News
NUPG: The Right Light and Black & White
The Northern Underwater Photography Group June 2018 Meeting Roundup
The usual suspects plus a couple of newcomers enjoyed a great talk this month given by the Underwater Photography Duo of Caroline & Nick Robertson-Brown from Frogfish Photography. The subject was “The Right Light” and Caroline and Nick had brought along two or three camera setups and various lights to illustrate many points discussed in their informative talk.
Initially the use of strobes and their strengths and weaknesses was discussed including the physics of the media water, and how water being so much denser than air limits the distance the light from a strobe (or any light) can travel and is a major limiting factor when using lighting on a subject underwater.
This talk naturally progressed onto the positioning of strobes for various types of shot from macro to wide-angle with a very informative piece on Close Focus Wide Angle photography. The use of one strobe and/or two was discussed along with examples, also the use of extra off camera strobes and the addition of other forms of lighting was explained. Remembering that pointing a light directly at the subject can result in significant backscatter and how you position your strobe to try to eliminate this. A good tip was noting that even if you are normally shooting with two strobes it can be advantageous to turn one off along with using different power settings on different strobes for certain types of shot.
The difference in strobe and constant light positioning for landscape and portrait shots was illustrated. The talk then went into the merits and use of natural light and when or when not it was appropriate to supplement this with strobes and/or constant light. The fact that many species are sensitive to light and local rules mean that natural light might be the only choice in many circumstances for certain creatures, such as when snorkelling or diving with whale sharks or photographing seahorses, means that this is a skill that is essential to master. The advances in constant lights and what they can now do was shown. Also discussed, was the importance of ISO settings and how modern cameras have improved in this aspect over the past few years with much higher ISO settings now being able to be utilised.
Tips were also given on how to photograph divers in a picture. One of the main points on improving your underwater photography lighting is to remember to just go to a quarry or even a swimming pool and practice, practice, practice and get used to how your camera and your strobes and lights work underwater.
The theme for this month’s competition was black and white. The winning shot was taken by John Spencer with a beautifully lit photograph of a squid. The joint runners-up were a shot of dolphins by Nick Robertson-Brown and Glynn Philips with his shot of a blue spotted stingray. The winning (and only) entry in the compact category with a shot of a reef scene was taken by Rob Williams.
Next month’s meeting is to be held on Monday 9th July at The Gurkha Grill, Manchester, M20 1LH. The meeting starts at 8pm but you are more than welcome to come and join us all for a curry from around 6:30pm. The theme of July’s monthly competition is “Squidge” If you are in the North-West please do come down, you will be made most welcome.
For more information please visit the NUPG website by clicking here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
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.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
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.
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.
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