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Review: The Underwater Photographer by Martin Edge
It must be over 15 years ago that I bought my first copy of The Underwater Photographer by Martin Edge. It was recommended to me by fellow photographers as the go-to resource for those looking to improve their underwater shots and it has been a constant companion. The first edition was published back in 2004 and now the 5th (and final) revision of this much-loved book has been released in print and as an ebook.
I was asked to review the ebook, and while I was excited to get my hands on the new edition, I thought that I would prefer the print edition, as a reference book to peruse at my leisure. However, as soon as I opened up the ebook I knew that this was a vauable resource in this format. Why? Well, it is easy to travel with, you can add notes and highlight sections (without damaging a much loved print edition), you can easily search for a particular topic you would like to learn more about.
Whilst both compositions are credible the sun beams come out on top every time. Always consider the image frame orientation option before you shoot. F 20, 1/320th sec, shutter speed. Tokina 10 – 17 at 17mm. ISO 1600. In low early morning light.
This new book has a huge amount of information to digest and takes the underwater photographer on a path of learning that is easy to follow. This edition sees guest chapters from well-known underwater photographers that are experts in their particular fields, for example, there is a chapter from Alex Mustard on optics and a chapter on super macro from Alex Tattersall.
I’ve composed just enough base beneath the bottom of the frame to give some context. Too much base will be interpreted as ‘wasted space or dead space’. Nikon D7200, f 16 at 1/250th sec, Iso 200, two Inon strobes placed each side of my macro port to illuminate both sides of the cuttle fish as it moved around whilst I was shooting. This image above was the precise composition I was trying to achieve. I remember trying to make sure to keep both the tentacles within the bottom frame. This doesn’t mean it’s a great picture but it means that I achieved exactly what I was after. Tokina 10mm to 17mm lens on the 17mm end.
The book is packed with useful information and one of my favourite parts of the book are the highlighted “Tips” sections, where Martin gives particular tips gleaned from his many years of taking world-class underwater images and teaching the subject too.
The book features over 400 updated colour images – taken on numerous dives around the world – with an accompanying narrative that provides detailed information on how the shots were taken, their strengths and weaknesses and how to fix mistakes. Practical examples take you step-by-step through the basic techniques: photographing shipwrecks, divers, marine life, macro images and taking photographs at night. New chapters cover the latest equipment, processes and techniques including SLR Cameras, water contact lenses, mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, micro four third systems, super macro techniques, motion blur, LED lighting and more.
6pm in Misool Resort is dapple hour and I always like to drop in around 5.45pm to 6pm, when the light is 20 minutes before it’s best. My way of shooting is to find a shallow cave in no more than 2m – 3m. In this way I’m confident that I can ‘work the light’. I’ve hidden the weak sun ball behind the cave ceiling which emphasizes the sunbeams and transports the eye of the viewer towards the back of the cave. It’s lit with two strobes on ¼ power, level with each side of my ears. The very last thing I want to do is to strobe it with too much light. Iso 400, 10.5mm fisheye, f 11, 1/60th
If you already have a previous edition of this book, then I would recommend getting the latest ebook edition to add to your library. If you are just starting out and do not have a previous edition of The Underwater Photographer then I would recommend getting both the print book to read at your leisure at home and the ebook to travel with.
There is a limited edition hardback (£150), as well as a paperback (£32) and ebook (£32).
You can buy the book at all good book stores or directly from the publisher here.
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.
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.
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.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
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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