Tuesday, May 20th, 2008

David Doubilet’s nudibranch shots in National Geographic

National Geographic has posted an online gallery of nudibranch images taken by underwater photography legend, David Doubilet. Some of the nudibranches were placed on an underwater light table of sorts and photographed on completely-white backgrounds (they’re beautiful).

As with every event that involves man intersecting with wilderness, Doubilet’s photos have sparked controversy in the Wetpixel forums; head over there and tell us what you think!

Sunday, May 18th, 2008

X-RAY MAG issue #23 is out

In X-RAY MAG issue #23, Mark Webster takes us on a tour through the fascinating underwater world off Cornwall, England. We talk with Pascal Bernabé for insights into his achievements in deep diving. Science editor, Michael Symes, investigates locomotion of sea creatures, and we look at Hammerhead sharks and their unique head shape. Harald Apelt brings us to another pearl in the Mediterranean—beautiful, historic Croatia. Kurt Amsler discusses proper workflow in digital photography. Rebreather pro, Cedric Verdier, gets us up to speed on physical fitness for divers and DIR for rebreather divers. Cindy Ross discusses sunscreen and gives us the skinny on sunrays and skin cancer. We meet the Bubbling Reefs of Denmark, and a diverse portfolio of ocean art from artists around the world tops it all off (and more). download it for free!

Sunday, May 18th, 2008

Save Our Seas Shark Centre (SOSSC) opens in Kalk Bay, South Africa

On May 15th, the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) opened the doors of its new Save Our Seas Shark Centre (SOSSC) in Kalk Bay, South Africa, a well-known great white shark hotspot of the world. Chris Clarke, Executive Director of the Foundation says: “The new SOSSC cements our commitment to make a meaningful contribution toward shark conservation in southern Africa. By becoming a Centre open to the general public it will be a visible reminder of the importance of sharks in our ecosystem and the integral role they play in the health of our oceans.”

The SOSSC will promote the protection and conservation of sharks worldwide by developing scientific research projects, and global education and awareness projects that target the general public, fishers, and in particular, children. Continue reading for full press release, and drop in for a visit if you’re close to Kalk Bay!

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

Myanmar Cyclone Nargis appeal for relief, assistance

Cyclone Nargis hit the country of Myanmar on May 3, 2008, leaving massive devastation along the southern coastal areas of Myanmar and affecting millions. While the official number is just above 30,000, officials fear that the death toll could exceed 100,000 people. The country is in desperate need of aid assistance, whether providing clean water and food, or shelter and clothing.

There are many aid organizations assisting now: a discussion thread has suggested the World Food Program and the Red Cross - please consider helping these displaced people!

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

Orphan Works Act - proposed copyright law changes

There is some information in the forums about the Orphan Works Act, a revived copyright law bill that is on its way through US Congress at this very moment. Some folks are vehemently against this bill. Should you wish to support the fight against this bill, please start by educating yourself. Read the bill and related commentary (links are posted in the discussion) and then go here for editable form letters that allow you to send an e-mail protest in less than 2 minutes.

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

Wetpixel community on Google Maps

The Wetpixel community is nearing a new milestone of 10,000 members spread across the globe. Finding other members has now been made much easier by allowing everyone to pinpoint their position on a Google Map. This map will not only show who lives nearby or near a travel destination, but will also give quick and easy access to member profile information. The more people add their location on the map the better, so come on over to the Wetpixel Map area and show us where you are.

We expect to add more functionality to this new section in the future. Join the discussion to tell us about features you’d like to see.

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

From the forums: Honest Opinions On Full Frame

A rumor-mongering post by Alex Mustard about Nikon’s future DSLR plans has led to a lively, wide-ranging and honest discussion on the merits of full frame digital cameras versus cropped (APS-C) sensor cameras, as well as the ups and downs of more megapixels. Plenty of real world opinions on cameras and lenses, some of which certainly fly in the face of perceived wisdom.

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

Sealux CD300 underwater housing for Nikon D300 review

Wetpixel member Colin Gans received a Sealux CD300 housing for his Nikon D300 dSLR just before a trip to the South Pacific island of Niue, and has come back with a thorough review of the system and examples of the results.

With a functional description of nearly every control button, lever, or switch, comparisons to previous Sealux offerings, and a discussion of the minor issues that presented themselves, Gans explains why he sees “the CD300 as a step forward from its predecessor with design features which are compact, aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic and durable.” Continue reading for the full review…

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

Bryant Austin teams with World Society for the Protection of Animals

San Francisco-based Marine Mammal Conservation through the Arts founder Bryant Austin has joined up with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in an effort to “promote and inspire change at the International Whaling Commision’s meeting” in June. A fine-art photographer specializing in producing life-size images (as large as 15 feet high by 90 feet long) of whales, Austin will exhibit images at the Sheraton Santiago Convention Center in Santiago, Chile from June 15-30, 2008.

Austin’s work is also currently on display at the Monterey Museum of Art through May 18. Read the full press release for more information about Austin’s conservation efforts with WSPA and Whalewatch…

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

Reef Check Australia Photography Competition 2008 open for entries

Reef Check Australia has begun accepting entries for the Photography Competition 2008. The overall winner will receive a “6-day, 6-night Osprey Reef Shark Encounter trip,” and the winners of categories including “Icons of the Reef,” “Animal Behaviour,” and “Creative Visions,” will each receive a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses.

Photographs are not required to be taken underwater, and there is a special prize for the best submission from the under-18 age group. Entry to the competition is free, but remember to submit your photographs prior to the June 30, 2008 deadline. Reef Check is also asking for more signatures for the International Declaration of Reef Rights, “to encourage all people and governments to support coral reef conservation” - take a few minutes to voice your support!

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