Photo / Video News & Reviews
Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Ram Yoro
In this ongoing series, Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Editor Nick Robertson-Brown talks to underwater photographers from around the world that he admires. In this blog: Ram Yoro
Ram lives in archipelagic Philippines where frequent excursions to nearby reefs in his early years triggered a life-long passion for exploring the oceans. His deep curiosity and love for the underwater world eventually made him leave a young corporate career to become a full-time scuba instructor and underwater photographer. For more than a decade since, Ram has actively conducted scuba lessons and underwater photography workshops in his base in Anilao.
As an underwater photographer, he is a pioneer and proponent of the Bonfire Diving method for documenting plankton in coastal waters. His appetite for exploration also led him into the realm of technical diving, and to specialize in underwater cave and wreck photography as member of the Filipino Cave Divers organization.
Aside from winning multiple awards over the years in the Anilao Shootout, a prestigious international live underwater photo competition, Ram also co-authored two books – the “Guide to Anilao” and “Legends Beneath the Waves: Philippines”. Moreover, he is also a major contributor to the following recent publications – “Black is the New Blue Volume II”, “Philippine Caves”, and “Philippine Coral Reefs”. When not in exploration mode, Ram spends his time with his little mermaids Yana and Mara, and wife Geraldine who is also a scuba diver.
NRB: How did your underwater photography start?
RY: I consider myself blessed to have witnessed and enjoyed the beauty of the reefs at a young age and always had this craving to share it with others. I thought the best way to do this is by taking photos underwater so I invested in a compact underwater setup as soon as I could afford one. Initially it was just to satisfy my impulse to share what I love to others, and later on it evolved into artistic pursuit. To this day, and many camera systems later on, the ocean still never fails to amaze me and I always find it full of awe-inspiring stories to tell. It is humbling to know that as an underwater photographer, I get to be an ambassador of the oceans – I get to sit in front of its daily spectacle and tell others about it.
NRB: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
RY: I started underwater photography in the dawn of the digital age when camera system options were limited and less affordable. I initially had to make do with what I could just afford and went through a trial and error process with early Canon S- and G-series compact systems over the years. As anyone who has tried them would attest however, the main frustration with compact cameras is their slow auto-focus speed especially in low-light environments like underwater. In this department however, back then, I was pleasantly surprised at how the Canon G16 performed – it became my go-to camera for some time, enabling me to capture many fleeting and split-second macro moments which are not uncommon in the reefs. Nowadays, technology has improved and many compact camera options enviably have auto-focus speeds that satisfy the demands of the dim and ever-dynamic marine environment.
I had no plans, or no means rather, to upgrade to a DSLR system until my supportive wife surprised me with a Nikon D810 as a birthday present. The D810 was a beast – on top of a bigger sensor that delivers top image quality and superb low-light performance, it had excellent auto-focus performance and a deep dynamic range that allowed me to capture unique macro moments and emphasize depth in wide angle shots. With the various lens options available to DSLR systems also, I was encouraged to push my D810 into the exciting worlds of blackwater and bonfire diving, as well as underwater cave and wreck photography. Though it may not be top-of-line anymore today, I still treasure and hold dear my old and trusty Nikon D810 for the many adventures we’ve been through.
NRB: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
RY: After all these years and having gone through several underwater camera systems, I realize I keep coming back to my underwater photography basics. I would thus share with them the same advice I would give my younger self in hindsight, as cliché as it may sound – build good fundamentals, then constantly practice and dare to evolve.
Your fundamentals – understanding of the exposure triangle and lighting principles, among other things – will enable you to work with any camera system or in any environment. It will make you less reliant on equipment but rather go with your knowledge and skills more, which is very liberating nowadays given how fast equipment upgrades come by.
Constant practice on the other hand is key to skill mastery. Practice makes perfect as they say, and skill-heavy underwater photography is no exception – no shortcuts here, but don’t worry this is the fun part! Mastery is only gained when muscle memory and instincts are developed through repetition over time.
And finally, dare to evolve – try new things and keep yourself up to date with the latest methods, styles and tricks. This will push your creativity and keep you engaged in underwater photography, and I believe is the secret to your longevity in the craft. Moreover, it will also expand and keep your portfolio always fresh and relevant to the times.
