Guess who came for dinner...



© Gunther Deichmann - El Rio y Mar dinner time...

As promised here is the photo from my last day at El Rio y Mar…amazing this Lion fish arrived just in time for dinner.

If you read Part 3 from my recent Palawan trip then you might remember I was talking about my last night and dinner at the pier at El Rio y Mar.

Our group was sitting at the dining table at the end of the pier when suddenly one of the staff caught my attention. He was pointing at the steps at the end of the pier, so I walked over to him and to my amaze there was this Lion fish cruising around.

© Gunther Deichmann – almost like a painting... a Lion fish.
No need for Photoshop…
Nature provides all the texture and colors.

Maybe attracted by the light, or was he going to join us for dinner…we never know.
I instantly grabbed my camera, which was parked on the dining table only a few meters away.

To get more light onto this fellow I used the build in flash on my Nikon D700 this time…wow the light and the texture of the steps created this cool abstract image of a Lion fish.

© Gunther Deichmann – even he was not invited
I am so glad he dropped by.

What else can I say…never leave your camera behind, even if you have dinner with your friends.
BTW…there is some cool muck diving at El Rio y Mar and the Dugong Dive Center has a Dive Center right at the resort.

However in my case there was no need to take the plunge…the fish came “right to me,” or did he came for dinner?
GD

Highly Recommended for Underwater Photographers!


© Gunther Deichmann - "The Pier"
Dumaguete, Philippines

In today’s electronic age it still amazes me how little thought has gone into the electrical outlets even in 5 Star Hotels or resorts. I always have to scramble for adapters, extension cords or move my bed or cupboards around the room, in most cases I can only charge one item at any one time.
As a Photographer this is sometimes a real nightmare since we do carry iPhone, Computers, Strobes and some other Gadgets with us today.

© Gunther Deichmann - Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort
Dauin, Dumaguete Philippines

I stayed in many Resorts and Hotels and encountered the same problem over and over again, with the exception of Pura Vida Beach and Dive Resort, they are very much connected in more ways then one.

Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort is located in Dauin, 15 kms south of Dumaguete City on Negros Island and was opened end of 2004. Build by divers for divers and is under Swiss Management.

An unusual number of electrical out lets seldom found in any other Resort or Hotel, they have it really worked out keeping the Divers and Underwater Photographers in mind. You never have problems here charging all your equipment in your cottage.
No need for extensions or trying to become an electrician upon your arrival, all their electrical outlets are convenient located and you have easy access to them.

© Gunther Deichmann - night dive, Helmut Gurnard
(Dactyloptena orientalis)

So if you’re an Underwater Photographer check out Sea Explorers and the Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort in Dumaguette Philippines, besides great accommodation including a Spa it is also an Underwater Photographers Paradise. Dive right in front of the Beach, (super cool macro) or take a short trip across to APO Island.

© Gunther Deichmann - Nudibranch (Thecacera picta)

The Sea Explorers PADI Career Development Center (CDC) is located also directly in the resort.
Sea Explorers runs several dive centers on different islands in the Visayas and is one of the most experienced dive operators in the area.

© Gunther Deichmann - School of Jacks at APO Island

Fantastic dive sites with an unbelievable variety of marine life
World-class macro and night dives, a paradise for underwater photographers
Fun diving in small groups with experienced dive guides
Beautiful and inviting resorts in tropical atmosphere
Very good value for money as well as professional and personal service

Their Specialties includes:

Unique Island Hopping
Amazing Dive Safaris and Special Tours
First class education of PADI courses from beginner up to professional
PADI Career Development Center (Dauin, Dumaguete)) and PADI 5* dive centers

Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort plus Sea Explorers are very well connected, not only from an electrical point of view, but also through out the many Islands and Dive sites in their area. So, on your next visit to the Philippines check out Pura Vida and go Island Hopping with Sea Explorers and this time you can leave your extension cords at home.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - Aperture 3 embraces
you with open “arms”...

BTW...now our Underwater Photographer going to love the new Curves Tool and Chromatic Aberration Filters, (and not only our Underwater Photographers) I just hope they had the patience and waited for the all NEW Aperture 3 and if not they might have to switch back to Aperture now. For all New features go to http://www.apple.com/aperture/whats-new.html
GD

Just a few more...
New Auto Buttons
Quickly make exposure adjustments by using the Auto buttons now available in the Exposure, Levels, and Curves adjustment bricks.
Chromatic Aberration Filter
Remove the color fringing that can occur along edges due to optical issues by using the new Chromatic Aberration filter. The adjustments can be brushed in or brushed away as needed to achieve desired results.
Powerful New Curves Tool
Use the new Curves tool to adjust exposure and tweak color. Curve adjustments can be applied to luminance, RGB, or individual color channels. You can set the black, white, and midtone points, as well as place custom points along the curve using a target tool. All Curves adjustments can be brushed in or brushed away as needed to achieve desired results.
Linear or Gamma-Corrected Mode
The Curves tool can operate in two different modes — Linear and Gamma-Corrected — depending on which best suits the image. Linear mode is best when dealing with extended range data and highlights, while Gamma-Corrected mode can be especially helpful when working with shadows.

Range Support in Curves Tool
Because the Curves tool supports the “extended range” data sometimes available in RAW images, you can set the Range control in Curves to Extended in order to see the “out of range” highlight data that you may be able to recover. You can then use controls in the Curves tool to pull blown highlights back in and improve detail in highlight areas. Alternatively, you can set the range to Shadows and focus on the lower-left quadrant of the tone curve to make extremely precise Shadow adjustments.
Quick Brushes
Use the new Quick Brushes pop-up menu in the Adjustments toolbar to gain immediate access to 15 ready-to-use brushes for the most common enhancement tasks. Quick Brushes include Skin Smoothing, Polarize, Intensify Contrast, Tint, and others.

Busy time ahead for Sam’s Tours
Digital Photo Center...the Kids have arrived!

It is buzzing with Kids and adults at Sam’s Tours in Palau THE PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP has started...fun and education for Children another first for Palau and Sam’s Tours.

But with the state of the art equipped Digital Photo Center the Kids should have no problems managing & downloading their photos.

Sam's Tours Digital Photography Center is fully equipped to cater to digital photographers of all interest levels from those with handy “point-and-shoot” cameras to the most demanding digital photographers shooting in RAW format. Our six top of the line Apple iMac workstations are loaded with terabytes and terabytes of storage, archiving and secure data back up systems, lots of RAM, and completely optimized for digital imaging with Apple Aperture image management software, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Bridge, Toast, and topped off with DSL Wi-Fi internet access. No other photo center in Palau comes near!
Our rental equipment includes the latest Canon Powershot SD850 digital cameras and Canon ZR830 mini digital video cameras complete with underwater housings, large storage media, plenty of additional batteries, and full service support from our professionally trained Photo Center staff.

Other Photo Center amenities include a padded and dry camera prep table, battery charging stations, 110V and 220V electrical supply, separate camera rinse tanks, camera drying station equipped with towels and compressed air, and secure storage for your housings, equipment cases and other accessories.

© Gunther Deichmann - color below the waves, my son
Mark-Lee during one of his first dives
a few yeas ago in Palau, near Blue Corner

The Kids Sea Camp is Locally sponsored by Continental Airlines, Palau Royal Resort and Sea Passion Hotel & of course Sam’s Tours.

This is another first for Palau the first one being the Shark Sanctuary...not only is Palau a Shark Sanctuary but now contributing to Children’s education... learning about our environment while having real fun.

Photo © Courtesy Sam’s Tours - the Kids have arrived...


© Courtesy Sam’s Tours - the Kids have arrived...
Dermot Keane the GM of Sam’s Tours during the opening Ceremony.

Special thanks to all the International sponsors: Sport Diver Magazine - PADI Diving Society - PADI Project Aware - SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics - Sea Life Camera - DAN Divers Alert Network. LINK to more Photos from the Kids Sea Camp in Palau

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the Rock Islands, Palau

Good luck to all Kids and adults who joined
this fun trip to Palau...
have lots of fun and be good!

