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Book Review: Underwater Photography Masterclass by Dr. Alex Mustard
We have been eagerly waiting for our copy of this book, and so when it arrived it was tempting to dive in, find a topic that we want to know more about, and not take the proper time to appreciate it in full. So, with some self-control, we have gone from cover to cover, and we are so glad we did. It was lovely to be greeted, on the very first page, by a dedication to the two photographers that formed the British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP); Peter Scoones and Colin Doeg. They formed the society so they could share their passion for underwater photography and to pass on techniques and ideas to anyone who was interested and would listen. With “Underwater Photography Masterclass”, Alex has continued this tradition, being generous in sharing his knowledge and techniques that have made so many wonderful and award winning images.
“Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” – George Eastman
A definition of Masterclass is “a class taught by someone who has expert knowledge or skill in a particular area”. Alex has used the pages in this book to teach us everything you could possibly wish to know about lighting your underwater imagery. The book is designed for the reader to “work with slowly and grow with over time”. Alex “wants” you to read a section, absorb the information, and master the techniques in the water before moving on to the next chapter. It stresses that the very essence of photography is to understand light, and as underwater photographers, this is vital, as for much of the time, we control the light source ourselves. There is plenty to absorb, with a series of in-depth chapters on lighting techniques for macro and wide angle photography. The book leads you from basic lighting setups to much more advanced techniques, but always in a manner that makes you feel that you can go out, get wet and give it a try, no matter what level you are at or what camera system or number of strobes you use.
The book also covers equipment, travel & packing advice, good & environmentally friendly diving practices, and also shark behaviour, schooling fish, model and pygmy seahorse photography. The pages are packed with great images (280 in total), and the technical information for these images is available at the back of the book. Great photographs require great technical knowledge, but they also come from a passion and emotional connection with the subject. Alex has all this in spades. We could not agree more with the author when he says that underwater photography should inspire people to protect our oceans and the marine life within; the images in this book will certainly do that.
Throughout the book the author also gives the names of other underwater photographers to look up and gain inspiration from. It not only covers that way you can best achieve results, but also points out the common mistakes regularly made. There are plenty of books about underwater photography on the market, but this book stands out, as being both inspiration and educational, “speaking” to the reader in a language that they can understand and motivating them to try new lighting techniques on their very next dive. There are a number of shots of Alex photographing different subjects, with the strobes positioning, which he has just explained in the book, clearly shown. We think this will prove to be especially helpful.
Whilst this book is a paperback and has been kept to a size that is perfectly suited to pop into your hand luggage on your next diving trip, we would love to see a digital version of the book released, to make it the perfect travel companion. We would have the book on our shelves at home, as for us, there is nothing better than looking through a good underwater photography book, but would also have a digital version to have to hand whilst traveling. We can only hope that this becomes a reality.
Flicking through for the first time, when you get this book, inspires you to want to take better underwater photos. It is full of mind-blowingly good images. As you then delve in more deeply, you find all the information you need to do just that – improve your photography. There is no doubt that this will be considered THE essential read for those who are just starting out in underwater photography all the way to the seasoned pros.
We will end the review with a joke:
Q: How many underwater photographers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: 50. 1 to change the bulb and 49 to say “I could have done that!”
Alex Mustard is regularly the one who “changes the bulb” – but in writing this book he has enabled you to be able to do that too!
Details
Underwater Photography Masterclass by Alex Mustard
ISBN: 9781781452226
Price: £19.99
Publisher: Ammonite Press
Publication Date: April 2016
For a limited time you can get a signed copy from the author here.
For more information about Alex, visit www.amustard.com.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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