, anemonefish, squat lobsters, nudibranchs, coral polyps, ribbon eels and much more! Although Wakatobi can be a little lacking in big fish (though they are observed from time to time), the reef fish of Wakatobi are so plentiful and colorful that the reefs appear almost unnatural.

Periclimenes sarasvati in an Anemone

Although it had not been brought into the spotlight, the wide angle opportunities for photographers at Wakatobi rival the macro opportunities. Soft and hard corals are diverse and abundant. Huge cabbage and table corals inhabit the shallows while towering seafans and sponges inhabit the deep. Colorful crinoids dot the reefscape and curious turtles travel the house reef. Some of the guides are even happy to model in your photos!

Wakatobi’s name comes from the combination of the names of five of the main islands in the region. Likewise the Wakatobi diving is a combination of many factors – from friendly service to healthy reefs to an eco-friendly philosophy. These factors have created a dive experience and a resort that is second to none.

Thank you Bluewater Photo for hosting the SoCal Shootout, in which I won the trip.

The post Wakatobi: The World’s Best Reefs first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

You made your deposit a year ago and are all paid up for your big dive trip next week. One surefire way to put a damper on your trip is to forget to pack a vital item such as a camera battery, charging cable or memory card. The best way to remember everything you’ll need to so to create a packing list as early as possible and update it a couple times before you leave.  We wanted to share our standard packing list as a good place to start when creating your own list.

Camera Gear & Electronics

• Camera Body

• Lenses

• Strobe Units

• Clamps and arms for strobes

• Batteries for Flash

• Batteries for Camera

• Memory Cards

• Spare sync cables

• Portable Hard Drive(s)

• Laptop

• Charging Cable for Laptop

• Cable for Hard drive

• Cable for camera (to transfer images to laptop/hard drive)

• Lens Cleaning Kit

• Moisture absorption packets

• Renter’s Insurance (in case of theft)

Scuba Gear

• Dive Computer (with fresh batteries)

• Regulator

• BCD

• Wet/Dry Suit (gloves, hood, booties, etc)

• Fins

• Mask & Snorkel

• Tank(s) if needed

• Certification Card

• Log Book

• Diver’s Insurance (in case of emergency)

Travel Gear

• Backpack / Suitcase

• Appropriate clothes for location (keeping in mind weather, cultural issues, etc)

• Towel

• Toiletries

• Medicine

• Passport and travel documents (visas, etc)

• Emergency Contacts and copies of important documents

Suggested Items

• Sea Sickness Medicine

• Ear Plugs

• Ear drops

• Small first aid kit

• Guide Book / Language guide

• MP3 Player & Earphones

• Recreational reading book(s)

Try and create this list at least a week prior to your trip. That will give you time to make any modifications as well as give you time to pack.

Don’t forget the importance of travel insurance to travel with peace of mind and avoid unexpected costs.

The post Travel Tip: Create Your Packing List Early first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

A large dome port secure in a cake carrier.

Usually when I say “dome” I’m referring to my bald head.  But today, I’m referring to a port. Specifically, a large dome port.  Having a larger dome port (e.g. >8″) is a great tool to have in your bag.   But when it’s not attached to your housing, how are you keeping it protected?

I recently purchased a large dome port from Bluewater Photo, with the intent of taking it with me on the 2-day charter for the SoCal Shootout.    So, how was I going to pack this thing?  I turned to the internet in search of some ideas.  The prominent solution for travel, packing, and overall protection of large dome ports when not in use seemed to be tupperware-type cake holders.  That’s right, cake holders.

So, off to Target I went.  Within 5 minutes (I’m no stranger to Target) I found one that fit perfectly, and, as an added bonus, included a handle.  All for $7.50.  Not a bad investment for a $700.00 dome.  Those of you with a large glass dome port would appreciate that even more.  This will work great when packing it in luggage, and on a liveaboard when swapping ports.  Slap your name and a few stickers on it, and viola!  Your customized dome port protector is ready to rock.

Bringing my 8″ dome port helped enable me to get this shot.

The post Protect Your Dome first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.