The tiny Nation of Palau has taken the first step...

No more... © Gunther Deichmann - Archive Image published as the Photo of the week in Stern Magazine and other world wide publication last year. Today Palau declared the first World Shark Sanctuary at the United Nations.

The Image above that made headlines around the world, but NOT from Palau. The tiny Micronesian Nation setting an example for the rest of the world. My respect and congratulation to President Johnson Toribiong and the Government of Palau for taken this unprecedented step in the conservation of our endangered sharks.
I sincerely hope that other Nation will follow and stop this cruel and inhumane killing of our Sharks, I am very proud to be associated with Palau and its conservation policies.
Check out the Palau Shark Sanctuary Website at: http://www.sharksanctuary.com/index.html
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Breaking News and a breakthrough in Conservation
from Palau Micronesia! Palau Does Care!


© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the famous 70 islands in Palau, for more
images on Palau please visit my PhotoShelter Gallery at:
Gallery 1 Gallery 2 aerials Gallery 3 aerials

Palau President Toribiong has announced only a few hours ago at the UN in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY ! This is a milestone in the conservation and preservation of Sharks in Palau, setting an example for the rest of the World. More information and updates as they become available soon.

The original message:
Just been advised that Palau President Johnson Toribiong will announce in 30 minutes at the UN Conference in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY !!!!!!!!!!! 

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the famous 70 islands in Palau, for more
images on Palau please visit my PhotoShelter Gallery at: Marine Life

Excerpts from the announcement by President Johnson Toribiong;
As many as 100 million sharks are killed each year around the world."These creatures are being slaughtered and are perhaps at the brink of extinction unless we take positive action to protect them," said President Toribiong.
Other related LINKS:

http://www.palautours.com/

http://www.palautours.com/blog.html

http://www.sharksanctuary.com/index.html

http://sharksanctuary.blogspot.com/

Geiki Gorge is an ancient reef...
with amazing colors and reflections

Geiki Gorge; this is part two (2) of places in Australia that seldom get a mention in Books or Magazines but should be on any Photographers itinerary when visiting Australia…of course that is if you have the time.
In my last Blog post I described the magic of Rainbow Valley in the Northern Territory 100 km south of Alice Springs and today we travel right across to the Kimberley’s in northwestern Australia.

© Gunther Deichmann - Geiki Gorge in the Kimberley’s northwestern Australia.

View more images from Australia at my Archives/Galleries...type in your
Keywords and you find images from over 25 Countries in my PhotoShelter archive.
There are currently some 6000 selected images in the Archive. Use this link and fill
out the search box.

But now lets travel back in time and visit Geiki Gorge, an ancient reef formed during the Devonian period, comparing modern reefs like the Great Barrier Reef to those in prehistoric times.

Geikie Gorge National Park is the most easily accessible national park in the Kimberley.
It's only 20 km outside the small Kimberley town Fitzroy Crossing, and you don't even have to leave the bitumen to get to the gorge. (It's a 280 km drive from Derby and 390 km from Broome.)
The mighty Fitzroy River has carved a 30 meter deep gorge into the remains of the ancient limestone barrier reef that existed here in the Devonian period.
When the Fitzroy is in full flood during the wet season it covers the whole national park. Those floods rise over 16 metres up the gorge walls and the continuous rise and fall of the water has left the bottom of the walls bleached white, an intriguing sight which makes Geikie Gorge very popular with photographers.

Geiki Gorge is an ancient reef but unlike modern reefs, which are built by corals, algae and a group of now extinct lime-secreting organisms built the bulk of this reef.

© Gunther Deichmann - Aerial View of The Great Barrier Reef north Queensland on
the East Coast of Australia, a “modern reef” in Geology terms compare to Geiki Gorge.


© Gunther Deichmann - our reefs today, above image photographed in the Philippines

Ranging from atolls of a few hectares to hundreds of square kilometers, the reef platforms grew close to sea level, rising 200 meters or more above the sea floor.
As the ocean floor slowly subsided over the 50 million years of the Devonian period, the reef-building organisms were able to keep pace, building up and up until, in places, the reef became more than two kilometers thick.

The limestone ranges, formed from the ancient barrier reef, wind across the country between 50 and 100 meters above the surrounding plains, in much the same way that the reef would have reared above the Devonian sea floor. From the air, it's easy to imagine that the sea has just withdrawn, leaving the reefs uncovered.
Here, layers of fossils and the limestone strata of an ancient reef are exposed in cross section, showing glimpses of life in the Devonian period before reptiles or mammals evolved.
GD

Aerial shot from 31,000 feet of Puerto Galera & Environs by:
Copyright © Rod Andrewartha - All rights reserved, this image
can’t be reproduced in any way electronically or otherwise.
Digital Watermark protected.

The photograph above was taken from the flight deck of a Qantas Boeing 747-400 while enroute from Hong Kong to Melbourne in Austarlia. The aircraft was directly above Verde Island at an altitude of 31,000 feet and maneuvering around thunderstorms, in a perfect position for a photograph of Puerto Galera.
The photographer, Rod Andrewartha, is a pilot with Qantas and a part-time photographer. He’s a regular visitor to Puerto Galera on diving and underwater photography trips. He believes the photo should be shared with all those who have come to love Puerto Galera, visitors and locals alike, and is making it available for purchase.

The price is US$ 49.95 for a 16 inch x 20-inch print, plus postage and packaging.
If you would like to order a print, contact Rod for details at:
sales@rodandrewartha.com.au
He will pack the print in a protective tube and post it to anywhere in the world.
For more info go to:
www.pbase.com/andrewartha & www.rodandrewartha.com.au

© Courtesy of La Laguna Beach Club & Dive Center

So, why don’t you book your next Dive Vacation with La Laguna Beach Club & Dive Center, say hi to Frank & Donno, if you lucky you might run into Rod, but if he is not around you can always purchase a nice Print of this great aerial shot at LLBC.
The accommodation is great too, plus there is always a cold beer waiting for you at the cool Gecko Bar overlooking the nice sandy beach at small La Laguna, the perfect spot for sunset.

© Courtesy of La laguna Beach Club & Dive Center

For our dive friends and Underwater Photographers, La Laguna Beach Club & Dive Center has some of the best “Critter Spotters” on their staff. Take my word for it, I have been using these dive guides from LLBC for many years and some of the images I took would not have been possible without their help and eagle eyes.
Thanks again to Rod for sharing this amazing image with us.
GD

______________________________________________

Just one more…

....yes you’re on the right website… we have changed the front/intro page on my main website, http://www.deichmann-photo.com/ I hope you like it.

My theme and philosophy has always been…Light is Photography…photography is light.
Natural light…mysterious, magical or just awesome, it is natures gift to man… however controlling it can be a challenge without a doubt.

The new front page of my website is a small token of how we perceive and interpret light as we see it through our eyes, a simple concrete wall in the backyard of our building with a light shaft from the adjourning building lasting for only 30 minutes demonstrates this well.
When I took this image I thought it could work for my web front page, which needed a new look anyway. Using the D700 Nikon at f: 5.6 exposing between the light and shadow part of the wall, then imported into Aperture 2 adjusted the shadow and highlights a bit, applied a little sharpening and a new background/intro page for my main website was created.
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/
GD

A Special & exclusive Travel Report from Palau Micronesia,
& if you visit Palau make sure you don’t forget your Camera.


© Gunther Deichmann - just relaxing... awesome Palau Waterfall

Palau the hidden Crown Jewel in the Pacific…never heard about it? About time we introduce you to one of the most charming places on Earth… some call it… the forgotten Paradise!
Palau has been in the NEWS lately with the Detainees from Guantánamo Bay, Discovery Channel or the French Survivor Series, produced only recently on the Islands.
Why only now everybody is talking about it? I guess some of them have seen the sheer beauty now and come to realize its amazing ecosystem, seldom found anywhere else on this Planet.

