We may take for granted just how much the balance of life on Earth depends on the 23.4-degree tilt of its axis. As different parts of the planet are bathed in the sun’s light and warmth, the seasons shift, and life flourishes—currents carry warming or cooling waters around the world, and with them nutrients and new life.
Seasonal cycles of procreation in the ocean take many forms. In this issue we have tried to provide a glimpse into the gamut; from syncronised coral spawning as captured on camera by Alex Mustard (Coral: The Next Generation), to the fascinating, egg-laying fishes whose cycles follow those of the moon (Cracking the “Egg Shot”, by Alex Tyrrell), and the epic, transcontinental, seasonal migrations of the charismatic humpback whales. In Meet the Humpbacks, Shawn Heinrichs lets us in on the secret to connecting with humpbacks and creating winning photographs of these charismatic leviathans.
Nowhere, however, are the oceans’ seasonal fluctuations more evident than in the temperate seas. In A Cape for All Seasons, the team from Atlantic Edge Films takes us through an underwater year off South Africa’s Cape Point and introduces us to the dramatic and charming interactions that can be had as each season moves into the next.
From pole to pole, seasonal changes underpin all life on this planet. We hope this issue goes some way to celebrating our annual journey around the sun as a rich source of wonder and creative inspiration.
Matt Weiss (Americas)
Alice Grainger (Asia-Pacific and Australia)
Dietmar W. Fuchs (Europe & Africa)
CONTENTS
Photo Briefs
SUBJECT SPOTLIGHT
CORAL
Intimate details of the tiny creatures creating our oceans’ oases
FROM THE FIELD
CORAL: THE NEXT GENERATION By Alex Mustard
Capturing the Caribbean corals’ seasonal, synchronised sex life takes planning, timing, and a little bit of faith
Portfolios
GALLERY
ADEX 2014
Photo and video seminar speakers
IN FOLIO
INTERVIEW WITH A PRO Thomas P. Peschak
The celebrated conservation photographer talks to SDTTL about sharks, how images can save our seas, and the story behind the shot that went viral
Features
PHOTOTREKS AFRICA
A CAPE FOR ALL SEASONS By Sophia Van Coller, as told by Mark Van Coller
Professional photographers and videographers in South Africa are attuned to the Cape’s shifting seasons and their dramatic photographic opportunities
PHOTOTREKS ARCTIC
THE PULL OF THE POLE By Andrey Nekrasov
The magical pull of the polar north compels divers to return season after season
PHOTOTREKS ASIA-PACIFIC
MEET THE HUMPBACKS By Various Contributors
Lessons from Tonga reveal that connecting with, and photographing, our planet’s most well-travelled seasonal migrants requires an absolute commitment to a pure intention
Techniques
NOVICE
SOLAR POWER By Ethan Daniels
The beauty of shooting emotive images in shallow seas, and in ambient light
INTERMEDIATE
CRACKING THE “EGG SHOT” By Alex Tyrrell
Capturing glimpses into a prenatal underwater world takes time and planning, but with the right information and techniques, the “egg shot” is yours for the taking
GOING PRO
BELOW ZERO By Aaron Wong
Taking pictures with a sheet of ice above your head presents some unusual challenges. Tips on taking the edge off when you’re shooting sub-zero
