Wetpixel/Under The Jungle Cenote Workshop 2021
Articles
Decline in rays at Stingray City
A census of the number of rays that frequent the Cayman Islands iconic Stingray City has showed a sharp decline in their numbers. Personnel from the Guy Harvey Research Institute collaborated with the Cayman Islands Department of Environment to carry out the count. In addition, three researchers from the Georgia Aquarium undertook a health survey of the stingrays.The decline had been witnessed by anecdotal reports for as far back as 2010, but the 2012 survey shows a 38% drop in numbers compared to 2008. Investigations are being carried out as to potential causes for this. (Image by Alex Mustard)
Hero Armor housing for GoPro HERO released
Hero Armor has released a new housing for the GoPro HERO POV cameras and are seeking backers to finance its production on Kickstarter. It features quartz crystal optics, and is constructed of milled aluminum and stainless steel. Versions are planned that have a rear door with a window for use with the GoPro LCD backpack, and trays with “pistol grip style” handles for mounting lights.
The trials, tribulations and perils of the Sardine Run
Wetpixel member Christian Loader has added a humorous personal account of the trials, tribulation and perils of trying to capture images of the annual sardine run off the East coast of South Africa to the Wetpixel Facebook page. In his tongue in cheek version, he describes spending hours at sea chasing bits of “action” only to be swamped by other snorkelers when you find it, trying to out-swim dolphins and sardines and getting swamped by waves. Sounds like fun then! Lest this sounds too negative, Christian also promises that he will return to do it all again.
Alex Mustard image goes viral
A self-portrait of Wetpixel Associate Editor Alex Mustard “posing” with a friendly harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) at the Farne Islands, Northumberland, UK has gone viral. The image has been published in the UK daily papers including The Daily Mail and is now featured in The Huffington Post too. The Farne Islands seal rookery, with over 6,000 seals, has always had very interactive seals, but they do seem to be especially playful this season. The best time to visit and interact with them is from August through to October.
Book Review: A guide to Underwater Wildlife Video and Editing
Wetpixel Editor Adam Hanlon reviews Jeff Goodman’s “A guide to Underwater Wildlife Video and Editing”. The book contains a wealth of information about shooting video underwater and serves as an excellent primer for all aspiring underwater filmmakers. In addition, the author’s personality and experiences provide a welcome counterpoint to the drier technical information
Canon announces EOS-M EVIL camera
Canon UK has announced the release of the EOS M camera. This is the company’s first offering of a mirrorless/EVIL camera. It features a 18 megapixel APS-C sensor, a hybrid phase detection AF system, native ISO from 100-12,800 and 1920 x 1080 HD video output in a mov format.
Also announced today are two new lenses for the EOS M, the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake and the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom, and the camera will ship with the Speedlite 90EX flash. There is also an EOS-EFM adaptor available which will allow the use of all Canon EF lenses.
The EOS M will ship in September at a UK retail price of £769.99 with the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens.
Video shows Seacam D4 housing for use at the Olympics
UK camera retailer, Greys of Westminster, has posted a video featuring Neil Lucas introducing the Seacam D4 housing on YouTube. Lucas, formerly a producer with the BBC’s Natural History Unit was responsible for producing the under ice timelapse footage used in the BBC series Life and featuring worms and seastars. From minute 1:47, the video shows the housing as having external power connections as well as a LAN connection and 10 pin remote control. Lucas describes how the camera and housing will be used on a remote pan and tilt head and shot entirely remotely.
White balance in Lightroom 4
Erin Quigley, a digital imaging consultant specializing in customized workflows and editing strategies, has posted the first part of a series entitled “Essential post processing for Underwater Photographers” on Vimeo. Erin is using Lightroom 4 for the series, and in the video, makes the excellent point that the editor’s eye will become accustomed to any color cast unless he or she uses the “" or “Y” shortcuts to toggle before and after views.