Catch & Release
Just a short underwater story... :)
Just a short underwater story... :)
Read less
Read less
Jul, 2020Views
93
Likes
Awards
Winner in photodiptych Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
All Star
Emotions
Impressed
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
Both of the photos were made in Lake Ohrid, somewhere between the house and my usual turning point in an everyday Summer snorkeling swim, about 500 meters down the coast. Hard to be more precise...Time
It was collaged together on 25-Sep-20 13:42:24, meaning it was most probably shot on the same day... but the accurate Exif information got lost in the post processing.Lighting
Lighting was pure daylight, right under the lake surface, with nothing else added - no reflection, no flash... just Sunlight.Equipment
The camera was an Olympus TG-2, my most frequently used camera for underwater photos. An old model, true, but still working well.Inspiration
The snake behavior is my usual motivation, and this was no different. The watersnakes in the area already know me and show neither surprise nor fear when I occasionally handle them. That was inspiration enough.Editing
The photos were pretty mych identical, color-wise, so it only took some cropping to equalise the dimensions for the story. Then I added them together. All the processing was made in ACDSee, my go-to program for almost everything I do to make the final expression. I rarely use anything else... for decades already.In my camera bag
When swimming, snorkelig or diving, I usually bring just one camera along, since simplicity in water is paramount. Sometimes I'd mount my Paralenz DiveCam to the mask, and the other camera in hand, but most of times I use just one camera. On dry land... for decades already I find it easier to carry a photo vest than any photo bag. It is more than enough to take along whatever I want or need for my photo session, walk or trip. My photo bags usually stay home or in the car, to keep the equipment I'm not using at the moment. My tripod has its permanent place in the car. The vest pockets usually contain two cameras. One of those is always waterproof. Sometimes I'll add a small action camera, mainly for its wide field of view and resistance to water and weather. Other pockets keep the spare batteries, ND and CPL filters, and one small camera clamp which can be fixed to almost anything. In many cases this can replace a tripod. The vest has deep pockets for longer lenses, and these usually hold a small water bottle, a sandwich, or a bar of chocolate - if I plan on being out for the whole day. I always pack about three meters length of paracord or similar strong, thin rope, one hefty pocket knife, and a lighter. Much can be improvised with these if need be. Recently I made it even easier, and take the essentials along in a waist pouch; one variable-volume McKinley. In the Outdoors, simplicity and comfort are my most important aspects!Feedback
Start by attempting to become familiar with the wildlife in your area, and also take care to let the wildlife know you. Once you know each other, everything else will be simple and straightforward. Move slowly, do not make any aggressive gestures, and watch the reaction! You will soon be able to read the animal reactions and that will guide your own behavior.
