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Whale Shark Reflections

During July & August, Whale Sharks aggregate and pass through the waters off Cancun and Isla Mujeres, Mexico providing amazing photo ops for hundreds of exc...
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During July & August, Whale Sharks aggregate and pass through the waters off Cancun and Isla Mujeres, Mexico providing amazing photo ops for hundreds of excited snorkelers. Clear blue waters with bending sunbeams along with underwater surface reflections provide additional photo enhancements.
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III

settings

Aperture f/10 ISO 320 Shutter 1/125 Focal Length 15/1

upload_date

Jul, 2016

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photograph was taken in waters near Isla Mujeres, Mexico during the summer of 2015. Whale sharks are in full aggregation at that time and stunning photograph opportunities are available for underwater photographers. When submerged just below the surface, the whale sharks are often captured with a reflection appearing on the underside of the water's surface while sun rays are bending together as they stream towards the depths.

Time

Some time between 11:00 Am and 2:00 PM

Lighting

Artificial lighting is not necessary since the whale sharks are always within 5 to 10 ft of the surface.

Equipment

I was shooting with a Canon 5D Mark III inside a Nauticam housing with a Canon 8-15 fisheye zoom lens and a Zen 100 dome port.

Inspiration

The trip was all about capturing the Whale Sharks during their peak aggregation season in Mexican waters. I was particularly focused upon shooting with the sun behind me while the sharks were just below the surface and the amount of particulate in the water was minimal. The position of the whale shark lent itself to this opportunity as its mouth was wide open and the sunlight was refracting all across its body.

Editing

I use both Lightroom and Photoshop to optimize color saturation, clarity, contrast, etc. all of which are compromised by the water. Some minor cleanup of particulate is also accomplished at this time.

In my camera bag

I travel with only my Canon 5D Mark III, a Nauticam housing, a Canon 8-15 Fisheye Zoom Lens, two Inon Z240 strobes, Nauticam and UL strobe arms, Sync cables, and all the spare parts like o-rings, batteries, chargers, and other parts which might need to be replaced for one reason or another. Sometimes I'll bring along a Canon 17-40 Lens and a 6" dome ports for use shooting a bit further away and/or to capture split level shots right at the surface.

Feedback

Anticipating marine animal behavior is always a top priority since the best shots come from being in the right place at the right time . . not chasing down whale sharks or other animals. Taking a primary level free diving course can aid in gaining the best positions underwater while providing maximum breath holding skills in order to facilitate everything else. Being able to accomplish all of that while shooting with the sun behind you takes both free diving skills and camera skills simultaneously. As always, practice makes perfect and utilizing the benefits of digital technology allows for capturing the best moments knowing that post editing can make up for not-so-perfect camera settings.

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Whale Shark Reflections

During July & August, Whale Sharks aggregate and pass through the waters off Cancun and Isla Mujeres, Mexico providing amazing photo ops for hundreds of exc... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow applecorps

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During July & August, Whale Sharks aggregate and pass through the waters off Cancun and Isla Mujeres, Mexico providing amazing photo ops for hundreds of exc...
Read more

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Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.