The post Enter the 2023 Ocean Art Competition! first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

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.

Underwater photography is a captivating realm that unveils the secrets of the underwater world, revealing stunning marine life and breathtaking seascapes. While the art of underwater photography has been widely explored, there exists a fascinating and relatively obscure aspect that adds an enchanting twist to these images – biofluorescence. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the mesmerizing world of biofluorescence and its relationship with underwater photography, uncovering the hidden beauty that can only be captured through the lens.

The Enigmatic Dance of Biofluorescence

Biofluorescence is a phenomenon where certain organisms absorb light at one wavelength and then re-emit it at a longer wavelength. Unlike bioluminescence, which involves the emission of light generated through chemical reactions, biofluorescence is a passive process that relies on the absorption and re-emission of external light. While the exact biological purpose of biofluorescence is not entirely understood, it is believed to play a role in communication, camouflage, and attracting prey.

Underwater, biofluorescence takes on an entirely new dimension. Organisms that appear unassuming during the day transform into radiant, neon-colored creatures under specific lighting conditions. This transformation is the photographer’s gateway to capturing otherworldly and captivating images that transport viewers to an alien underwater realm.

The Art of Biofluorescence Photography

Capturing biofluorescence through the lens of an underwater camera requires a delicate balance of skill, technique, and equipment. Unlike traditional underwater photography, where natural light or artificial strobes are used to illuminate subjects, biofluorescence demands specialized lighting setups. Ultraviolet (UV) or blue lights are essential for triggering the biofluorescent response in organisms, allowing photographers to capture the stunning display of colors.

1. Equipment: To embark on a biofluorescence photography journey, photographers need a camera capable of capturing high-quality images in low-light conditions. A sturdy underwater housing is crucial to protect the camera from the aquatic environment.
2. Lighting: Specialized UV or blue lights are the keys to unlocking the biofluorescent magic. These lights often need to be positioned strategically to avoid overexposure and to bring out the intricate details of the subjects.
3. Subject Selection: While biofluorescence can be found in a variety of marine organisms, certain species, such as corals, anemones, and jellyfish, are particularly known for their vivid biofluorescent displays.
4. Patience and Technique: Biofluorescence photography requires patience and an understanding of underwater photography techniques. Achieving the right exposure, composition, and focus is crucial for capturing the ethereal beauty of biofluorescent organisms.

Unlocking a Hidden World

The results of biofluorescence photography are nothing short of mesmerizing. Photographers armed with the right tools and techniques can unveil a hidden world of glowing corals, shimmering anemones, and neon-hued fish. These images not only offer a unique visual experience but also contribute to our understanding of marine ecosystems and the intricate ways in which organisms interact with their environment.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, biofluorescence photography has the potential to raise awareness about the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems and the need for conservation efforts. As photographers share their captivating biofluorescent images, they can inspire viewers to appreciate and protect these fragile underwater worlds.

Conclusion

Biofluorescence photography is a captivating niche within the broader realm of underwater photography, offering a glimpse into a world of hidden beauty that only reveals itself under the right conditions. As photographers continue to explore this intriguing phenomenon, they bring to light the enigmatic dance of biofluorescence and its mesmerizing interaction with marine life. Through their lenses, they unlock a captivating visual tapestry that not only delights the senses but also encourages us to safeguard the delicate ecosystems that thrive beneath the waves.

Looking for your next destination? Visit our sister site, Bluewater Travel, to plan your next dream trip with the help of our expert dive travel agents!

Interested in practicing your underwater photography skills with the guidance of a professional? Join one of our underwater photography workshops! Learn more about why you should join a workshop here.

Head over to the Photo Store for the latest underwater camera gear and accessories!