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial of the Rock Islands

I have been traveling to Palau the past 15 years and I still cant get enough of its beauty above and below the waves. Quoted as one, if not the Best Dive destination in the world.
Like a child in a candy shop, I am like that every time I travel to Palau, discovering new things all the time…it is just awesome.

© Gunther Deichmann - watch Turtles swim by, Blue Corner Palau


© Gunther Deichmann - colors below the waves, Blue Corner

The information below is courtesy of Palautours.com containing information how to get there and a very brief inside of this truly remarkable place. For all our Camera enthusiast we highly recommend Sam’s Tour’s Digital Photo Center which is fully equipped with iMac Computers and state of the art Software like Aperture, plus an in-house Video facility operated by award-winning High Definition Underwater Filmmaker and Digital Video Producer, Dr. Nick Martorano, Ph.D.
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© Gunther Deichmann - “arriving in Palau”

There are many ways to get to Palau and flying direct is not always the most economical or timely method. Many guests that fly in from the states catch a flight out of L.A. or San Francisco to Japan and then catch a flight from Japan to Guam (there are multiple flights a day from Japan flying into Guam) and then Guam to Palau. The use of frequent flyer miles is also available, remember to book early or have a great travel agent if you are trying to go that route.
Continental Micronesia is the major airline of Micronesia and flies into Palau 6 days a week: 2 times a day on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays; and once a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. (Please note: these schedules are subject to change it is advisable to check with your airlines first)
They have service from Guam 6 days a week, with connections to and from Yap on Wednesdays and Sundays. There is service to and from Palau from Manila, Philippines (this seems to be the best way to travel to Palau from Asia or Europe); twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is service to and from Kaoshiung and Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesdays and Saturdays; and service to and from Taipei, Taiwan on Thursdays and Sundays on Far Eastern Air Transport (or FAT Airline). Japan Airlines (JAL) has flights to and from Palau twice a month.

Palau offers you the world's most beautiful tropical paradise. Famous for its diving, Palau is rated as one of the world's best diving destinations by scuba aficionados. And why not...Palau has unspoiled reefs, caves, and walls with the most amazing array of marine life you can ever imagine.

© Gunther Deichmann - get close to Marine life.

Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most
awesome natural wonders.

Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish. Forests, waterfalls and caves that have never been ravaged by man, and hundreds of islands of the purest beauty abound all along our pristine archipelago.

© Gunther Deichmann - swim with jelly fish and not getting stung.

Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most awesome natural wonders. Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish.

© Gunther Deichmann - hire a Helicopter and get a Birds-eye View.

Palau. To many the name conjures up images of lush jungles atop mushroom-shaped limestone islands surrounded by turquoise waters so abundant with life that it is nearly impossible to ingest it all. With magnificent reefs that contain over 1300 species of fish and 400 species of coral, it is no surprise that it is recognized as one of the best and most consistent places to see a huge diversity and abundance of both small tropical fish and large pelagic predators.

© Gunther Deichmann - Explore amazing Palau by Kayaks

There are several reasons for Palau's diversity of life, particularly the marine life, with some of the major factors being the variety of habitats and reef structures as well as its location. Between the coastal mangroves of Babeldaob and the outer reef walls of the Ngemelis and Pelelui, exists an extensive shallow and deep water lagoon containing limestone islands, sheltered marine lakes, and narrow passages that provide a mixture of different habitats that support a variety of fish and coral. Further, the ranges of reef structures, from sheer vertical walls to underwater caves provide numerous places for species to live. If the diversity of habitats in Palau is poised to accommodate a terrific amount of marine life, its location is the reason that much of the marine life made it here in the first place. Palau resides just outside of the ‘Coral Triangle' an area recognized as the center of marine biodiversity and has three major bodies of water converge on the island. To the east is the Pacific Ocean, to the west the Philippine Sea, and to the south, the Celebes Sea.

© Gunther Deichmann - paradise is waiting for YOU.

As the Pacific Ocean, the Philippine and Celebes Seas circulate, the potential to bring larva of coral, fish, and invertebrates to Palau from different parts of the Indo-Pacific region is very high.

© Gunther Deichmann -have your own Island

Terrestrially, Palau has one of the most diverse assemblages of flora and fauna in Micronesia The different geology, predominantly the limestone Rock Islands and the large volcanic main island of Babeldaob provide excellent substrate for a diverse number of trees, plants, birds, and reptiles. There are over 1250 species of plants, 140 species of birds (including 8 endemic species), and 50 species of amphibians and reptiles (including the largest reptile, the Saltwater Crocodile, (Crocodylus porosus ). With all of the diversity in Palau , both above and below the water, it will amaze even the most seasoned naturalist.

© Gunther Deichmann - enjoy the Spa at the Palau Pacific Resort.


© Gunther Deichmann - see You soon in Palau Micronesia.

See pages after pages with stunning images and information on Palau @ http://www.palautours.com/
You can Check also with the Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) for more local information once you have arrived in Palau.
For an Birds-eye view of Palau check out Palau Helicopters @ http://www.palautours.com/palauheli-other.html

© Gunther Deichmann - this juvenile Frogfish is
only around one centimeter in length

The original Image had been scanned & stored as digital file in tiff format on my external hard drive, I just imported the file into Aperture 2 made minor correction & a long forgotten image became a life again.

Frogfish Memories
Posted by Gunther Deichmann on May 21, 2009 in Blog, Destinations, Marine Life,
FINS Online

While going through my archives the other day I came across an image from film days, and I fondly recalled the story behind this photograph.
It was during a night dive in Anilao in the Philippines that I spotted this amazing miniature frogfish, around one centimeter in length. But…since it was near the end of our dive, I had run out of film. I cursed and blew bubbles in frustration.
Since it was a shallow dive, my guide and I still had plenty of air, so I signaled to him, then went back up to the boat to change film.
Crazy, I know…the things you do for a shot sometimes. However, my main concern at the time was how to find this little guy again. He was so tiny and could’ve easily disappeared.

After I changed film and went back down to where my trusted dive guide was waiting for me, it took a while, but we found the little frogfish again.
After I took three shots, he disappeared into a crevice. We waited a few minutes before surfacing and heading back to the resort for a well deserved beer.
GD

Congratulation to Nick and his Team, Nick is the
Chief Diver for PT Nautik Recovery Asia !
(in the Photo Nick is the one wearing a black & red wetsuit)

We picked up this report from the German newspaper Bild.de Unfortunately the text is only in German but have a look at some of the Photos.
1.5 tons of Silver Coins, Gold jewelry, Canons, Crystal and Ming Porcelain valued at over 10 million US Dollars.
Photos and more info from the recent discovered wreck in Borneo.

Below excerpts in German from the article:

„Zuerst sieht alles auf dem Meeresboden nur verkrustet und wertlos aus. Aber wenn du dann den Schatz in den Händen hältst, ist das ein unbeschreiblicher Adrenalinstoß. Man wird Zeuge vergangener Zeiten...“
Martin Wenzels (42) Augen leuchten, wenn er in seinem Dresdner Büro der Immobilienfirma WIP von seinem kostspieligen Hobby erzählt. Der Lebemann (Mercedes CL500, 60-qm-Büro mit Billardtisch und weißen Ledersofas) ist im „Zweitberuf“ Schatztaucher.
Und hat jetzt mit seinem Partner Klaus Keppler (71, gebürtig aus Freiburg) den ganz großen Fang gemacht: Sie fanden das Wrack des Piratenschiffes „Forbes“, das 1806 vor Borneo sank.
Darin: 1,5 Tonnen Silbermünzen, Goldschmuck, Kanonen, Kristall, Ming-Porzellan. Wert der Münzen allein: bis zu 10 Mio. Dollar!
More at BILD.de

From the Thar Desert in India to remote places in Palawan, Philippines, the
GPS from MotionX on your iPhone is the perfect travel companion.


