With Scuba Diver Through The Lens, we are always trying to find new subjects, destinations and techniques that will inspire our readers to try something different. That was the main goal of this “water sports” issue – to expand the horizons of scuba diving wildlife underwater photographers and show them other opportunities that exist for underwater photography in the places they love to dive.
In this issue, we explore the best places that divers can not only have a great scuba trip, but also capture the beauty of the waves with surf photographs, demonstrate how adding a kayaker to a split shot can create a totally different type of image, and learn what it’s like to photograph a diver unburdened by a tank. We’ve also got advice on how to shoot with everybody’s favourite water sports camera – the GoPro.
Our hope is that, with a little guidance from the pros we’ve featured in this issue, you’ll be more willing to try your hand at this exciting form of underwater photography. And if you’re a water sports enthusiast that picked up this issue, then welcome to the wonderful world of scuba diving!
Matt Weiss, Editor (Americas)
Ian Seldrup, Editor (Asia-Pacific and Australia)
Dietmar W. Fuchs, Editor (Europe & Africa)
CONTENTS
Photo Briefs
FROM THE FIELD
DOLPHIN DALLIANCE By Matt Weiss & Keri Wilk
A stingray shoot in the Cayman Islands gets spiced up by a cheeky dolphin with a fondness for divers.
SUBJECT SPOTLIGHT
PEACOCK MANTIS SHRIMP By Joseph Tepper
The multitalented colourful crustacean with super-shrimp abilities goes under the microscope
WORLD MAPS
BEST WAVES
Put your surf photography skills to the test at these cool breaks around the globe
Portfolios
GALLERY
FISH OUT OF WATER By Various Contributors
Underwater photography takes us to amazing places to photograph amazing animals – but there’s often one animal that goes overlooked: the human
IN FOLIO
INTERVIEW WITH A PRO Christian Vizl
Award-winning Mexican photographer Christian Vizl explains how he took his passion and hobby to the next level
Features
PHOTOTREKS ASIA
THAILAND’S BIG THREE By Scott Johnson
With the luxury liveaboard Thailand Aggressor at your disposal, enjoying the crème de la crème of dive spots has never been easier
PHOTOTREKS USA
CALIFORNIA CLASSIC By Andy & Allison Sallmon
From jaw-dropping kelp forests and multicoloured reefscapes to anemone-carpeted wrecks and curious sevengill sharks, So Cal has it all
Techniques
NOVICE
UNDERWATER HERO By Joel & Jennifer Penner
GoPro’s unique cameras are an interesting, inexpensive way to get started in underwater photography
INTERMEDIATE
PHOTOGRAPHING PELAGICS By Rodrigo Friscione
Shooting species in the open sea comes with its own set of challenges, but the rewards can be spectacular
GOING PRO
FREE SPIRITS By Lia Barrett
With free-divers as your underwater subjects, you have a whole ocean of creative possibilities to try out
