Photo / Video News & Reviews
Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Steve Jones
In an ongoing series, Scubaverse.com’s Underwater Photography Editors Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown talk to underwater photographers from around the world that they admire.
This interview is with Steve Jones.
My professional diving career began in the early 1990’s when, immediately after university, I decided to take one year out to travel and work as a diving instructor. Seven years later, having lived and dived in Egypt, Malta, the Maldives and the Caribbean, I returned to live in the UK, somewhat reluctantly. By that time my imagery and articles were starting to appear in diving magazines, and since have gone on to be published in over 30 countries. Through photojournalism I’m very lucky to have been given the opportunity to visit places that I once only dreamed of and I’ve had to develop into an all-rounder as a photographer, equally happy writing about maritime history and photographing wrecks as I am when shooting equatorial seascapes awash with colour, or critters crawling through volcanic mud. This has led to quite a diverse portfolio and combined with my more specialist deep wreck photography led to me becoming a Blancpain Edition Fifty Fathoms photographer in 2015, one of four photographers invited annually to contribute to the fine art books produced by this high-end watchmaker. My website is at www.millionfish.com.
N/C: How did your underwater photography start?
SJ: I’ve had a fascination with both the natural world and photography since I was a child. I then learned to dive at the age of 14 but I couldn’t afford an underwater camera until I was working in the Red Sea as a diving Instructor back in 1992. I bought a second hand Nikonos III, and soon found myself assisting visiting professional photographers from whom I learned an enormous amount. It was in 1996 whilst working as an instructor/guide in the Maldives that I got my first break when German magazine Unterwasser published my images. I still regularly contribute to this excellent publication, over 20 years later
N/C: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
SJ: I’ve used SEACAM housings since 1995 and they have never let me down. My favourite piece of kit is a SEACAM converted Nikon RS-UW 13mm fisheye lens. This was one of the original lenses designed for use on the Nikonos RS SLR, and is optimised for underwater use. SEACAM have adapted it for use on modern housed cameras. Its compactness and superb optical quality is particularly useful when technical diving on deep wrecks, where I often shoot at wide apertures due to low light conditions.
N/C: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
SJ:
- Master your diving skills: have buoyancy control that is second to none.
- Build your technical knowledge, particularly your understanding of lighting and the influence of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO settings on underwater images, when used with/without strobes. Learn how to balance natural and strobe light as this is very important. Learn about editing and post processing with tools such as Lightroom.
- Study: Read books cover to cover, such as Martin Edge’s “The Underwater Photographer” and keep the kindle versions on hand to refer to whilst you’re on a trip.
- Observe: Immerse yourself in the photography of others and try and understand how the shot was taken and why it works (or not!)
- Practice constantly even on mundane subjects and also above water at every opportunity.
- Be creative and be different. Once you have mastered the basics, allow your own creative style to develop and flourish through your imagery to make it unique. Study composition techniques – there are many articles and books available written by topside and underwater photographers.
- Respect the environment and the oceans’ inhabitants, no matter how small they may be. Photography is a means to communicate the beauty and value of our marine world to those not fortunate enough to see it and as ambassadors for the ocean, our own code of conduct needs to be exemplary.
A Coconut Octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus), a species that gathers coconut and mollusc shells for shelter, Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia
N/C: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
SJ: My biggest inspiration is my fascination with the marine world and the exploration of it. I try and create images that take the viewers imagination to the place where I took the image, to generate some of the excitement that I felt when I was there. As for photographers who’ve inspired me, David Doubilet had been my inspiration from the start, and I also admire the work of many other photographers: The ones pushing creative boundaries to capture familiar subjects in new ways and the ones pushing physical boundaries, operating in environments where previously un-photographed subjects are found. There are too many to mention here.
The armoured barbette that housed one of the 5 main gun turrets of HMS Audacious, the first
British battleship to be sunk in WW1
N/C: What image are you most proud of and why?
SJ: It’s actually an image set rather than one image, and that would be of the deep wrecks lying off Malin Head in Ireland. I’d been practicing my techniques for shooting with natural light in deep water for several years, as I like to show the wrecks in their true scale. These wrecks mainly lie between 60 and 70 metres and we only had one dive on each of the most iconic ones. With great team work from my regular dive partner Steve Henshall, we got a set that I was immensely proud of, and it directly led to me being selected as one of the Blancpain Edition Fifty Fathoms photographers.
N/C: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
SJ: I’ve just returned from Cocos and it blew my mind. The diving is simply the best I’ve ever done and I want to go back. For sheer diversity, I love Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. My bucket list is still quite long though…..
Leopard seal, mouthing its own reflection in the camera port (Hydrurga leptonyx), Astrolabe Island, Antarctica
N/C: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
SJ: Moving and harassing animals sets a disturbing precedent and I firmly believe it goes against the code of conduct that nature photographers should abide by: The animal’s welfare must always come first. However, we need to also keep things in perspective and hold an awareness of all things that impact the marine environment: unsustainable fishing and plastic waste being two of the major ones. At the end of the day it’s all about the ethics you abide by as a marine photographer.
N/C: What do you look for when you are making your images?
SJ: Most of my imagery is captured when on direct assignments for magazines. So first I have to get the “safety” shots in the bag – this is the basic set of publishable quality images that will allow a story to be illustrated and I don’t relax until I have a reasonably good set. Once that objective is met, I let my creativity off the leash and take higher risk shots using less conventional, often experimental techniques and equipment. Overall, I try and capture images that support the subject matter of my story as it makes my writing task much easier if my images are already speaking the words.
A diver has a very close encounter with a giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris), Dampier Strait, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia
N/C: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
SJ: It’s a creative outlet, a representation of my fascination with wildlife and exploration of the marine world. With wrecks, it is also capturing history: A unique moment in time. At some point in the future, our images will be all that remains of many of the wrecks we now dive. I sincerely hope that the same will not apply to the wonderful marine life we encounter, but it will unless we change our short-term exploitation of this planets limited resources and start thinking more in terms of leaving a home that’s fit for our children to inhabit.
N/C: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
SJ: That would be the Great Whales, a lifelong dream as yet unfulfilled! (They are on my bucket list!)
The wreck of the Um El Faroud, Malta.
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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