Tarpon over reef, Cayman Brac, c.1999
Soon my wife and I will be returning to the Cayman Islands for this year’s dive trip. It is hard to believe how much time has past since we were last there. I checked my photo database, and our last trip was to Cayman Brac back in November 1999. I was still pretty new to underwater photography back then. With an average of 1 saltwater trip a year, it is hard to make significant progress on the learning curve. I look at many of my underwater images of back then with my expectations and self criticisms of today, and I would probably throw many more than I have in the trash. The images I do keep are more for nostalgia purposes and great memories.
The images from back then were also, of course, on film. When I think about it, I sure blew a lot of money on film. Taking it underwater, bring it back up, get it developed, review it, then throw it in the trash can resulted in a highly frustrating learning curve. Of course, you were also limited to 36 exposures, little room for a lot of trial and error. Shooting with a Nikonos V back then is a night and day difference from shooting with digital today. Despite the disappointments in the photography, it was always enjoyable from just being underwater and seeing so many great creatures. To this day, I don’t know of an environment that is more peaceful and relaxing.
This time around we are headed to Little Cayman, the smallest of the 3 Cayman Islands. The island is only 10 miles (16 km) long with an average width of 1 mile (2 km). The three islands are the exposed portions of an underwater mountain range called the Cayman Ridge. The Cayman Trench, the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea at over 4 miles deep (97,686 meters (25,217 ft)) separates these islands from Jamaica.
There is reportedly an increase in Grey Reef Sharks in the area with the focused effort on killing the invasive Lionfish. Hopefully we will see a few. Turtles are also supposed to be quite common. On land, there is a colony of Red-footed boobies and it is a popular stopping place for many migratory birds. Since I will not be able to bring any lenses of significant focal length due to weight restrictions, I am not sure how much I will be able to photograph as far as birds. Mostly, there will be little else to do other than dive, enjoy the reported excellent food, and perhaps catch a few naps in a hammock at the top of a mountain.
About the photo: Tarpon are large, silvery fish that typically hover in the water column. They can be 4-5 feet in length, this one was probably close to 5. I reprocessed the image from 1999 in Nik SilverEfex 2. Photographed using a Nikonos V, 20mm lens, Kodak E100VS slide film.
Man you really know how to enjoy life, “catch a few naps in a hammock at the top of a mountain.” Enjoy yourselves!
Hi Mark, I could not find a way to leave comments on your “wise words” page so just wanted to say I love the Zac video at the end, Just great !! Many thanks, you have a wonderful site here, great work. Cheers Steve
Hi Steve, thanks for the comments. I am just getting back from my trip and getting caught up. Yeah, I think I have comments turned off on my pages. I am glad you liked the page.
Hope you have a superb trip. How can you miss? If everything goes wrong you can just stick to the hammock. Sounds like just the trip I need.
I agree with Earl. Sounds like you are in for a rough time, Mark. 🙂 Now, about that trench – 4 miles deep! Jeez!!!
Have a great trip – I know you’ll have some cool underwater images, but I’m looking forward to the seascapes…
very much looking foward to seeing your images from Cayman 🙂 I havent been to little Cayman myself, only the bigger island but I’ve heard its nice and more chances to see Sharks.
Suzy
Have a great trip and bring back lots of images to share. Lovely time of year to go.
Hey Mark, I wish you both have a great time there! I’ll wait to see your photos
Mark….have a really great trip. I’m looking forward to seeing your photos when you get back!
Interesting shot- how far away from that tarpon were you? Looks like a wide angle lens?
~ “Mostly, there will be little else to do other than dive, enjoy the reported excellent food, and perhaps catch a few naps in a hammock at the top of a mountain.”
Yeah, it’s a rough job…but somebody’s got to do it, Mark. 🙂
Do you have an underwater case for the D800 or will you be shooting with the D700 this trip? I hope you guys have a great and productive time.
Yeah, tough! 🙂 Thanks Earl.
Nope, I just invested in a u/w housing for my D700 last year, so it will be awhile before I consider housing the D800.