The post Illuminating Underwater Photography with Fluorescence first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

Underwater photography is an exciting venture, but when the sun goes down, a whole new world of possibilities awaits. Night dives offer a unique opportunity to capture the mesmerizing beauty of nocturnal marine life. However, venturing into the darkness can be challenging for photographers. Don’t fret, though! We’ve compiled some valuable tips to help you master the art of underwater photography on night dives:

1. Master Your Equipment: Before embarking on a night dive, ensure you are completely familiar with your camera and underwater housing. Operating your gear smoothly in low light conditions is crucial for capturing stunning shots. Practice adjusting settings blindfolded, so you can make adjustments efficiently even without looking.
2. Choose the Right Camera Settings: In the darkness of the underwater world, light is scarce, and using the right camera settings is paramount. Opt for a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to allow more light into the camera sensor. Lower your shutter speed to let in enough light but beware of motion blur. Increase your ISO gradually to achieve a balance between exposure and noise.
3. Focus on Illumination: Carry powerful underwater lights or strobes to illuminate your subjects effectively. Lighting is key to bringing out the colors and details of the marine life you’re capturing. Position the lights strategically to avoid harsh shadows and create a natural-looking environment.
4. Respect Marine Life: Nighttime is when marine creatures come alive. Remember to be a responsible photographer and avoid causing stress to the subjects you encounter. Use non-invasive techniques to approach and photograph marine life. A red focus light can be beneficial to preserve the natural behavior of nocturnal species.
5. Be Patient and Observant: Night dives can be challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. Take your time and observe the behavior of underwater creatures. Patience will lead to unique photo opportunities, such as hunting or mating behaviors that are rarely seen during the day.
6. Look for Contrast: During night dives, the contrast between light and darkness plays a vital role in creating compelling images. Position yourself to capture interesting silhouettes or subjects illuminated by ambient light against the dark backdrop. Play with shadows and highlights to add drama to your compositions.
7. Mind Your Buoyancy: Underwater photographers are prone to getting carried away in the pursuit of that perfect shot. Remember to maintain excellent buoyancy control, as disturbances to the bottom can kick up sediment, reducing visibility and potentially harming delicate marine life.
8. Experiment with White Balance: Different light sources can affect the color of your photos underwater. Experiment with your camera’s white balance settings to achieve accurate and vibrant colors. Custom white balance can be particularly useful in ensuring natural-looking images.
9. Tell a Story: Every photograph has a story to tell through its composition. Focus on capturing the unique behavior and interactions of marine life during night dives. A series of images that showcase the nocturnal world can be a compelling narrative that engages your audience.
10. Post-Processing Magic: Once you’re back on dry land, don’t forget to fine-tune your underwater night photographs during post-processing. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and color balance to bring out the best in your images.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to embark on a captivating adventure into the mysterious realm of underwater night photography. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you explore this fascinating world, the more breathtaking images you’ll capture. So dive in, be patient, and let the magic of the night unfold before your lens.

Capture incredible underwater images on night dives with the latest underwater photography gear from the Bluewater Photo Store.

Looking for your next dive destination? Contact the experts at Bluewater Travel to plan your next holiday!

Learn about photographing the unique phenomenon of biofluorescence here.

Read about photography in the Maldives here.

The post Tips for Underwater Photography on Night Dives 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.

Underwater photography is a captivating and exhilarating realm, offering a unique perspective of the underwater world’s enchanting beauty. It allows us to capture the mysterious marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and the play of light beneath the surface. However, shooting underwater photos is just the beginning of the journey; the real magic lies in the art of editing these images to enhance their splendor and reveal the hidden wonders beneath the waves.

1. Embrace the Blue Hues: Water has a natural blue tint that can dominate underwater photos. Embrace this characteristic rather than trying to remove it. Enhance and fine-tune the blues to bring out the depth and clarity of the image. Utilize color correction tools to balance the tones while maintaining the underwater ambiance.

2. Adjust White Balance: Due to the absorption of different wavelengths of light, the colors may appear distorted in your underwater shots. Correcting the white balance is crucial to restore the natural colors of the subjects. Utilize tools in photo-editing software to achieve accurate color representation and a more vibrant result.

3. Enhance Contrast and Clarity: Underwater images often suffer from reduced contrast and softness due to light diffusion. Carefully apply contrast adjustments to make the subjects pop and restore clarity to your photo. However, avoid over-editing, as it can lead to unrealistic results.

4. Dive into Detail: Underwater scenes are teeming with intricate details. Use sharpening and detail enhancement tools to bring out these fine features, such as scales on a fish or the texture of coral. These enhancements can make your photo more captivating and help viewers appreciate the hidden intricacies.