NRB: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
RY: Like many in my generation of local underwater photographers in the Philippines, I have always had great admiration for the many works of Palme D’or awardee Scott “Gutsy” Tuason. It is ironic that while we Filipinos are blessed with countless of vibrant reefs, many of us take it for granted because most of us – in the past at least – have not seen nor enjoyed the fullness of its diverse beauty.
Gutsy was a pioneer in the Philippines in the sense that he was the first to visually document and share the many unseen treasures in our seas. The effect of his stunning images on me and many in my generation was profound, and it made me realize that photography can be a great tool for spreading awareness about our oceans and inspiring people to care for it. His works did not only encourage me to get into underwater photography, but also gave my craft a sense of purpose. Without Gutsy’s influence, I probably would not be as engaged in underwater photography as I am today, and the endeavour certainly would not have been as meaningful.
NRB: What image are you most proud of and why?
RY: It’s challenging to pick a photo given that the objectivity of a photographer is often clouded by the efforts invested in getting the shot. There is however a recent photo, taken in June 2019, that I couldn’t be more pleased with. It’s a photo of a wreck in the Brunei high seas, the Petani Mistral, which was later presented to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Himself! It’s a rare and great honor for any photographer’s work to be appreciated by His Majesty, and my gratitude to Poni Divers for making it possible. The image was to be part of a book project with Poni Divers about the amazing wrecks of Brunei – originally set to be released late 2020, but postponed to a future date when the ongoing pandemic eases.
NRB: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
RY: Because of its diversity, you can never have too much of Anilao and for that reason I decided to make it my diving base about a decade ago. For underwater photography, it is widely popular for macro but if you look beyond you will find that it actually has the complete package. It also has abundant wide angle opportunities, superb bonfire and blackwater diving, and even an underwater cave system as well as a small but entertaining wreck to enjoy. Logistically, its geographically sheltered location makes Anilao diveable all year round, and being only 3 hours away from Metro Manila makes it conveniently accessible. For non-photographers of any level, it is just as enjoyable with a variety of marine life covered reefs to choose from – walls, drop offs, slopes, submerged mounds, and small atolls perfect for long lazy dives. A favorite of many divers, including myself, once you’ve been to Anilao it’s hard to lose that itch to keep coming back.
NRB: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
RY: Marine life manipulation is a sad aspect of underwater photography and it has to stop. In many cases it is a reflection of skewed priorities, where the photograph comes above anything else. We forget that the underwater world is a unique place with its own dynamics, and our mindless intervention to setup the perfect shot may make a subject vulnerable to premature predation or cause it direct physical harm. This unchecked mind-set has become rampant, even systemic in some areas already, but it is never too late to change our ways.
Like many anthropogenic issues, stubborn ignorance is partly to blame and therefore education is the remedy. We need to take responsibility, create awareness and educate ourselves to effect a positive culture change. As an industry, we need to remind ourselves of the obvious, that the underwater world is a delicate living ecosystem and we – as capable beings and its beneficiaries – have the duty to care for it as stewards. We need to institutionally spread this mind-set through scuba courses, photo workshops, and dive briefings. And on a personal level, we can push for this in social media posts, in casual chit chats, and in our own little ways. This collective effort may take a while but will hopefully plant the seeds for a lasting and omnipresent culture of caring and stewardship for the oceans in our small but growing industry.
NRB: What do you look for when you are making your images?
RY: We always hope to encounter crazy behaviour, amazing portraits, or magnificent scenes, but in fact most of the time we are presented with the common and the ordinary. I have learned to temper expectations and make the most of what is given, and realized it is just as fulfilling to make the ordinary look extraordinary through photography. As every photo is a story, I try to find the hidden narrative or make one, and then proceed to make the framing, settings, and lighting artistically emphasize it.
NRB: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
RY: In as much as I enjoy the process of underwater photography itself, I find it very fulfilling to bring stunning images of the ocean closer to people. I think it is probably innate in all of us to want to share and preserve what is beautiful, and I’m very lucky to be able to use my underwater photography for the same purpose for the oceans. I am even more driven nowadays, as the oceans that we enjoy and depend on are threatened by a host of anthropogenic and other harmful factors. It is amazing how visual art can create awareness and inspire people to act.
