Kodak’s Korner

The presentation room at Reef HQ was packed to the rafters with marine biologist (it was almost like a reunion) as Townsville played host to one of the most renowned underwater explorers of our time – Dr. Sylvia Earle. The good doctor, called “Her Deepness” by the New York Times, ”Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, and the first “Hero for the Planet,” is an oceanographer, explorer, author, and lecturer with experience as a field research scientist.

Dr Earle has led more than 60 expeditions and logged more than 6,000 hours underwater, including leading the first team of women aquanauts during the Tektite Project in 1970 and setting a record for solo diving to a depth of 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). Her research concerns marine ecosystems with special reference to exploration and the development and use of new technologies for access and effective operations in the deep sea and other remote environments.

In February this year, she was awarded the 2009 TED prize. She gave a moving talk on what we are doing to our oceans and made a wish for them to use all their power to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, hope spots large enough to save and restore the oceans, the blue heart of the planet . Check out her speech here!

The second meeting of the Townsville Underwater Photography and Naturalist Society ended up at Cactus Jacks on Palmer street as there was a wedding and a 21st birthday party going on at the yatch club (it seems to be the place to be). No complaints were heard as the margaritas and chimichangas were presented, however, there was a notion to check to see if this was the first every meeting held over margaritas! Somehow I’m sure its a staple in Mexico

On the table for discussion were the three basic rules of underwater photography and the disc shapped/colourful fish group consisting of butterflyfish, angelfish and spadefish. I am still working on a way to put these discussions online so please bear with me. If you have any comments eg. is this a good idea, ways to do it, please let me know.

I know, it sounds like the name of a bad B grade movie, but it is fitting once you watch the video on the attached link

Divers and tourist on San Diego beaches have come under “attack” by thousands of aggressive squid with sharp beaks and tentacles. These creatures have apparently been driven there by an undersea earthquake. The 1.5 m long calamari, which can grow up to 45kgs, attacked divers by yanking at their masks, cameras and other gear. The invasion has forced some divers out of the water, while others are torn between their personal safety and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with the deep-sea giants.

The Humboldt squid, also known as a jumbo flying squid, are native to the deep waters off Mexico and have been known to attack humans. Divers have been known to get in a metal cage or wear chain mail to avoid being lashed by tentacles. The squid are too deep to bother swimmers and surfers, but many divers say they are staying out of the surf until the sea creatures clear out. Check out the hilarious video  of the terrorising squid here. Listen for a bit where they go,”I sense a presence…..”

It is incredibly hard to portray the magnificent scale of a coral reef in a photograph, but underwater photographer Jim Hellemn seems to manage to do it with ease. He has created a stunning portfolio of images which offer a unique glimpse into some of the most pristine coral reef areas of the world – in amazing full spectrum color. Beginning with his “Portrait of a Coral Reef” project in 1999 (National Geographic, October 2001), Jim has developed the equipment and techniques that allow him to photograph extremely wide underwater scenes in a series of close-up images and then reconstruct the scene in extreme resolution (think gigapixel) and full spectrum lighting that reveals the true color and natural beauty in way that is impossible to see with conventional photography alone. Check out portraitofacoralreef.com for a stunningly different view of the reef!

Jim also has an article in the latest issue of Underwater Photography Magazine in which he talks about how the average photographer can produce stunning panorama shots too.

Underwater Photography Magazine issue 49 has been released. The issue opens with a rousing call for divers to give charitably to the less privaledged locals at the exotic dive locations they visit. It highlights in particular the valiant efforts of the International Children’s Surgical Foundation to provide free surgery to third world children suffering from treatable disfigurements.

Further on in the issue we find a review of the upcoming Sea & Sea DX-2G (the follow up to my current kit). It does look like Sea & Sea have put in a bit of hard work with a host of new features (e.g. 3 my modes, improved curtain sync flash options and improved image engine and buffer memory) that really should see the 2G build on the success of the 1G.

Next comes last part of Maria Munn’s compact camera course. In it, she goes into detail about chosing and using an external strobe and video functions on compact cameras. Under strobes, she discusses strobes for macro and wideangle, how to position strobes and also the age old question of “one strobe or two?”Also in the issue are an interesting article on how to shoot underwater panoramas, crack diving in Iceland and cavern diving in Thailand to name a few. Download issue 49 of UwP here!