© Gunther Deichmann - Composite image;
find and mark your location, listening
to your music at the same time.

There are so many applications for the iPhone but this one is super cool! Slick integration allows you not only to find your way but listen to Music direct from the software via iTunes, plus so much more. Read below an article from a very happy Dive Instructor in Palawan Philippines, finding those dive sites again is a breeze now.

A few months ago I introduced my good buddy Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center & Club Paradise to the iPhone and recommended at the same time some cool applications including the GPS from MotionX, with Facebook and Twitter integration.
It is your Global Position System on your iPhone!
After some weeks he strolled into my place again and I ask him, hey how is the iPhone?
…oh buddy, real good and I love the GPS, better than all those expensive ones I have been using on my Boats.
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Read below Dirk’s comments:
I am totally amazed how great this software is, the Dugong Dive Center has 3 big dive boats and I have one GPS for each boat from well-known companies. They are complicated to use in particular for my boat Crew.
Then I brought my iPhone, Gunther gave me a crash curse on the iPhone and installed the GPS from Motion X. A few days later during a dive trip my Boat Captain and myself tried it out on my Boat the “Toshina”, we where both amazed.

© Gunther Deichmann - Coron Island Bay, Palawan Philippines

Easy to use, there is no need for studying any manuals. You can go from page to page and the connection to Google maps makes it even more enjoyable looking at the current location.
Like some music in the background? No problems you even have a page with iTunes!
Need a Photo from a waypoint? No problem either, you can find it anytime on your recorded track. (with exact time and location in your logbook)

© Gunther Deichmann - easy to find
those dive sites again.

Finding satellites is very easy and fast, plus the position, speed and signals are very accurate and well displayed, the build in compass works accurate too.
Battery consumption can be a little problem but external battery packs for the iPhone or a charger on the boat can solve those problems easy.
No need for an expensive and complicated GPS, the one from MotionX is doing just fine, the only problem is… I have 3 boats but only one iPhone…at the moment that is, ha, ha.

© Gunther Deichmann - beautiful secluded beaches in Palawan.
Natures Paradise and the last frontier in the Philippines.

Dirk Fahrenbach is the Owner and Dive Instructor from Dugong Dive Center at Club Paradise
Palawan Philippines, it is also the only place in the Philippines where you can watch/dive with Dugongs in the wild.
http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/

For all the details on this GPS go to your iTunes store or check out the website from MotionX
http://news.motionx.com/category/motionx-gps/

But that is not all stay connected all the time with MotionX GPS and share with:
Facebook: To enable Facebook posts, log in using the “Connect With Facebook” button on the share setup screen. If you have a Facebook account, enter your login information in the “Connect to Facebook” window that opens. You can logout at any time, again from the share setup page, by touching the Logout button.
Twitter: To enable Twitter posts, log in using the Login button on the share setup screen. If you have a Twitter account, enter your login information in the “Twitter Login” window that opens. You can logout at any time, again from the share setup page, by touching the Logout button.

MotionX Featured in:
Wall Street Journal, New York Times, BusinessWeek, USA Today, iPhone Blogs, Gizmodo, Engadget, Time, Newsweek

© Gunther Deichmann - impressive... interesting vegetation and
texture at the main entrance to the Oceanarium, this Outdoor area
houses also the Philippine Crocodile.

Inside the Oceanarium.

© Gunther Deichmann - some very interesting and educational
life displays, Embryos still in the Eggs.

Experience a slice of ocean life! Enjoy a 25-meter walk along an underwater tunnel and experience how marine animals interact with each other in their natural habitat.
So off we went today to check it out; my verdict not bad for Manila and certainly an education on Marine life for children and adults alike. If you plan a visit make sure you pick a weekday as the crowd can get quiet heavy on weekends, or in the morning it is not so bad either.
I guess it is still fairly new so you can expect a lot of visitors for the time being, getting some clean shots with my camera was almost imposable, but then I had the boys with me, defiantly a priority today.

© Gunther Deichmann - Brandon checking out the Lion fish in
one of the big display tanks.
Available light since flash photography is not allowed.

We took our time and spend some 2 hours wondering around checking on various critters and of course the highlight been the large Rays and Sharks.

© Gunther Deichmann - cruising overhead in
the Tunnel area a large Ray

The Nikon D700 was set on 1600 ISO, another great test drive, the shots came out OK with except able noise at this high ISO setting, the most difficult part was to get clean shots due to the large crowd. All images taken with available light, like with most other Oceanariums and Aquariums, flash photography is not permitted.
Now the Boys went to sleep and I am sorting out today’s take in Aperture 2, Twitter has left already via the Plug in.
All the images have been processed in Aperture 2 and have not been altered in any way or using another software.
However two of the indoor images have been treated with the Aperture 2 plug in, Noise Ninja.
As for the Nikon D700, I am impressed again!

© Gunther Deichmann - educational electronic touch
boards are through out the main display area

From an educational point of View…not bad and a good start in the Philippines, creating awareness to the public of our fragile Oceans.
The commercial shopping mall and Restaurant areas need for sure some more improvements, I found this part disappointing.
Also the boot ride to view some of the larger animals from the top was way to expensive for the given 10 min. this is actually a waste of money and time, you’re better off to spend more time below in the Aquarium area.
Lets keep in mind, this is all very new, and construction is ongoing for more facilities including a Hotel. The Oceanarium is for sure worth the visit and a good way of educating your children about our marine life, this part is well done and quiet impressive.
You can’t or should not compare it with Oceanariums in Japan, Australia or in the US, but it is a good start for Manila.
GD

Sunday the 17 of May, the last Aperture 2 seminar in the open area at the Thailand Dive and Travel Expo, a very interesting crowd and some photographer even brought their MacBook Pro’s with them. The scheduled one-hour basic Aperture 2 seminar turned into a serious two-hour session.

Later in the week I also caught up with my long time friends, well known Photo-Journalist John Everingham and Chris Ryan in Bangkok, talked about the good old days and chatting way over a few beers overlooking the Chao Phraya River which flows through the heart of Bangkok.

Tony Wu’s Sunday Seminar on Underwater Photography at TDEX

Tony is getting ready for his Underwater Photography Seminar

Even a Buddhist Monk showed up at the TDEX...thinking about going diving?

After the show we carried on until the early hours in the morning at our Hotel Coffee Shop

John Everingham, GD and Chris Ryan, cooling of with some
Beers at the Chao Phraya River

This is the nice part about Travel Photography catching up with old friends and making new ones, tomorrow it is back to Manila where I have a lot more work to do on my India Project...but more on that later.
Special thanks again to the organizers from the TDEX and of course to Mean and Aye from Fins for making my stay in Bangkok so enjoyable.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - yesterdays sunset from our Hotel Roof
Sukhumvit Road Bangkok

As you might know I am currently in Bangkok attending the TDEX show with my good friends from FINS, I have to admit I am pleasantly surprised at the show and the attendance, it is quiet a crowd.
For an in depths report you have to check out the FINS website at: http://www.finsonline.com/
there you find the latest Blogs, Videos and information from this years TDEX show, plus a lot more.

© Gunther Deichmann - the crowd at the TDEX Bangkok, Thailand

The Fins Team is working non stop conducting live interviews which will be featured on their website, I keep myself busy with some Aperture 2 Seminars on Saturday and Sunday explaining the basics on Aperture. What is Aperture 2 and how it can help you in your Photography.

Sharing a last minute joke with Mean from FINS, before the start of my
Aperture 2 seminar. Mean did a great job with all the translations for our Thai audience

Tony Wu a world class underwater Photographer is having his own Seminars on basic Underwater Photography and how to light your subjects below the waves.
Check out Tony’s stunning underwater images at: http://www.tonywublog.com/

© Gunther Deichmann - Tony Wu during his Underwater Photography seminar

I keep this blog short today, have to run for my Sunday session on Aperture, but before I do I like to take this opportunity and thank Fins and the TDEX organizers for inviting me to this truly great show in Thailand.