NRB: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
RY: I have always been fascinated by the deep sea angler fish. A distant relative of the frogfish, they exist in very deep and dark waters, armed with sharp teeth and a bio-luminescent lure. Their appearance invokes a mixture of awe, fear, and science-fiction. It’s mind-boggling that such creatures even exist. But they do, and they remind us that there is so much life yet to been seen in the oceans and, as we’ve been told, we have only scratched the surface to date.
It is unlikely that an adult deep sea angler fish may be seen within the diving depths but larval and juvenile versions have been reportedly caught in plankton nets in the shallow depth ranges. I think an encounter with a young deep sea angler fish vertically migrating to the shallows at night to feed on plankton is just a matter of time. I am hoping I’d be at the right time and place during a bonfire or blackwater dive in plankton rich Balayan Bay in Anilao one of these days.
To see more of Ram’s work visit his Instagram page.
To read Ram’s features in Philippines Dive Adventures click here.
News
Meet Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Redefining Action Cameras With Unrivaled 8K Image Quality & Smarter AI
Insta360 is thrilled to announce the latest addition to its Ace series, Insta360 Ace Pro 2. This groundbreaking wide-angle action camera delivers unparalleled image quality, smarter, easier capture powered by AI, upgraded audio, and an improved rugged design made for action at its most extreme.
Co-engineered with Leica, it delivers serious performance upgrades with the industry-first dual AI chip and state-of-the-art imaging courtesy of a new 1/1.3″ 8K sensor and Leica SUMMARIT lens with a 157º field of view. Creators can experience smoother videos with higher frame rates at 8K30fps and 4K60fps Active HDR, PureVideo for excellent low light performance, a bigger 2.5″ flip touchscreen and more.
The action camera utilizes Insta360’s advanced AI technology to offer a smarter experience from shooting to sharing. Innovative functions like the option to pause or cancel a recording, gesture and voice control, Auto Edit, and AI Highlights Assistant completely transform the experience for creators. With no more complex workflows, anyone can experience a simpler way to film and spend more time immersed in the moments they love.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 significantly improves on its design, offering a more rugged, reliable action camera. Its waterproofing has increased to 39ft (12m), and it offers crystal-clear audio with an integrated Wind Guard and a removable Lens Guard to handle whatever you throw at it, providing full flexibility for action and sports enthusiasts.
“Our goal was to refine and enhance the groundbreaking features of the original Insta360 Ace Pro to deliver an unparalleled experience,” says JK Liu, founder of Insta360. “We are confident these upgrades establish a new industry standard. Not only do they bring significant advances in AI, they empower creators to capture what was always impossible with other action cameras, opening the door to unprecedented creative potential.”
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to order today worldwide via Insta360.com, as well as trusted retailers and select authorized partners.
Unparalleled Image Quality, Day and Night
The Leica SUMMARIT lens immediately sets it apart from competitors with its state-of-the-art image quality. Combined with an upgraded 1/1.3″ 8K sensor offering 13.5 stops of dynamic range, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 delivers simply breathtaking visuals in situations other action cameras simply can’t handle.
Further contributing to its image quality and performance is the industry-leading dual-chip design. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the first action camera with a dedicated Pro Imaging Chip that handles image processing and noise reduction, while a separate 5nm AI Chip handles further image processing and overall camera performance, providing a smooth, seamless user experience. The dual chip also enables more shooting modes and higher specifications, such as 8K30fps video, 4K60fps Active HDR (High Dynamic Range), and upgraded PureVideo. Even in fast-moving motion and high-intensity action, creators can enjoy smooth, sharp videos thanks to the higher frame rates or slow it all the way down with crisp 4K120fps slow motion.
A complex, custom-trained AI neural network underpins PureVideo, a specialized shooting mode that drastically reduces noise and enhances details in real time for cleaner, brighter images, even in extreme low light. Whether it’s twilight strolls or evening rides, creators can record what they never could before. For the daytime, upgraded 4K60fps Active HDR brings out all the details in intense highlights and shadows for more vibrant footage. Meanwhile, a wider 157° lens FOV captures more of the surroundings, perfect for vlogging or when the scenery really matters.
Exclusive Leica-engineered color profiles infuse footage with their signature aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance to every shot. Insta360’s devotion to color accuracy is seen elsewhere with Insta360 Ace Pro 2’s ability to retain rich and precise colors, even underwater.
