The first meeting of the new season included a presentation by David Carine ARPS (www.carine.photos), who has been a former member of the Society. David’s talk was on Underwater Photography and he started by outlining the considerable amount of specialist equipment required in addition to the obvious need for a camera! Fundamental is a need to breathe and his preferred approach was to scuba dive with oxygen tanks to prolong the time that can be spent underwater. However, it seems that the bubbles of expired air of the divers can actually be an attractant for certain aquatic species, particularly manta rays. It is likely that they use the pressure of the air bubbles to dislodge parasites from their underbodies.
For most underwater photography a source of light is required since the light from above the surface is rarely sufficient to illuminate creatures at depth. David mostly uses two strobe lights attached on either side of the camera on adjustable arms. The photo of a clown fish (Amphiprion Ocellaris) could only be captured in this way as they dwell enclosed by the giant green anemone with which they have a symbiotic relationship. The stinging cells on the tentacles of this carnivore apparently have no effect on the clown fish, whereas they are effectively deadly to their prey, such as other small fish, crabs and mussels. This is because of a specialised protective layer of mucus on the clown fish skin.
David has had numerous encounters with sharks, all of which have fortunately been non-threatening! In fact, they can often be quite skittish. The hammerhead shark can execute a u-turn in a second when surprised by human encounter and it requires some skill to capture a decent image other than its retreating tail. Sharks in general are encountered in warmer waters and David said that the Maldives were his favourite location, having very clear water coupled with salubrious Ocean temperatures. His pleasure was as much in the scuba diving as the wildlife encounters.
Although our members are unlikely to be investing in the outlay required for underwater photography, they were nevertheless impressed by the wonderful images that David showed us.
Keith Snell