Aye explaining some equipment from Light & Motion,
Underwater Housing and Lighting equipment

The FINS Team hard at work, from left: Tony Wu, Mean and Aye

Once I have returned I post some more images and stories from this years TDEX show in Bangkok.
GD

The original Video is part of a high end DVD available (order base) at Club Paradise composed of three different sequences. Edited and sound by Gunther Deichmann using GarageBand, Soundtrack Pro and Royalty released tracks from Sounddogs created on a MacPro using iMovie ’06 (yes the good old iMovie 06) with some additional Plug-ins.
All the footage taken in Palawan at different Dive Sites, the majority being at the Club Paradise House Reef, only meters away from your accommodation.
The full Video (DVD) has 20:18 minutes of great Marine Life; “Dancing Cuttle Fish”, Turtles, Dugongs and all the Critters you can imagine captured on this truly great Video by Dirk. Unfortunately YouTube only allows us to run 10 min., the full version 20:18 min. will be uploaded in a few days into the Video Gallery of Dirk’s Website @ http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/
I am sure once you have seen the Underwater World from this exotic destination you pack your Dive gear and book your next trip to Club Paradise and Dive with Dirk at Dugong Dive Center.
Hey, don’t forget your Underwater Housing for your Video Cam or Camera, try to get some of those great underwater images at this truly remarkable place.

GD
Visit YouTube for a preview and the 8:52 min. version @
http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMEJOURNEY
Broadband DSL recommended.

Contacts us @
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/blog.html
http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/

I have also fixed a few things on my Commercial Photography site…we had a few problems but now I am running iWeb ’09,which is super slick by the way, the new WIDGETS are just awesome; HTML Snipet,Google Maps, RSS Feed, YouTube, Google AdSense, iSight Movie, iSight Photo, Countdown, All is Ok now, so why dont you check it out...best viewed on Safari.
http://web.mac.com/gdimages/gdimages/Home.html

The NEW iLife ‘09 is so cool from what I have tried out and seen, super improvements, but more on that later need to do some more test driving.

The cool Widgets in iWeb ‘09

On or about the 15th of this month I am going to introduce you to our very first “UNDEREXPOSED” guy, Massimo Casal from Hanoi in Vietnam.
Stay tuned for our first special on The Underexposed” and a lot more very Interesting topics including iLife ’09.
GD
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/

Thoughts for the New Year


Courtesy © Tony Wu

Welcome to 2009! It’s a brand new year, albeit one that looks like it’s not going to be the most pleasant one in recent memory, but an opportunity nonetheless to reflect upon recent events and think about what the coming months hold in store.
Over the past week or so, I’ve been contemplating (among other things) the direction that the world of underwater photography is taking, specifically the trends affecting the photography world in general, and what those trends mean for marine photographers, both professionals and enthusiasts.
I thought it worth sharing some thoughts on this topic for my first blog post of the year.
Before proceeding, please note that the following is intended primarily for my underwater photography peers and aspiring underwater photographers. If you don’t fall into this (limited) universe of people, feel free to read on, but if you get bored, don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Read the complete article and click the LINK below...by the way I did not get bored...
http://www.tonywublog.com/20090101/thoughts-for-the-new-year.html#comment-2977

In Support of:
THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE SHARK 2009!

… was inspired by the finding that at the current rate of decline, certain shark species will be extinct in 10 to 15 years. In large regions, species that were once numerous have fallen to 1% of their original numbers. Studies of open ocean sharks estimate 80 to 90% of heavily fished
species are gone. Yet these intelligent animals, also called the “Wolves of the Sea” are still fished intensively, and finned for “shark fin soup.” The oceans have evolved over hundreds of millions of years with sharks as apex predators, so their loss will destroy oceanic health.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD:

http://www.year-of-the-shark-2009.org/

SAVE SHARKS FROM
E XTINCTION

© Gunther Deichmann - Shark from Palau Micronesia
http://www.deichmann-photo.com

Sam's Tours in Palau Micronesia wins PVA's Tour Operator of the Year Award 2008!

I am happy and proud to be associated with Sam’s Tours in Palau Micronesia who has just received the Tour Operators of the Year Award.
Congratulations to Sam’s Tours!

Sam’s Tours location in Palau Micronesia
click this LINK or the image and go direct to the Digital Photo Center

You might remember my involvement in setting up this truly unique Digital Photo Center at Sam’s Tours at the beginning of the Year.
The Digital Photo Center has some six Apple iMacs fully loaded with software including Aperture plus a complete backup system for all your needs. The Center is Wi-Fi connected and can transfer all your images and Videos to your iPod. Small Digital Cameras with underwater housings are also available for rent.
Then there is Ocean Wonders Video Service at Sam's Tours operated by award-winning High Definition Underwater Filmmaker and Digital Video Producer, Dr. Nick Martorano, Ph.D. Nick is also available for professional work including underwater digital videography services, digital video editing, post-production and final output assignments.
Sam’s Tours the premier Dive Center in Palau Micronesia, a Photographers haven above and below the waves!
GD
See the official Press release below...

Sam's Tours - TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR!

The Palau Visitors Authority (PVA), Palau's official tourism board, announced their selection of Sam's Tours as "TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR" for 2008. The announcement and award presentation took place during the Annual Christmas Gala of the Belau Tourism Association (BTA), Palau's private sector tourism industry association, recently held at the Palau Pacific Resort.
Awarding winning is not new to Sam’s Tours which has been consistently recognized over the years not only by government and industry bodies for their commitment to development of sustainable tourism in Palau but also by their customers for consistent service excellence. In 2007 Sam's Tours received a Top 10 Sponsor Award from PVA for "their continual support and sponsorship" and in 2006 the private sector Belau Tourism Association recognized Sam's Tours with their Outstanding Member Award for their "dedication, support and commitment over the years to Belau Tourism Association and its objectives.”
The readers of a leading international dive magazine have recognized Sam’s Tours more than any other dive center in Palau or Micronesia with seven “Readers Choice Awards” since 1997 including a Gold List Award for top dive center, top staff, and top value.
Sam’s Tours is the first and only dive center in Palau to receive the Palau Conservation Society “Ten Year Partner in Conservation Award” and is a Corporate Sponsor of the Palau Shark Sanctuary, a shark conservation organization founded in 2001 by Sam’s Tours General Manager, Dermot Keane, to help bring an end to the destructive practice of shark-finning by foreign fishing fleets operating in Palau’s waters. The Palau Shark Sanctuary received a PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Environmental Education Gold Award for their work.
“Sam’s Tours has consistently demonstrated their long standing commitment to responsible tourism development, environmental preservation, and excellence in customer service and while recognition is not what drives us to excel, we sincerely appreciate the acknowledgment of our efforts by our industry peers and our valued customers alike” said Dermot Keane, General Manager, Sam’s Tours.

Colour Figure 16 (Villanueva & Norman) Adult Octopus cyanea in camouflage display amongst soft corals,Puerto Galera, Philippine Islands.
(Photo: Gunther Deichmann.)

© Gunther Deichmann - Truk Lagoon Micronesia 2007

Hanging like a “Chandelier” with amazing colors are the remnants of the WWII Ship wrecks in the Truk Lagoon, Micronesia, also know by its local name Chuuk. A paradise for Wreck Divers and Underwater Photographers.
The Diver below the “Chandelier” is my good friend Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center in the Philippines.

Tags: World War II, Shipwrecks, Dive Truk Lagoon, Discovery, Wreck Diving

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial near the 70 Islands, Palau Micronesia for the latest images on Palau please visit my PhotoShelter Archive click this LINK or the image above.
It comes at no surprise that Palau made it in the “Readers Choice Awards 2008” again. Operators like Sam’s Tours are part of this success having invested into a complete iMac Digital Photo Center offering their customers state of the art Photo and Video imaging opportunities. Not only for the Pros., the NEW Facility at Sam’s Tours caters also for the Hobbyist who like to take the memory home from above and below the waves, sharing the images with friends and family members.
The Facility is also fully DSL/Wi-Fi connected.
For the Pro the DPC is fully equipped with the latest digital imaging software including Aperture. Read some excepts from the DPC below, there you find also a direct link to Sam’s Tours Digital Photo Center.

