Hi there, FINALLY an update to my blog. Been pretty lazy with it but I shall get back to the monthly updates!
There has been a lot going on during the past year - exhibitions, a trip to Europe, Covid, a road trip to dive Cabo Cabron and a wonderful experience with a Lionfish! Well, sort of wonderful!
SILENTLY 7
"Silently" is a yearly underwater photo exhibition and contest that takes place in Belgrade Serbia. They invite photographers and videographers both local and from across the globe, and I have been honored to be invited for the past 3 years. Unfortunately, due to covid, the exhibition will not be held in 2020.
I was honored to be awarded second place in the category of "Ambiance - Color" for my capture of a small tube worm. The worm in the photo on the front page is about 2 inches across the fan and they are extremely shy creatures that retreat into the tube when anything seems to get close. The approach must be very slow but the results are well worth taking the time.
I also received a fifth place award for my photo of a Goldentail Moray in the category of "Fish - B&W". This photo was all about strobe positioning to create the effect!
Best of all - very proud to have been awarded the "Crystal Opus" - second place overall for my portfolio.
COVID
Well, we all know about this one. Covid 19 hit the world hard. Shutdowns, quarantines, curfews and more. Unable to dive for 3 months due to the restrictions. Once these were relaxed somewhat, our world has changed in many ways. Had a couple of dive trips planned but oh well, travel is not so easy anymore! I feel for all the business that has been affected. On a good note - we are back in the water diving again.
On a great note - had the chance to walk around Sosua and get photos of the amazing new murals that are decorating our town. You can check out the photos in the "MORE" tab on my page!
DIVING
We were lucky to be blessed with 100 foot visibility here during the summer months. The seas were generally calm and allowed great opportunity for practicing taking photos. Really started to play around with different strobe positions and lighting techniques. LONG way to go but it's a lot of fun. There is a great book by Alex Mustard, "Underwater Photographer Masterclass" that has become my "bible". For any of my photography friends, check it out.
Snuck in a quick trip Las Terrenas on the Samana Peninsula here in the Dominican Republic. Paul Williamson from The Dive Academy invited me up for a weekend with the people from Bonassi Dive Gear to dive the walls of Cabo Cabron, one of the protected National Parks. Paul has an excellent operation in Las Terrenas and the dive boat, the food, and the hospitality was second to none. The diving - WOW! We were lucky enough to have 150 foot visibility or more and these are among the best, if not the best, wall dives I have ever done. Corals and sponges everywhere. Thanks for a very memorable trip and hey - I'll be back!
The diving here in Sosua has really been great. The team from Divecenter Merlin run an excellent operation and we have had the chance to explore new areas, visit established dive sites and find some very interesting things during our dives. The best part - the great friends we make with all the clients. Thanks for your support
LIONFISH - OUCH these guys HURT!
Lionfish are native to coral reefs in the tropical waters of the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. But you don't have to travel halfway around the world to see them. This is an invasive species that threatens the well-being of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems, including the commercially and recreationally important fishes that depend on them. NOAA and its partners are working hard to develop ways to prevent further spread and control existing populations. Click the link below to read more about these fish.
Impacts of Invasive Lionfish | NOAA Fisheries
This is the ONLY species of marine life that we spear or disturb.
The lionfish looks beautiful but has 18 venomous spines that inflict a very painful sting! A lionfish sting involving multiple spines increases the risk of infection and body-wide symptoms such as changes in heart rate, abdominal pain, sweating, and fainting. Deaths from lionfish stings are rare. Symptoms can last anywhere from 8 hours to 30 days depending on the severity of the sting.
Well, I got stung and yep, it is VERY painful! 4 days later and I can still feel the injury in my finger! All good though, no worries. LOL, it will likely happen again! A very memorable dive number 3500.
Well, it's time to head to the ocean this morning for a couple of dives. Just taking a small video camera with me today. the good camera is soaking for it's weekly clean!
