Freeze Frame: Introduction

By Evan Sherman

So there I was digesting the latest and greatest article about today’s cutting-edge camera technology when it occurred to me: “There is a plethora of fundamental information available for today’s underwater photographers and videographers, but little is written about the secrets of winning the image-making war.” It is a battle. Missed flights or missing parts, flooded cameras, weak tank fills, bad AC power, corrupt files, dealing with tourons (half tourist half moron); the list goes on and on. The ultimate goal for all of us: Fewer defeats and more victories.

Well, hello fellow imaging enthusiasts and welcome to Freeze Frame, a column dedicated to all the “other things” scuba. Wetpixel and I have partnered to bring you articles not about ISO, shutter speed or the science of painting with light. You don’t need me for that. Instead, you’ll find more trip tips, gear survival techniques, all sorts of random behind-the-scenes insights, and answers to questions few pros address.

How do the pros ready themselves for a shoot? Where do you find the cool little gadgets that make a difference? Why do some divers always seem prepared even in the most remote destinations? If you want the answers, then you may find the subsequent articles very informative.

Over the years I have experienced success and failure in the pursuit of acquiring impeccable underwater images. I feel that 90% of actually capturing the image is accomplished pre and post dive. I’ve learned the most valuable lessons by just being at dive resorts, on boats and in camera rooms. And I felt it was time to share some of my experience with you.

Wetpixel has an incredible community willing to share, help and instruct. Their forums are one of the premier sources of knowledge for the dive industry. I am here to supplement this wealth of information and help combat the inherent pitfalls of dive travel and underwater imaging, one crusade at a time.

First tip is just that, “Tip at the start of your trip. Don’t wait until the end.”

Stay tuned.

About the author:

Evan Sherman is the owner of Seasick Productions, a full-service multimedia company that specializes in underwater imaging. Based out of Orange County, California, Seasick Productions provides on location and studio production services around the world. From Evan’s first dive with a camera, he fell in love with underwater videography. His second dive with a camera, he flooded it. He was 19 and had already learned a critical lesson about life as a professional underwater cameraman: passion fuels the artist, tools allow the artist to be. Evan later received his B.A. in Film and Electronic Media from California State University Long Beach. Evan’s professional underwater credits include television networks, Fortune 500 companies and numerous entities within the dive industry.

Evan’s recent film, Bali Close Up, earned top honors at the World ShootOut Underwater Photo Grand Prix in Germany, Video of the Year at the ADEX Voice of the Ocean Competition in Singapore, the Best of Show and Stan Waterman Legacy Award at the Turquoise Bay International Underwater Film Festival in Roatan, and Silver at the Our World Underwater Video Competition. He is a contributor for DivePhotoGuide, Wetpixel and is a SEA&SEA Alpha, ambassador for their products. Throughout the year Evan conducts dive expeditions and imaging workshops.