The Scuba Diving Magazine Readers Choice Awards 2008

Palau, Micronesia
FIRST PLACE:
Dive Destinations
Marine Life
Big Animal Encounters
Wall Diving
Underwater Photography
Advanced Diving
TOP THREE:
Top Macro Life
Top Value
TOP FIVE:
Top Healthiest Marine Environment
Top Wreck Diving
While the Readers’ Choice Award category for individual dive operators has been discontinued in favor of destination awards, Sam’s Tours garnered a total of 8 Scuba Diving Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards beginning in 1997, including Gold List Award, Top Dive Center, Top Staff and Top Value, making Sam’s Tours the “Divers Choice” in Micronesia. Sam’s Tours is a member of the Philippines Micronesia Alliance, www.alliancediving.com

While the diving is spectacular in Palau all year round, Sam’s Tours has scheduled some additional Special Events for 2008, to offer visitors, check for detail on the website.

Click on this LINK or the image above and go direct to
Sam’s Tours Digital Photo Center

DIGITAL PHOTO CENTER at SAM'S TOURS
Sam's Tours Digital Photography Center is fully equipped to cater to digital photographers of all interest levels from those with handy “point-and-shoot” cameras to the most demanding digital photographers shooting in RAW format. Our six top of the line Apple iMac workstations are loaded with terabytes and terabytes of storage, archiving and secure data back up systems, lots of RAM, and completely optimized for digital imaging with Apple Aperture image management software, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Bridge, Toast, and topped off with DSL Wi-Fi internet access. No other photo center in Palau comes near!
Our rental equipment includes the latest Canon Powershot SD850 digital cameras and Canon ZR830 mini digital video cameras complete with underwater housings, large storage media, plenty of additional batteries, and full service support from our professionally trained Photo Center staff.
Other Photo Center amenities include a padded and dry camera prep table, battery charging stations, 110V and 220V electrical supply, separate camera rinse tanks, camera drying station equipped with towels and compressed air, and secure storage for your housings, equipment cases and other accessories.

Tags: iMac, Advance Diving, Big Animal Encounter, Macro Life, Top Wreck Diving, Readers Choice Awards 2008, Scuba Diving Magazine, Dive Destinations

The NEW Nikon D90 the very first
D-SLR with a Movie function

Photo Courtesy of Nikon Singapore
http://www.nikon.com.sg/

Photo Courtesy of Nikon Singapore
http://www.nikon.com.sg/

Lets wait and see once it is out there, but the movie option is very cool and I guess a nice if not perfect addition for our Underwater Photographers. Now you can shoot all your Digital images just like before but have the option for Video too. Nice... going Nikon!

B ut the downside is... running out of air during the dive…we have plenty storage available with the latest CF cards, they getting bigger and bigger and now with the new video option never a dull moment underwater.
But there is also a bigger risk and we should be aware of it…you must keep an eye on your gauges, check you air supply regular. We all know to well when we have this great shot in front of us, and say oh just one more…one more…just one more...
To late we realize that we dont have enough air left for our Deco or Safety stops or in the worst case we find ourselves to deep and just run out of Air..Not even the greatest shot is worth taken that risk...remember it is your life.
You have this great shot but cant share it with anyone, because you and your Camera are missing in the DEEP.
Digital Cameras with large CF Cards 8Mb and more have increased the risk of scuba diving today, plus now a Video option.
The size of our regular Dive Tanks has stayed the same and decompression sickness is not going away.
Take some great images with the same Camera plus Video now, very easy, but don’t forget about you and your buddy’s safety.

© Gunther Deichmann - Our living Fossil the Nautilus from Palau Micronesia, and what better place than to Dive with Sam’s Tours which is fully equipped with the state of the Art Digital Photo Center. For more info click on the banner Ad or on the images and go direct to Sam’s Tours Digital Photo Center.


© Gunther Deichmann - a Turtle cruising near Blue Corner, Dive Palau Micronesia with Sam’s Tours who has the only Pro Digital Photo Center in Micronesia with the latest Software, Camera and Video rentals plus is Wi-Fi connected.

I am sure Canon will follow shortly and the manufactures of Underwater Housings must be going mad by now, it is a very competitive business with all those new Camera Models rolling of the assembly line year after year.
As soon I get any news on the latest Underwater Housings I let you know, or check with DivePhotoGuide.com my good buddy Jason Heller is usually very quick with the latest in Underwater Photography. Here is the link: http://www.divephotoguide.com/

© Gunther Deichmann - Napoleon Wrasse and Sharks. Great wall diving in Palau Micronesia, but be careful and watch you gauges make sure you have enough air for you safety and/or deco stop. A real problem in todays Digital Underwater Photography is, when to say NO to another Photo.
Of course all of this is not a problem for our land Photographers...would I use the new feature? Yes, for my Podcast for sure. Once I had the chance to give it a test drive I let you know what is possible.
For other images by Gunther Deichmann go to: http://www.deichmann-photo.com/home.html

Tags: D-SLR, Photokina , Decompression sickness, Safety Stop, Digital Photography Preview, Compact Flash Cards

© Gunther Deichmann - Pictured in this photo of a coral in the family Favites is a pair of coral gobies (Pleurosicya micheli).
Symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, and specialized pigments that protect them from harmful U/V light combine to produce amazing colors in many species of Corals.

Tags: Corals, Alien, U/V light, Marine Biology

Blog Post from the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance
Late Breaking NEWS...finally our updated and improved website is up and running at alliancediving.com the Divers Choice
22/08/08 14:14 Filed in: Breaking NEWS | Alliance News
Finally our NEW and improved website is up and running...more info, a cool Photo Gallery,easier direct bookings with all our Partners, easy to book and choose our dive,travel and adventure packages plus a lot more and all of this in nine languages. You might have to refresh your Browser and update your cache.
Please go ahead and check it out, our domain name is the same except for the facelift...www.alliancediving.com

Some images from the NEW and updated PMA website, click on the image
above and go direct to the New Gallery @ www.alliancediving.com

Tags: Philippine-Micronesia Alliance, The Divers Choice, Digital Photo Center Palau, Underwater Cameras, Adventure Travel Tours

© Gunther Deichmann - “Our Environment” the image was
created in Photoshop to ilustrate our fragile environment.

Thanks again to all who have responded to this discussion…if nothing else comes out of it at least we have tried to guide new and not so experience Underwater Photographers in the right direction explaining about our precious Marine Life and to follow the rules of engagement, Don’t Touch.
The mention article in Fins Magazine is not only a guide but it is extremely educational for new and Pro Underwater Photographers.
Maybe National Geographic Magazine should publish an article, but this time not with pretty images but explaining the Do and Don’t which could be very educational to the million of readers they have.