5. Eliminate Backscatter: Backscatter occurs when tiny particles in the water reflect light back into the camera, resulting in undesirable specks or haze in your photo. Use spot healing or clone stamp tools to remove these distractions and achieve a cleaner composition.

6. Play with Lighting: Underwater lighting can be tricky to control but offers exciting creative possibilities. Experiment by adjusting highlights and shadows to add drama to your shot. Use vignettes subtly to draw attention to the central subject while reducing distractions at the edges.

7. Mind the Composition: As with any form of photography, composition is essential for underwater shots. Crop and align your photos to improve their visual impact. Focus on creating a balanced composition to guide the viewer’s gaze through the frame.

8. Don’t Forget the Rule of Thirds: Apply the rule of thirds to add balance and interest to your images. By placing the main subjects or key elements along imaginary lines and intersections, you create a visually engaging composition that’s pleasing to the eye.

9. Dive into Black and White: Not every underwater photo needs to be in color. Converting images to black and white can add a sense of timelessness and drama to the scene. Experiment with different monochrome tones and contrasts to evoke specific emotions.

10. Tell a Story: Lastly, use photo editing to convey a story or message through your underwater images. Whether it’s capturing the delicate dance of marine life or documenting an environmental issue, powerful storytelling can elevate your photographs from visually stunning to emotionally impactful.

In conclusion, editing underwater photos is an art form that allows photographers to enhance the inherent beauty of these mysterious worlds. With the right techniques and a creative approach, underwater photography becomes an enchanting and immersive experience for both the photographer and the audience. So, dive in and explore the depths, for there’s a whole world of wonders waiting to be captured and revealed through the lens and the art of editing.

Visit the Bluewater Photo Store for all your underwater photography needs including sales, rentals, reviews, and more!

Join one of Bluewater Travel’s Underwater Photography Workshops to learn more techniques to improve your skills while diving one of the best destinations in the world!

Read our post about the Future of Underwater Photography here.

The post Enchanting Depths: Mastering Underwater Edits first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

Mastering the Basics

As a newly certified diver, it’s crucial to focus on mastering the fundamental skills of scuba diving before introducing additional equipment like a camera. Spend time building your confidence, buoyancy control, and situational awareness. Becoming comfortable and proficient underwater will not only enhance your safety and the safety of marine life but also allow you to concentrate on capturing stunning images.

Start with a Compact Camera or Action Camera

For newly certified divers, starting with a compact camera or an action camera is a wise choice. These cameras are relatively affordable, compact, and easy to handle underwater, allowing you to work on your scuba diving skills and at the same as capturing images. These cameras offer automatic settings that allow you to focus on composition and subject matter while the camera handles technical aspects such as exposure and white balance. Compact cameras and action cameras are great tools to practice with before considering more advanced equipment.

Invest in Proper Housing

To protect your camera from water damage, investing in a quality waterproof housing is essential. The housing should be specifically designed for your camera model and offer adequate protection and functionality underwater. Ensure proper maintenance and care of the housing to prevent leaks and damage. Regularly inspect the o-rings and seals and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance.

Focus on Composition and Lighting

Composition and lighting are key elements in underwater photography. Pay attention to the positioning of your subjects, their interaction with the environment, and the overall balance of the image. Use natural light to your advantage, experimenting with angles and shadows to create visually striking photographs. As you gain experience, consider adding external lighting options like strobes or video lights to enhance the vibrancy and clarity of your images.

Respect Marine Life and Environment

As a responsible diver, it’s essential to prioritize the well-being of marine life and the environment. Avoid touching or harassing marine creatures and be mindful of your buoyancy to prevent accidental damage to fragile coral reefs. Remember, your primary goal should always be the preservation and respect of the underwater ecosystem.

Practice, Patience and Persistence

Underwater photography requires patience and persistence. Not every dive will result in extraordinary shots, but every experience is an opportunity to learn and improve your skills. Take time to observe marine behavior, anticipate their movements, and seek out unique compositions. Embrace the process and enjoy the journey as you develop your own style and capture breathtaking moments.

