News
First ever Backscatter Authorized Photo Center opens at Lembeh Resort
Lembeh Resort have announced the official opening of their new Photo Center which continues to house an impressive array of camera equipment, accessories, spares and other essential items both for sale and to rent. In addition to having a full time Photo Pro and Photo Center Assistants, the new Photo Center has also become the first ever Backscatter Authorized Photo Center in the world.
The new Photo Center is home to Lembeh’s onsite Backscatter certified Photo Pro and carries a much wider range of products than ever before. This is great news for anyone who is visiting Lembeh Resort with a view to underwater imaging. Guests can continue to enjoy Lembeh’s existing services and in addition, can now also experiment with more rigs, strobes, lights and other items before making a purchase.
Construction of a new Photo Center at Lembeh Resort has been in the pipeline for some time and Lembeh’s owners and managers are delighted with the new, more spacious, lighter and brighter building.
Jim Decker, CEO of Backscatter, has also been at Lembeh Resort this week for the official opening event. Jim says he is delighted with the new Photo Center which is located in the heart of the resort and combines both teaching, editing and workshop areas under one roof. The Photo Center is stocked with its usual array of camera equipment, housings, lenses, spare parts – and of course, Backscatter add-ons and essential items.
“The photographic opportunities in the Lembeh Strait are amazing, the abundance and diversity of photographic subjects is unparalleled. If you want to take a picture of a hairy frogfish there are multiple opportunities – you will get the shot. It’s always possible to go back for additional shots, retakes and to try different techniques. It’s a truly unique destination and the perfect location for Backscatter to have an authorized Photo Center“. (Jim Decker)
In addition to equipment, Lembeh have a 3D printer in the Photo Center’s workshop area along with a substantial selection of tools for carrying out repairs. The 3D printer enables the manufacture of spare parts and custom-made diopters onsite
The Photo Center at Lembeh Resort and Backscatter have a longstanding relationship, spanning over 10 years.
“Lembeh Resort and Backscatter have been working together for the last 10 years so Lembeh Resort was an obvious choice for us. (Lembeh Resort) is an excellent resort and it has the largest and most developed Photo Center in the Lembeh Strait with an in house Photo Pro, Assistants and Marine Biologists – we are very excited to be taking this relationship to the next level“.
Danny Charlton, co-owner of Critters at Lembeh Resort and Ray Rorimpandey, owner of Lembeh Resort, joined Backscatter’s Jim Decker in cutting the ribbon and declaring the Photo Center officially open.
“We are completely stoked to partner with Backscatter to create the world’s first Backscatter authorized Photo Center. Having the only dedicated Photo Center in Lembeh Strait (& North Sulawesi,) we are now able to better provide a broad spectrum of services & support. This partnership is fantastic for our guests, and will open more doors for our Dive Guides & all staff and it is yet another example of leading the industry with innovative relationships & offerings”.
Backscatter Trained Photo Center Team
Lembeh Resort claim that underwater imaging is in their DNA and it appears to be true as they continue to push the envelope in underwater imaging services available in the Lembeh Strait. Lembeh Resort say their number one aim is to ensure that a broken piece, a forgotten part or a small fault does not keep their divers out of the water. Their team are dedicated to finding practical solutions to keep underwater photographers and videographers shooting and are now even better placed than ever before to ensure that guests have the best imaging opportunities possible.
Lembeh Resort’s Photo Center is staffed by a full time Photo Pro and three Photo Center Assistants who are all experienced underwater photographers that have received training from numerous renowned Photo Pros from around the world. Lembeh Resort’s full time Photo Pro is available to assist with technical questions, gear related enquiries, general advice and offers a range of tailor-made courses to meet individual needs.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact Lembeh Resort at: reservations@LembehResort.com or view their website here.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
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
Gear News
Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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