Off the Beaten Path
Ah, the new year. A time to contemplate how we navigated 2009, and what we learned from it. Hopefully, we will now use these lessons to help map out our plans for 2010 and beyond. As with life in general, one can apply these lessons in our hobbies—even photography.
I learned quite a few things about diving and underwater photography in 2009. For instance, I learned that being grossly underweighted, in heavy current, at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas is a really bad idea...Long story for another time, but I will certainly not make that mistake again. I learned that my dive gear, camera equipment, and my body need to be "travel and dive ready" all the time, because opportunities can present themselves at any moment. In photography, as in life, you never really know what the future holds, and should be ready to roll with the changes as gracefully as possible so you can make the best of any situation. And, don't be afraid to try something new. The results could be truly rewarding.
This month, I am going to share some of my favorite images from 2009 that are different from my "normal" work, along with some background on how I was able to capture them despite the challenges that presented themselves.
Free Diver and Air Ring
February, 2009—Cocos Island, Costa Rica
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Vortex of Jacks
February, 2009—Cocos Island, Costa Rica
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Angler Showing Off Large Rainbow Trout
September, 2009—Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
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So, that about wraps up 2009 from me. I hope this column gave you some insight into how I make my images, but more importantly, how you might make adjustments to your own shooting techniques and try new approaches in the future.
Until next time, have fun, dive safe, and have a wonderful New Year. I hope we all have a successful 2010, especially in protecting our world's oceans.
Jeff
To view more of Jeff's work, log on to www.jeffyonover.com »