© 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

_______________________________________

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

_______________________________________

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

_______________________________________

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

_______________________________________

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