Last but not least…let me quote one example from the recent article in Fins Magazine; did you know? Don’t take to many shots of each Animal. You know how a Camera Flash from a few meters away can blind you? The same flash can kill Pigmy Seahorses.
Not only that… I have seen large Fan corals completely destroyed by irresponsible “Underwater Photographers” to get this shot of the Pigmy Seahorse.
Now everything is gone.
GD

See below a letter from Lee Goldman a Marine Biologist…

I was hesitant to write a reply to the blog about the nudibranchs, mostly because, as you know, I agree with your points.
Recently, however, a response was written about your blog from SM Jayabalan, a response that I don’t necessarily agree with. First off, would people’s lives be less enriched or ‘disadvantaged’if they don’t ever see a nudibranch? Well, it depends, right? Perhaps they won’t make more money at work or solve the reasons for why the kids get tattoos early in life, but to see the nudibranch may provoke a direction in their lives that lead towards responsibility to the environment even if on a personal level. How many times before have we heard that a photograph inspires? What if the particular person who appreciates the nudibranch is 18 years old and has an epiphany that leads towards a career in marine biology; where he studies nudibranchs and does work to protect them (and their environment)? It is slightly irresponsible for the author of the response to say that the photo of a nudibranch won’t do anything for anybody. Could a photo of the nudibranch in its natural environment do the same thing? Perhaps, but I know of thousands of photos of Ayer’s Rock and for each one, five-thousand people prefer it over all the others. Is that justification for moving marine organisms around? I don’t know, but then again, if none of them were harmed, nor their lives dramatically changed (or changed at all for that matter) then it boils down to other areas of concern…not at all whether it had an affect (or not) on the viewer of the photograph.
The statement about a percentage of millions of people whose new perspective of nudibranchs is that they live in white walled sections of the reef…with piped music? When you go to an aquarium how many people above the age of seven do you think believe all of the fish live in glassed tanks in the ocean? This is a huge stretch that not even a good lawyer could sell a jury. What percentage? As a marine biologist, professional aquarist, and professional dive guide I have had my share of folks who needed a lesson in the most basics of the ocean and marine-life, but never have I encountered someone who would believe such a thing as this author is suggesting. I believe NG explained this particular shoot so the audience would understand the concept as well as the natural history and habitat of the nudibranch.
You had it right from the start about the ‘message’ it sends. In the current world of marine photography, to me, the greatest area of stagnation is creativity, mostly due to everyone striving for the same picture/subject as everyone else. Don’t believe me, check out just about everyone’s portfolio; pygmy seahorse, a shark of some sort, wide angle reef scene, manta ray, turtle, nudibranch…oh, nowadays the over/under shot. David Doubilet approached a ‘worn’ subject and added a bit of creativity (and I believe entire WHY NG DID go this route). The dangerous area that this photo shoot leads to is the hundreds of less than respectful photographers with less than proper equipment, knowledge, and support doing the same thing.
We talked before about this and I told you that I felt that with the right equipment, attitude, and knowledge it can be pulled off so that nothing is harmed. I believe David Doubilet is probably one of the few photographers capable of doing this…mostly due to his inexhaustible resource for the right equipment and support. I believe the approach NG and Mr. Doubilet took was that of no disrespect to the organism. As you also know, my fear is that other folks may try and copy his work.
Lee Goldman, Marine Biologist

Tags: Fins Magazine

Incase you don’t know what a Nudibranch looks like...
© Gunther Deichmann - Nudibranch, Nembrotha kubaryana
from Puerto Galera Philippines

I have received more feedback on our Nudibranch Photography Topic...see below a very interesting letter again fom Jaya, at this point I like to express my sincere thanks to all who have replied and voiced their opinon, thank you all.
An official letter went out to the Editor in Chief at National Geographic Magazine, once we have a reply I let you know.
I think Jaya, in his letter below nailed it down...well expressed and written.
GD

From: xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Now we know…feedback from an employee at the National Geographic Magazine regarding the Photography by...
Date: July 22, 2008 10:24:30 AM GMT+08:00
To: gdeichmann@mac.com

GD,
I understand your need to re-emphasise the core message of the blog.. 'The question is NOT how great the images are.... outstanding for sure.
It is the method..."
The notion of it's for the greater good ".. the results are worth it. People who has never heard of nudibranchs before have..." , does not apply here. In it's very basic, no human life or being would have been greatly disadvantaged if that personhas never seen a nudibranch.

Secondly, if it was intention to show the world, these beautiful creatures, wouldn't it make sense to show them in their natural environment and habitat? Now we are going to have a percentage of millions who would think that nudibranchs live in a white walled background, with piped music. There are a number of great shots of the nudibranchs, taken as they were by everyday folks, that you have shown with your blog.
With a big expense budget, I'm surprised that, the powers be, opted to strip bare rather than capture as whole.

Taking a shot at John James Audubon seems like a feeble attempt to paint the current method as a lesser evil. The dead cannot defend themselves and the living should not pick on them, for whatever reasons. He did what he did, with the limited concern for the environment and wildlife, as it was in 1827. That was 181 years ago. Jennifer Love Hewitt was born 150 years too late.

All works should stand and should be defended on their own merits. The end does not justify the means, if it means, moving something from it's natural habitat, its natural environment so that a beautiful picture can be taken. No one can empathise what the slugs went through. If only the slugs could talk. If only they could move a little faster. To quote.."the danger that other underwater photographers might be encouraged to do the same in an irresponsible manner..". It is very real.

Who defines if that diver photographer has the expertise or experience to move marine life around to get a great shot so that he can post it on his blog for the world to see ?
Who draws the line? Who plays Posiedon? Where is Davy Jones and his Kraken? At the end of the day, the best option with any given experience, take nothing but pictures.

Note : My post is subject specific, my questions rhetorical and there was no intention, subtle
or sublime, to offend anyone.

SM Jayabalan

_____________________________________

Hey sorry for the late reply!
BTW: I was also on a shoot with David while he was using the “underwater studio” light box. It was cool and he was gentle and respectful
J
All the best
Jason Heller DivePhotoGuide

More Readers feed back from my Blog Post dated
07 14 & 07 19 2008.

I have received some more comments on the recent Nudibranch article in the National Geographic Magazine, I have now written an official letter to the Editor.
The question is NOT how great the images are...outstanding for sure. It is the method... and this could lead to malpractice by other Divers and Underwater Photographers thinking they can also start moving things around as mention in my first Blog. It is a real dilemma and not easy to find an answers for it. My advise to Divers and Underwater Photographers is...enjoy our Marine Life but Dont touch.
See below my reply to Marilyn’s letter and her subsequence reply again, plus an interesting email from Switzerland.
As a courtesy I have removed all the email addresses to keep them confidential and to avoid spam, however upon legitimate requests we can pass them on. All emails received are in their original form and have not been edited or translated into English.
My reply below to Marilyn’s letter from the other day, thanks again Marilyn for sharing your thoughts with us, much appreciated.

My reply...
Dear Marilyn,
thank you very much for some of the explanations, I have had a very good look at the Video and How it was done.
Great work by David but I am still a bit concerned moving the animals around, scientifically speaking not a problem and that comes across on the Video, at least I dont feel so bad anymore. It is just my concern that other Underwater Photographers might not be so careful then David. Maybe it should say in the article that this was done also for research and should not be attempted by others. I have written another blog quoting you with the links leading to the video etc.,etc.
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/blog.html Again many thanks for your input and explanations I appreciate this very much,
have a nice Day,
Cheers Gunther

_____________________________________

Marilyn’s reply…
Dear Gunther,
You're welcome, and thank you for posting my explanation on your blog. I'd hate for people to think the nudibranchs were taken out of water to make these photos. I agree that there is a danger that other underwater photographers might be encouraged to photograph these creatures in an irresponsible manner. That's the downside of doing a photo gallery like this. But for the millions of people who might otherwise never know about nudibranchs except through National Geographic's pages, I think maybe it's worth it. Perhaps if you wrote a letter to National Geographic stating your opinion they would publish it. I know other people have the same concerns you do about photographing these creatures.
At least nature photographers no longer follow the practice of John James Audubon, who shot thousands of birds to make his beautiful illustrations:
http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ilwwcm/publishing.nsf/Content/els-jh-Audubon
Best regards,
Marilyn

_____________________________________

Claudio from Switzerland wrote…
Lieber GD
Ich verstehe nur zu gut deine Meinung, die du in deinem Blog vertrittst. Auch als Nichttaucher bin ich der Meinung, dass nach all den Anstrengungen die viele Organisationen unternehmen um die Unterwasserwelt zu retten und schuetzen, dies von einem renomierten Unterwasserfotografen mit Fuessen getretten wurde. Vielleicht spielt auch wie so vieles im Leben Geld eine ausschlaggebende Rolle, die David Doubilet dazu bewogen hat, dies zu tun. Wie auch immer. Auf alle Faelle ist dies zur Nachahmung nicht zu empfehlen.
Gruss Claudio csc

