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Book Review: Underwater Photography Masterclass by Dr. Alex Mustard

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9781781452226We 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

image012A 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.

image013Throughout 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.

unnamedunnamed (1)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.

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

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Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake

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halloween

Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.

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After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.

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With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.

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Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!

Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.

People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:

https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction

It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.

The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.

One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.

Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:

https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24

Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.

Find out more here:

https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31

 Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”

Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction


Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden

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