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The
other side of Edge
by
Len Deeley
Reproduced
from in focus 57 (Sept.
1996)
Many
of you will be more than aware of the excellent underwater
photography of Martin Edge. However, on a recent diving trip
with him, I was able to witness his not inconsiderable skills
as a photographic model.
The
opportunity came when I joined one of his frequent photographic
courses in the Red Sea in August last year. The reason for
braving the temperatures of high summer in Egypt was to reach
the Brothers, two islands about 80 miles south of Hurghada
and 32 miles offshore.
Although
we did reach our main objective, the rough seas and the lack
of shelter meant that diving with cameras was not practical
and we therefore ran with our tail between our legs to the
group of reefs near Safaga Island, off the Egyptian coast.
These
we dived, in particular Abu Khafan, which we became very familiar
with, a useful advantage when using a camera.
The
dive boat, the Barracuda, provided most creature comforts,
air-conditioning excepted, including double cabins with en-suite
toilets and showers. They were somewhat in need of refurbishment
but worked, more or less.
Many
on board had accompanied Martin on previous trips and, obviously
knew a good thing when they saw it.
As
the group had varying degrees of experience with underwater
photography, Martin was flexible in his approach and would
give as much or as little assistance and advice as people
wanted.
For
my part, I intended to quietly do my own thing, but found
that I did absorb useful tips and ideas almost without realising
it. This is all to his credit in the way that he introduces
the instruction in a very relaxed format, making it a pleasure
to take part.
When
Martin asked whether there was anything particular I wanted
to do I suggested it would be useful if he were to model for
me on a dive. He responded enthusiastically and hence we were
soon heading down to 30m to a spot which, although deeper
than I wanted for the photographs, I chose because of some
impressive fan corals.
Martin
responded to hand signals to take up position, but really
read my requirements almost intuitively. He has an innate
ability to position himself in just the right place. One flick
of the fin and - hold it - perfect. In fact later he told
me that he was actually watching his reflection in the dome
port of my camera housing to check his position.
We
ventured to shallower waters to the drop off with soft corals
for a silhouette against the light and again he took up position
and produced some classic poses.
I
was pleased with the results, one of which was on the front
cover of SportDiver last June, thanks in no small part to
the character who knows how to perform in front of as well
as behind the camera.
Thanks
for a great trip, Martin. I'll be back. Oh, and it has to
be said, you're one hell of a poser!
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