The folks over at Wetpixel have just introduced their print publication called Wetpixel Quarterly. Given the talent of underwater photographers over at Wetpixel, I have no doubt this will be a fantastic publication. There are not too many underwater photography print magazines out there that match up with the quality of Ocean Realm that disappeared many years ago. ‘Fathoms‘ has certainly filled in the void left, and it looks like they will have to make some room for another. I was going to subscribe immediately, but their ordering system didn’t pop up as a ‘secure’ site in my browser, so I am hoping they will fix that soon.
I really miss underwater photography. We used to take at least one, maybe even two dive trips per year. It is something that really takes a lot of practice, even a trip a year was not enough to hone one’s skills. But there is nothing quite as peaceful as floating weightless, and having 10,000 fish swirl around you and having a camera to record it all. It is quite exhilarating actually.
I will admit that underwater photography in Michigan just doesn’t thrill me as much as being in saltwater. Certainly we have a lot of wrecks, and a lot of local shooters have made some pretty nice images from them. I have also shot wrecks in the past, but they never ignited the passion in me over all the life you encounter on a salt water dive.
My underwater photo gear is also in desperate need for an upgrade to digital. Yes, it is still based on that ancient medium called what is it again?.. oh yeah – film! And digital holds so many advantages, of course, to shooting underwater, probably more so than on land. But this upgrade won’t be cheap either – underwater housings and strobes are significant investments that I have been weighing against how often they will be used. I suppose that is what has kept me from upgrading to date.
So I am looking forward to receiving my first issue of Wetpixel Quarterly as soon as they get their ordering system secure. They have an absolutely killer shot on the cover of their premier issue. It may energize me to get back in the water as soon as I can and perhaps open my wallet.
Boyd – thanks for sharing the story. I have actually read about a few people trying the aquarium trick with various critters. As long as no harm comes to them, I suppose it’s an alternative to actually being under there with them! 🙂
Bernie – be warned, trying it could get you hooked!
Nice shots Mark, when I was down in the Keys I came across a guy offering photo trips out to the Dry Tortugas to the coral reefs, way too much money. But if I ever had a chance and could do a half way decent job of it I would love to give it a try.
I forgot, love the fish shot. Amazing the natural camouflage they have.
It has to be a terrific experience be one on one underwater with the fish you are shooting.
I used to ask my buddy how he got such awesome pics of trout and he replied I’ll show you sometime. He is kind of crazy so I could think is this sucker is carrying my snorkeling in rapids.
I was relieved though when he pulled fly rods out when we got to the mountain stream. I got the pleasure of carrying a large glass tank.
When to the stream he found a rocky surface, filled the tank bottom with rocks, filled the tank with water and then set in to fishing to catch a rainbow.
After a few hours he had one a little over a pound and shot two hundred photos before releasing the fish.
Now I know how he does it.