Connect with us
background

News

Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography

Published

on

52 Assignments: Underwater Photography by Alex Mustard

For underwater photographers out there, a new book by Alex Mustard is always something to look forward to. But this is something completely new. A book to help people improve their underwater photography one assignment at a time. There are 52 different assignments in the book ranging from Black and White Wreck, Posing a Model, Off-Camera Strobes and everything in-between. You can tick each one off as you feel that you have successfully completed it. Start at the beginning and work through methodically or see what your next dive is going to be and select an assignment to suit. This book is going to be popular with both those just starting out in underwater photography and seasoned pros alike.

I am going to try the latter this week. If the weather holds, then I am planning to dive the wreck of the James Eagan Layne. So I plan on completing assignment number 9 – Black and White Wrecks. The handy assignment key says that the elements I will be working with are Lighting, Wreck, Wide Angle and Computer Editing. I hope this dive should tick all those boxes.

The book is a hardback, but is of a suitable size and weight that it can be tucked into your hand luggage if you are heading overseas, to set yourself some underwater photography tasks wherever you travel. Each task is clearly defined and what I love is that they are not too overwhelming. Clearly setting out manageable tasks and useful tips to try out to get a particular result. By the time you have worked your way through and ticked off all 52 assignments you will have an invaluable set of skills to call upon.

The book breaks the mould of traditional underwater photography guides. Gone are the sometimes daunting, long chapters on techniques, settings and equipment. This offers a much more accessible and refreshing approach. Simple, useful, practical skills to try whatever camera you are taking on your dive. I love this idea and am looking forward to picking out an assignment that will fit each of the dives I have coming up.

I hope to do a follow up review of the book once I have worked through some of the assignments, with images to show how I have got on. Watch this space.

What the publisher says:

52 Assignments: Underwater Photography is a year’s worth of inspiring weekly assignments to kick-start your creativity.

This collection of photographic workshop assignments is designed to build core skills, expand horizons and kickstart creativity. The book takes readers on an underwater adventure with assignments designed to teach valuable lessons and produce stunning images. It has a year’s worth of weekly challenges and concepts for conceiving and composing powerful, dynamic underwater photographs and videos. Complete the assignments weekly over a year, or dip in every time you need to bring a new concept or creative approach to underwater photography.

About the Author:

Dr Alexander Mustard MBE, has been widely regarded as one of the world’s leading underwater photographers for the last 20 years. He has pioneered many techniques within underwater photography, which he shares through magazine articles, talks and workshops. His photographs have won many awards including, on five occasions, the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year. He has also won multiple categories in the British Wildlife Photography Awards. In 2013, Alex was named GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his image Night Moves. He has a PhD in marine ecology and still occasionally publishes peer-reviewed papers. He is based in the UK.

Book Details

Publisher: Ammonite Press

Hardcover

Price: £12.99

ISBN: 9781781454893

Published: October 2024

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

Published

on

regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

regulator

Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulator

Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

Continue Reading

Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

Published

on

paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

Instagram Feed

Shortcode field is empty!Shortcode field is empty!

Popular