There
has long been something missing f rom our devoted efforts
in depicting the underwater world. Painting a picture of this
much loved underwater realm as we do is not wrong, it merely
is not painting the whole picture. We are all eager to show
images of beautiful corals and awesome marine life, but don't
we also have a duty to publicise the impact we have on the
world beneath the waves?
None
of us are ignorant to the destruction caused to our rain forests,
why should the oceans be any different. Ignorance is not bliss.
It is an acceptance of a wrong doing for those who choose
not to intervene. BSoUP is a much respected organisation with
a good deal of influence. Let's be the first to encourage
other organisations to show it how it really is. Let's be
the first to try and make the dif ference the oceans need.
In
3rd place -with 28 points -Jane Morgan with her image of discarded
and submerged fishing nets snagged on rocks in Gozo. Chris
McTernan took 2nd place -also with 28 points - with a nicely
composed shot of a battery with poison sticker laying among
brittle stars. And bounding ahead - with a massive 74 points
- Chris McTernan took first place with a striking shot of
a solitary fish trapped in netting.
Congratulations,
and thank you!
Main
Event - Nudibranch Passion - Anthony Holley
Anthony
has worked long and hard to further his knowledge and understanding
of the nudibranch, and his tenacity and devotion has made
him a respected authority. But you don't get that acclaim
over night. Anthony explained how it all started in 1984 when
a dive buddy pointed out a 'blob on the wall'. What the hell
was it? After composing his first nudibranch (naked gills)
shot, Anthony was swept into the micro world of these fascinating
creatures. Indeed not only has he travelled to virtually every
corner of the globe in search, devoted his photographic prowess
to recording species and behaviour, Anthony has actively taken
part in the discovery and identification of numerous species
previously undiscovered. But identification is not as easy
as one might expect. 'To truly classify a species, you have
to collect, dissect and analyse the teeth!' Nudibranch have
teeth? Yes, called radula. In addition, consideration and
comparison is made with the creatures' swirls and f rills
and colouring and rhinophores and gills, and when you have
catalogued that you'll be nearer a true identity or a new
discovery. It's true the variety of nudibranchs is incredible.
Don't be fooled into thinking that all these animals are tiny,
for at 55m Anthony needed both hands to hold the mega nudibranch,
a whopper not too dissimilar to the Spanish dancer.
Anthony Holley
So
now we're all a little the wiser when it comes to nudibranchs,
how best do you photograph them? Anthony started with a Nik
V and 1:1 close up lens, a winning combination until the unfortunate
loss of the kit in a wreck in the South China See. Since the
untimely separation, Anthony has invested in a Subal and favours
the 105 macro and ring f lash. The results are testimony to
the dedication on display here, vibrant and punchy they offer
an extended insight into the world of the nudibranch. But
equally amazing are the results achieved with Anthony's 'fun,
land camera'. A housed digital compact, that offers some absolutely
incredible images without flash! Just adjust the white balance
by taking your settings at the subject site and 'bingo', amazing
images!
If
you weren't able to attend Anthony's presentation, have a
look at his website (www.holleyuwphoto.com)
dedicated, like him, to the nudibranch. It's packed with information
and images of these weird and wonderful creatures that verges
on scientific paper qualitya credit to devotion.
Anthony
has spent over 2600 hours in twenty different countries in
pursuit of his quarry. He has nearly 400 images of 186 species,
and in twenty years has earnt his authority. See for yourself,
you'll not be disappointed!