Ready for Action Anytime, Anywhere
The upgraded design proves to be even more rugged, ready for when you ramp up the action. Waterproofing has increased to 39 feet (12 meters) or 197 feet (60 meters) with the Dive Case, and it handles temperatures as low as -4ºF (-20ºC) with ease, perfect for winter sports and extreme climates.
The new, removable Lens Guard provides greater all-around protection, meaning creators can feel confident to push the limits further and capture the impossible, knowing their action cam is up to the challenge.
An all-new Wind Guard keeps wind and noise at a minimum during those peak moments, ready to snap on and off as you need. With refreshed audio algorithms bringing professional-grade clarity to your content, you can immerse your viewers like never before. What’s more, the magnetic mounting system lets you seamlessly switch between accessories. Less time spent unscrewing and screwing your camera and mounts, more time in the moment.
Insta360’s leading FlowState Stabilization technology ensures videos remain incredibly smooth no matter what, while 360º Horizon Lock, now applied automatically in-camera, keeps everything perfectly level. Prioritizing performance and convenience, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 sports a bigger 1800mAh battery and a new Endurance Mode that offers a 50% longer runtime at 4K30fps than Insta360 Ace Pro. Fast charging powers the battery to 80% in 18 minutes or 100% in 47 minutes, so you can get back to the action quicker.
Insta360 has expanded its compatibility with several top third-party sports accessories, allowing action and sports enthusiasts to add a new level of detail. For data-rich videos, overlay real-time stats from third-party sports brands, including Garmin, Apple, COROS, and more. Alternatively, users can add stats from their phone directly in the Insta360 app without any extra gear or use the GPS Preview Remote for easy live preview, remote control, and real-time GPS data. For moto vloggers, pair Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with your motorcycle helmet headset from Sena, Cardo, and more for clear dual-track audio and hands-free control every ride.
Made for those who demand the highest standard of action capture, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers the perfect combination of durability and high-quality performance to capture life’s thrills with confidence.
Smarter, Easier Capture & Editing
Insta360 Ace Pro’s flip touchscreen proved an essential and convenient tool for creators and has been further upgraded to 2.5 inches. With a 70% increase in pixel density, a 6% increase in brightness and a 100% increase in flip durability, it allows for perfect framing and easier preview for vlogging, selfies, and difficult angles, all while remaining visible under bright sunlight. Instead of guessing if your shot looks perfect, you can shoot with confidence, knowing it is.
Internally, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers innovative solutions to problems that have hindered action enthusiasts for years:
- 4K Clarity Zoom – Want a close-up but the image quality becomes too grainy? Zoom in and out 2x without losing quality.
- Pre-Recording – Never miss a moment with up to 120 seconds of footage saved before you even hit record.
- Gesture & Voice Control – Use quick hand signals or verbal commands to control the camera, such as start/stop recording or take a photo, ideal if it’s mounted out of reach.
- Pause/Resume Recording – Got time between shots? Hit pause and continue recording when you need to keep everything in one continuous file for easier file management and editing.
- Timecode – Seamlessly synchronizes multiple cameras for an efficient editing workflow.
Insta360’s revolutionary AI features demonstrate a commitment to making shooting and editing as accessible as possible. Anyone, regardless of their skill level, will be amazed at what they can create. For those who aren’t confident editing, AI Highlights Assistant automatically finds the best moments from a video and delivers the highlights for review, all in-camera. Creators can merge every thrilling moment into one incredible recap or choose the ones their favorites and delete any unwanted clips to save storage.
The Assistant also helps craft your next reel from your adventures and pushes it directly to your smartphone via the Insta360 app. Look back on all your Memories and share those unforgettable moments in seconds.
Acting as a full editing suite in your pocket, the Insta360 mobile app fully embraces the game-changing possibilities of AI with advanced Auto Editing, one-tap templates and creative Shot Lab effects. Instead of spending hours learning complex tools and editing workflows, AI does it all for you, bringing your clips to life with dynamic cuts and transitions. Creators can even achieve the infamous Invisible Selfie Stick effect with the AI Selfie Stick Eraser in the app for third-person views. Looking for a real twist? AI Warp uses preset or custom keywords to bring your wildest ideas to life.