_____________________________________

© Gunther Deichmann - Nudibranch, Hypselodoris bullocki (variant)

How did he achieve this? That is a very good question…you might say Photoshop…but I have heard another story…moving a complete studio underwater, tons of equipment and of course a dozen or so assistants. Wow what a budget given to him by National Geographic, however there is no way that this could have been executed without moving the Nudibranchs from their original location…
As mention in my previous blog I have seen David’s other images and one can only admire him, absolutely fantastic there is no question about it…

…read the feedback from Marilyn an employee of the National Geographic Magazine who has shed some light on the subject… certainly an interesting topic, worth while talking about it... how far we can or cant go in today’s Photography. Now it is up to you and form your own opinion after you have viewed the mention Video or checked out the other supported link… below.How did he do it.
Thanks Marilyn for sharing this with us... & if I receive any additional emails regarding this topic I post them on this Blog.
GD

More Images and info by Gunther Deichmann @
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/home.html

Readers feed back from my Blog post dated 07 14 08.
(all emails are not alterd or edited)

“Underwater Photography…a controversial subject… moving Marine Life around for a better shot. Aren’t we supposed to leave them where they are? What ever happen to the good old saying…LOOK…APPRECIATE…But Don’t Touch?”

Your Name: Marilyn Terrell
Your Email: xxxxxxxxx
For confidentially I have removed Marilyn email address.
GD
Subject: Doubilet\'s nudibranchs
Message: I read your blog about the Doubilet photos of nudibranchs in National Geographic and how he did it, which is a question many people had. He did set up an underwater studio, with a white backdrop, and he placed the nudibranchs back after he photographed them. He talks about it in his video: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/video/player?titleID=1531204600
I work at Nat Geo and I had lunch the other day with someone who\'s been diving with Doubilet and he has lots of cameras set up and several assistants and he can go from camera to camera taking photos. It\'s obviously a big expense but the results are worth it. People who never heard of nudibranchs before have this new understanding and appreciation of them through his photos.
More: http://www.notcot.com/archives/2008/07/david_doubilets.php

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Gunther,
For examples of the practice see latest National Geographic with nudibranch photos by David Dubolet.
But I trust the nudies survived this harrowing experience.
Cheers, John from Palau Micronesia

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Read the DD posting and others....any "official" response?? Very interesting!
D from Palau Micronesia

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Hi GD,
Simple, sensible, thought provoking and with a touch of passion.
I do hope people read and forward to others to create a ripple effect, and hopefully it will find it's way to Nat Geo
I would like to read their posting.
Thanks for sharing GD
Cheers!!!
Jaya
Manila Philippines

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Tags: Marine Life, Documentary Photography, National Geographic

Sorry no Aperture 2 talk today...but you might find this article very interesting.

Last night I became part of an interesting 3-hour conversation with Marc Ambat and S M Jayabalan, both are scuba divers and take underwater photos. Marc is a Chief Technical Officer working at a Top Digital production House specializing in Video FX and Jaya is the GM of Sensing Technology Corporation. So there you have it, two very intelligent and super nice people, our conversation started like this…
I mention a recent article in DivePhotoGuide.com… National Geographic has put up an online gallery of amazing nudibranch photography from our good friend David Doubilet, from the June issue. The imagery is classicly Doubilet, putting a different perspective on these amazingly diverse and colorful subjects...read more @ http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/david_doubilet

© Gunther Deichmann - a feeding Nudibranch
from Puerto Galera, Philippines
Please note all the images on this Blog have been taken the natural way
none of them have been manipulated.

This published article showcased the latest work of David Doubilet…amazing images of cool looking Nudibranchs (click the link for the images) http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/06/nudibranchs/doubilet-photography
How did he achieve this? That is a very good question…you might say Photoshop…but I have heard another story…moving a complete studio underwater, tons of equipment and of course a dozen or so assistants. Wow what a budget given to him by National Geographic, however there is no way that this could have been executed without moving the Nudibranchs from their original location,even Photoshop could have been excepted in this case but moving animals around? Maybe I am wrong then please tell me so, it is after all only my opinion.
We suppose to be responsible Divers but now we see this, David Doubilet is an outstanding Underwater Photographer if not the very best on this planet…but why is he shooting like this now? For the sake of Art or just been different?
I have seen David’s other images and one can only admire him, absolutely fantastic there is no question about it…but this Nudibranch shoot, I honestly don’t get it.
I am not the only one with this opinion, Marc and Jaya agreed with me fully hearted and I am sure there are many more out there who share this with us.

© Gunther Deichmann - a feeding Nudibranch from Puerto Galera

Here we are talking about the environment and now we start moving our precious Marine life around declaring with these images an open season for other underwater Photographers…well, if he does it, then why cant I…what is next…tied up Dugongs and Turtles? They doing it already in Palau with Crocodiles just for the thrill, some operators offering to dive with Crocodiles for a fee of course and as the saying goes “no strings attached” but in this case there are.
Yes... this is another interesting and controversial issue but at least we can voice our concern and opinion.
(read some comments in Dive PhotoGuide.com)
If this was done for some scientific research then I can understand it, great images for sure, but I am disappointed at David Doubilet and National Geographic meddling with our marine life in the not so natural way.

Click on the Image and go direct to more of Omar’s Photos
Above Photo: © Omar D. Linsangan from
Dugong Dive Center, Palawan Philippines

Think about it and form your own opinion we are in titled of that, but for Jaya, Marc and myself it was very clear…Don’t touch! Look and observe and if you like to get this magic shot become a good and responsible diver first. Even the smallest of Digital Cameras give you some amazing results…remember Omar from Dugong Dive Center and my previous Blog…he does not move things around. Isn’t this what we have been taught during our first Open Water Course with PADI or other organizations?
GD

Gunther Deichmann - Nudibranch from Dumaguete, Philippines

Tags: David Doubilet, National Geographic, Photoshop

Click on the Image and go direct to more of Omar’s Photos

Omar’s Images in Aperture 2, the red square is where you
find the info on Camera Models and a lot more...

The other day my good friend Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center dropped by and gave me this CD…hey Dirk what I am going to do with that?
There are some images from our Filipino Dive Master Omar on it, please have a look give me your opinion. Sure…I imported the images into Aperture 2 and got a real surprise…wow these are real great…what camera is he using?
Dirk replied, Oh… one of these little small ones in some sort of Housing…
After I had a good look at the images I checked on the Metadata in Aperture 2 and found out the Camera Model, it is a Canon IXY.
After importing the images I only applied a few adjustments, mainly…cropping, Auto levels and a bit of contrast…since all the images had been in JPG I had some limitations, but Omar’s shots where that good anyway that little was needed for improvements.
Again, Aperture came in very handy in editing the shots very fast and applying some basic adjustments, I created a new project and after I am done can store this one on my external drive in case we need Omar’s shots for some future publications.

Click on the Image and go direct to more of Omar’s Photos

Above Photo: © Omar D. Linsangan - mating Cuttle fish or Sepia at the house reef from Dugong Dive Center... for more info on Dugong Dive Center click on the small Banner Ad on the left. Plans are in the making for a Photoworkshop int he near future at Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center. Please stay tuned for the announcement and what better way to go diving with Omar who will find these cool critters for you.

Great shots with a small Camera and it gets to show you again what can be done with limited equipment, I guess in Underwater Photography you have to be a good Diver first, and Omar has that mastered for sure.
Dirk asks me if I could show some of Omar’s Images on my Blog and I readily agreed nice images from a very humble Dive Master. It is these people…Dive Masters and photography assistants who make our shots at times easier to get, so lets give them some credit and support their hobby and passion.
For a selection of Omar’s Images (LOW RESOLUTION ONLY)click on the Photo Gallery above (upper left) I have created another Photo Gallery for Guys like Omar, otherwise we never get to see their nice images.
GD

Tags: Dugong Dive Center, Housereef, Diving, Palawan