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The Winning Shot: January 2019

Published

6 years ago

on

Winner of the Scubaverse Underwater Photography Competition – January 2019, Jack Pokoj tells us all about his winning shot…

Candy Crab by Jack Pokoj

Location

Dauin, Philippines.

Equipment

  • Nikon D7200,
  • Nikkor 60mm f2.8 micro lens
  • S&S housing
  • Twin YS-D2 strobes
  • FIX Mini Neo focus light

Settings f9, 1/125, ISO 400

Dive Centre

JackBelle’s Diving

The Shot

I took this photo on a night dive. I saw the large soft coral, checked it for a candy crab and found one in a good position in a “V” shaped gap in the coral with some clear water behind the subject, depending on the angle taken in the photo. I took a test shot, made some adjustments to my strobes and then took a 2nd shot. The candy crab moved to the other side of the soft coral. I took a few more shots without the crab in the shot to finetune my lighting before moving to the other side of the soft coral and found the crab. I was then able to move the focus point to the crab’s eye and wait patiently for the candy crab to move into the “V” before taking the photo.

I was able to take two photos of the subject before moving to the other side and waited patiently between photos to not stress the crab out so it remained around the “V”. The key to the shot was to get the best angle with the soft coral in the foreground to reflect the camouflage of the crab, nothing in the background so that was black to make the candy crab stand out, as well as lighting up the soft coral to bring out the details.

I would like to emphasise the not stressing of the candy crab as it would have quickly moved to an unfavourable part of the soft coral where I would not have been able to get this shot, rather than remain around the ideal location. I was then able to wait for it to slowly move into the perfect position, focus and take the photo then wait. That is probably the most important point to make!

Related Topics:

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

News

Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake

Published

12 hours ago

on

November 4, 2024

By

halloween

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.

halloween halloween

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.

halloween

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.

halloween

Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!

Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

Published

4 days ago

on

November 1, 2024

By

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

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