Available Now
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to purchase today worldwide via Insta360.com and select retailers. The Standard Bundle retails for US$399.99 and includes a Wind Guard, Battery, Standard Mount, Mic Cap, and USB-C Cable. The dual battery bundle includes the same accessories and two batteries for US$419.99.
The SMC-3
Nauticam is proud to introduce the SMC-3, the latest evolution in our line of water contact optics! Designed as a renewed version of the acclaimed SMC-1, the SMC-3 boasts a lightweight build—now only one-third the weight of its predecessor—without compromising on optical performance.
SMC-3 Specifications
| Dimensions | OD 70mm x H 32mm |
| Weight in Air | 307g |
| Weight in Water | 215g |
| Max Magnification (*1) | 2.4x (lens dependent) |
| Working Distance (*1) | 51-103mm |
| Lens Construction | 3 elements in 2 groups |
| Lens Coatings | Anti-reflection Coating |
| Mount Thread Diameter | M67 |
| Depth Rating |
100mm |
Tested with Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Key Features
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just one-third of the SMC-1, the SMC-3 offers unparalleled portability for on-the-go use.
- Superior Optical Performance: Enjoy the same exceptional clarity and precision you’ve come to expect from the SMC series.
- Increased Working Distance: The redesigned lens allows for a greater working distance, meaning it’s easier to use and provides enhanced versatility.
- Premium Materials: Crafted with advanced materials to enhance durability while minimizing weight.
- Cost-Effective: Slightly more affordable than the discontinued SMC-1, the SMC-3 delivers exceptional value.
Uncompromised Optical Quality
The Super Macro Converter 3 is constructed from lenses that are precision crafted of specially formulated low dispersion optical grade glass, ground to the most demanding standards. These exceptional measures, enhanced by broadband anti-refective coatings effectively reduce common optical issues such as chromatic aberrations, coma, spherical aberration, and field deformation associated with underwater macro photography using traditional magnifying lenses. These optics are assembled in a rugged hard anodized aluminum housing, and nitrogen purged during assembly to eliminate fogging.
Stunning Magnification
When combined with a full frame camera and a 100mm or 105mm macro lens, the device converts the optical system to provide a maximum of 2.4X magnification factor. In other words, a subject area of 15.6mm X 10.4mm will fill the whole frame of a 36mm X 24mm sensor.
Improved Sharpness and Contrast
As the Super Macro Converter 3 is optimized explicitly for using together with a macro lens underwater, images captured exhibit exceptional sharpness compared with conventional magnification lenses. Thanks to the broadband multi-layer anti-reflection coating on each surface of the lenses, images also exhibit higher contrast.
Superb Light Transmission
All the lens elements installed inside the SMC are optically optimized to appropriate diameters so as to provide maximum light transmission. The SMC doesn’t suffer from vignette issues under even the most extreme conditions. The broad band multi-layer anti-reflection coating on all surfaces also greatly improves light transmission.
Optimized for Autofocus
By utilizing a specially developed algorithm in the optimization process, the SMC renders superior image quality over the full focusing range of the camera lens (which becomes ~50 to ~100 mm in front of the SMC). Also benefitting from the high brightness and contrast of the image, the autofocus system of the camera usually works acceptably well within this range.
Ample Working Distance
Even at the maximum 2.3X magnification, there is still more than 50mm of working distance between the front element and the subject with 100/105mm macro lenses. This working distance is crucial when capturing behavior with skittish subjects.
Resolution
High resolution was a primary design goal of the SMC project. This has been achieved using computer aided optimization and high grade optical glasses with unique refractive and dispersion properties. Images taken with this new system exhibit very high resolution and quality. Results have exceeded expectations, and these images rival the quality of the macro lens in air.
Smooth Bokeh
The Converter retains the optical properties of the macro lens for the whole system underwater, resulting in a blurred (out of focus) background that has a pleasing smoothness and creamy look, without the normal purple and green fringing.
Avoiding Diffraction
Due to the overall superior optical performance of the SMC-3 it is possible to shoot larger apertures with excellent image quality. This avoids reaching the diffraction limit of high resolution sensors, and allows selective focus effects with narrow depth of field in super macro images.
For more information about the Nauticam Super Macro Converter 3, which ships in November, click here.
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