Thanks for reading this, please help take care of our environment, and stay safe
Bill
Padi 200462
There has been a lot going on during the past year - exhibitions, a trip to Europe, Covid, a road trip to dive Cabo Cabron and a wonderful experience with a Lionfish! Well, sort of wonderful!
SILENTLY 7
"Silently" is a yearly underwater photo exhibition and contest that takes place in Belgrade Serbia. They invite photographers and videographers both local and from across the globe, and I have been honored to be invited for the past 3 years. Unfortunately, due to covid, the exhibition will not be held in 2020.
I was honored to be awarded second place in the category of "Ambiance - Color" for my capture of a small tube worm. The worm in the photo on the front page is about 2 inches across the fan and they are extremely shy creatures that retreat into the tube when anything seems to get close. The approach must be very slow but the results are well worth taking the time.
I also received a fifth place award for my photo of a Goldentail Moray in the category of "Fish - B&W". This photo was all about strobe positioning to create the effect!
Best of all - very proud to have been awarded the "Crystal Opus" - second place overall for my portfolio.
COVID
Well, we all know about this one. Covid 19 hit the world hard. Shutdowns, quarantines, curfews and more. Unable to dive for 3 months due to the restrictions. Once these were relaxed somewhat, our world has changed in many ways. Had a couple of dive trips planned but oh well, travel is not so easy anymore! I feel for all the business that has been affected. On a good note - we are back in the water diving again.
On a great note - had the chance to walk around Sosua and get photos of the amazing new murals that are decorating our town. You can check out the photos in the "MORE" tab on my page!
DIVING
We were lucky to be blessed with 100 foot visibility here during the summer months. The seas were generally calm and allowed great opportunity for practicing taking photos. Really started to play around with different strobe positions and lighting techniques. LONG way to go but it's a lot of fun. There is a great book by Alex Mustard, "Underwater Photographer Masterclass" that has become my "bible". For any of my photography friends, check it out.
Snuck in a quick trip Las Terrenas on the Samana Peninsula here in the Dominican Republic. Paul Williamson from The Dive Academy invited me up for a weekend with the people from Bonassi Dive Gear to dive the walls of Cabo Cabron, one of the protected National Parks. Paul has an excellent operation in Las Terrenas and the dive boat, the food, and the hospitality was second to none. The diving - WOW! We were lucky enough to have 150 foot visibility or more and these are among the best, if not the best, wall dives I have ever done. Corals and sponges everywhere. Thanks for a very memorable trip and hey - I'll be back!
The diving here in Sosua has really been great. The team from Divecenter Merlin run an excellent operation and we have had the chance to explore new areas, visit established dive sites and find some very interesting things during our dives. The best part - the great friends we make with all the clients. Thanks for your support
LIONFISH - OUCH these guys HURT!
Lionfish are native to coral reefs in the tropical waters of the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. But you don't have to travel halfway around the world to see them. This is an invasive species that threatens the well-being of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems, including the commercially and recreationally important fishes that depend on them. NOAA and its partners are working hard to develop ways to prevent further spread and control existing populations. Click the link below to read more about these fish.
Impacts of Invasive Lionfish | NOAA Fisheries
This is the ONLY species of marine life that we spear or disturb.
The lionfish looks beautiful but has 18 venomous spines that inflict a very painful sting! A lionfish sting involving multiple spines increases the risk of infection and body-wide symptoms such as changes in heart rate, abdominal pain, sweating, and fainting. Deaths from lionfish stings are rare. Symptoms can last anywhere from 8 hours to 30 days depending on the severity of the sting.
Well, I got stung and yep, it is VERY painful! 4 days later and I can still feel the injury in my finger! All good though, no worries. LOL, it will likely happen again! A very memorable dive number 3500.
Well, it's time to head to the ocean this morning for a couple of dives. Just taking a small video camera with me today. the good camera is soaking for it's weekly clean!
Thanks for reading this, please help take care of our environment, and stay safe
Bill
Padi 200462
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