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Reflections
of the Splash-in 2002
by
Mike Maloney
Reproduced
from in focus 69 (October
2002)
Thinking
back, I suppose, it all starts just after the New Year celebrations
are over. The date is fixed and announced for the annual Splash-In
at Bovisand. So accommodation is required, nice to be near
the action, so we will have a harbourside flat. Better not
to rush down Saturday morning, let's be a little more leisurely
taking an extra day off work and drive down Friday morning.
Are we going to rely on beach dives? They are OK and we have
done so in the past on many occasions over the years, but
let's go and hire a local R.I.B. then we have a choice of
sites, a better plan. Phone around, under the new lows laid
down by the D.o.T. all the local R.I.B's that were operating
have been forced out of business by the stringent requirements
for fee paying divers. Relief at hand, Bovisand now have two
superb R.I.B's, which will take us out to our favourite sites,
so next you check around the Society to find who is interested
and you have 10 divers for certain, confirm this with Bovisand
- it's on! They charge by the dive - £15 a go, which
saves you all the hassle of towing your own R.I.B. all that
way, no launching, no finding coxswains, no fuelling up etc.
etc. Just turn up on the quay and get aboard, all nice and
easy - just what an underwater photographer desires.
The
weekend before check all the diving gear, camera equipment,
what lens, what domes, check the strobes, take one extra just
in case, add the Nik III as a back up. Stock up on new batteries,
collect all yourspares and tools together (one has to be prepared
for all problems and they always seem to occur at a very inopportune
moment - don't they?
So
Thursday evening comes round all to quickly. Time to start
packing all the dive and camera equipment, in my case x 2.
Soon the large car, which always seemed roomy, looks not unlike
a removal van, with gear up to the gunnels. Just where does
it all come from? Of course its all needed you tell yourself,
even wet weather gear for over the years heavy rain has fallen
on the Saturday and nothing is more demoralising than tramping
around Bovisand soaked to the skin. All packed and stowed
so you can just see out the rear window, time to fill the
car, a full tank there and cash in hand for the return journey,
round trip 600 miles.
When
you last arrive at Bovisand move into your flat, unpack the
entire load, its time for a meal, go out or eat at the Fort,
the choice is yours. I always opt for the Fort, once I am
there I like to stay, running into Plymouth is so much bother.
After dinner its time to move up and see who is in the bar,
normally your find other enthusiastic entrants here all discussing
various aspects of underwater photography and its good to
meet up with old friends again.
Saturday
downs, hopefully it's nice, calm and sunny. Your expectations
rise. Things look promising, take your entry form and cash,
sign in and pick up film. Check best times, prepare all the
equipment and cameras and you are off to expose your 36 images.
Maybe you do this on just one dive or hang the expense take
another R.I.B. dive to finish off to find that special image.
Back on shore hand in your exposed film and then wait for
the processing to be completed.
Lots
of excitement the films are back, out come the light boxes
and viewing glasses, deep concentration all around. You scan
your film, anything standing out suitable for the competition
- results not as good as you had imagined - pick out the best
and enter your two slides that my be better when projected.
Great
they look good and you are pleased. They are not winners but
you achieved what you had planned. The winning slide on the
day is chosen and you marvel at its sharpness and lighting
how pleasing the result is. The winner was diving in the same
conditions as you and they capture the subject so well. Food
for thought here - must try harder next time!
So
another "On the Day Splash-In" finishes. The awards
and medals have been given out and you think well there is
always the Sunday dive, lets get back in and try some more
image making. Just time to reflect, was it worth all the expense
and effort. Of course it was! You had a great time seeing
all your friends again, some only at the Splash-In. You talked
cameras, techniques and lighting. You went diving and pursued
your images and shots through the viewfinder always striving
to better yourself. The cost of that image? Only you can contemplate
your individual costs, but its all what we love to do, so
that is what counts overall. Your enjoyment is what money
buys. Will I be back next year; for sure the planning is already
underway. The Splash-In is special - not to be missed!
Reproduced
from in focus 69 (October
2002) |