Diving with a camera can be an incredibly rewarding experience for newly certified divers. It allows you to share your underwater adventures, preserve memories, and inspire others to explore the mesmerizing world beneath the surface. By focusing on mastering the basics, starting with suitable equipment, and practicing responsible diving, you can capture stunning images while continuing to grow as a diver. So, grab your camera, dive into the depths, and embark on an exciting journey of exploration and creativity. Happy diving and happy photographing!

Read our article about Editing Underwater Images here.

Learn more about the basics of underwater photography, including guides, tips, and tutorials at the Underwater Photography Guide.

Check out the latest underwater camera gear for sale or rent at the Bluewater Photo Store.

Looking for inspiration for your next dive trip? Head over to Bluewater Dive Travel and talk to one of their dive travel experts to plan your next holiday!

Join one of Bluewater Travel’s underwater photography workshops to improve your photography skills and experience some of the best diving in the world!

Read our tips for underwater photography at night here.

The post Diving with a Camera: A Guide for Newly Certified Divers first appeared on In Focus Underwater Photography Blog.

Menjangan Island is one of the lesser-known dive spots in Bali and it also happens to be my favorite. Located in West Bali National Park, the island is protected and uninhabited aside from the park rangers onsite to keep local fishermen at bay. Menjangan means “deer” in Bahasa Indonesia, and the island is named for the resident deer population that swim back and forth from the mainland, which is an unusual sight to behold.

Temple on Menjangan Island – photo by Jenny Hanna

The island is popular for both scuba diving and snorkeling and is easily accessed by boats from Bali and nearby Java. With a dozen dive sites to choose from, it is worthy of several visits and even in high season the dive sites are uncrowded. It is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs teeming with fish and other critters so photographers should bring both wide-angle and macro lenses.

Sea Fan – photo courtesy of Abyss Ocean World

Menjangan Island’s spectacular coral walls plunge to depths exceeding 160 feet (50 meters) and are adorned with a variety of pristine hard and soft corals and massive sea fans. Wide-angle photographers can capture the beauty of these walls, along with the schooling fish and occasional sharks swimming in the blue water. Very lucky divers or snorkelers may encounter a whale shark or mola mola, but these sightings are rare.

Macro photographers will find plenty of subjects to capture, including electric clams, a variety of nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, dartfish, jawfish, and a wide range of crabs and shrimps. Currents surrounding the island are generally mild, making it an excellent location for lining up that perfect shot.

Pygmy Seahorse- photo courtesy of Abyss Ocean World

A favorite dive site at Menjangan Island is Eel Garden, which includes a sprawling vertical coral wall giving way to a sandy bottom home to thousands of garden eels. The wall itself is captivating, however, looking out into the blue divers can spot huge schools of mackerel, fusiliers, and surgeonfish as well as groups of giant trevally darting in amongst the fish as they hunt. Across the sandy bottom is a beautiful coral reef where schools of barracuda, turtles, octopus, and titan triggerfish are often seen.

Another great dive site is Underwater Cave, which is known for its interesting topography. A plunging wall with numerous crevasses and overhangs, the “cave” itself is worth entering to experience the sunlight shining through openings in the reef and illuminating the interior. The walls of the cave are dotted with electric clams, and baby whitetip reef sharks sometimes take shelter in the cave until they are bold enough to explore the blue.

Underwater Cave – photo courtesy of Abyss Ocean World

There are several dive sites on the north side of the island with gentle sloping reefs, so divers who feel uncomfortable on walls can be easily accommodated. The marine biodiversity is incredible and the visibility typically ranges from 30 to 100 feet (10 to 30+ meters), so it really should be a must-visit when diving in Bali. Nearby Pemuteran Bay, Secret Bay, and Puri Jati are also hidden gems in Bali’s dive scene and home to some of the best shore diving in the world, making the area’s diving diverse enough for even the most discerning diver.

Whether you dive with a smartphone in an underwater housing or a huge underwater rig, pack your lenses and head to Northwest Bali on your next dive trip!

Watch a short documentary about Menjangan Island and the efforts to protect the area here.

Read about other off the beaten track dive areas in Indonesia here.

Learn how to take great photos on wall dives here.

The post Photographing Menjangan Island, Bali 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.