Wetpixel.com - Articles

That teen who rode a whale shark

Eric Cheng — 2013-06-19T07:26:41+00:00

Whale shark feeding near Isla Mujeres, Mexico (photo: Eric Cheng)

I’m being asked about the [kid who rode a whale shark](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/17/chris-kreis-whale-shark-florida-controversy_n_3454837.html) recently, and I have mixed feelings about it. I am, however, sad that there is a witch hunt by so-called conservationists and animal lovers whenever something like this happens.

Whale sharks are [listed as Vulnerable by CITES](http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/19488/0)—they are not endangered, nor are they protected in many places of the world. People kill them for their fins. Personally, I wouldn’t (by default) ride a whale shark (even though I have the urge to do so every time one swims up to me), but it is hard to fault an excited kid for doing so. Riding whale sharks where the incident took place isn’t illegal, and it might have actually inspired the kid—and his friends—to love sharks and take part in conservation efforts for the rest of their lives. It’s absolutely true that they could be out there killing sharks instead, which for the most part, also isn’t illegal (update: in this case, the [kid does apparently like to kill sharks](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2342260/Florida-teen-hitches-ride-30-foot-WHALE-SHARK-weighing-50-000lbs.html), which is really unfortunate).

Those of you who have been in the water with sharks know that if a shark doesn’t want to be near you, it can disappear quickly. Never has it been more obvious that is their domain, and not ours (assuming that we are just humans, snorkeling, and are not using long lines or drift nets). If you are touching a whale shark, it is because the whale shark is letting you do it.

Obviously, there are local rules, as well. You might be in a nature preserve or park, in which case you shouldn’t touch anything, and your local guides might also have specific rules about marine life interaction.

In general, I don’t believe in touching large animals in the wild. Wild animals are wild and have the potential to be really dangerous. But sometimes, the right thing to do is to interact. I [gave a sperm whale a rub down once](http://echeng.com/journal/2010/02/02/andrew-armour-and-scar-the-sperm-whale/) (yes, I understand that a sperm whale is a mammal and not a fish, like the whale shark is). The whale swam up to me and closed its eyes, virtually begging to be rubbed, which was the obvious thing to do—the result of a connection between two beings.

Intimate encounter between human and sperm whale, Dominica (photo: Eric Cheng)

I’ve also had turtles, groupers, tiger sharks, cleaner shrimp, mantas, and more swim up to me for interactions, and in some cases, it was impossible not to make contact with them.

Finally, anyone who is is a fish eater and is angry that a kid rode a shark is a hypocrite.

Tagged: editorial

Underwater imagery on display at the UN

Adam Hanlon — 2013-06-18T18:32:43+00:00

Wetpixel sister site, [DivePhotoGuide](http://www.divephotoguide.com/underwater-photography-scuba-ocean-news/divephotoguide-underwater-photography-exhibit-un/), in conjunction with Swiss watch company Blancpain, has created a display of underwater imagery in the United Nations Visitor Center in New York City. The exhibit highlights World Oceans Day and includes images captured many noted photographers, and features ocean ecosystems from around the globe.

###Press Release.
##Blancpain and DivePhotoGuide Present "Oceans," an Exhibition of Underwater Photographs at the United Nations.
Featuring a collection of images from top underwater photographers, the United Nations upcoming exhibition "Oceans" highlights the ecological and economic importance of healthy oceans and the need to protect their fragile ecology and underwater life. "Oceans" is presented in connection with World Oceans Day, marked annually on June 8th, and is organized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (Office of Legal Affairs) in partnership with Blancpain and DPG.

Thirty images and two high-definition videos will be displayed in the UN building, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the ocean's underwater life and inviting the public and the international community to study, respect, and protect our oceans for future generations. These images convey a powerful message and promote sustainable solutions for ocean conservation.

"*I was extremely excited when the Department of Ocean Affairs approached us about doing a photo exhibition at the United Nations in connection with World Oceans Day. Beautiful underwater imagery is the perfect medium to convey the importance of protecting the oceans, and the United Nations, especially on World Oceans Day, is the ideal venue to showcase this message*," says Matt Weiss, the owner of DivePhotoGuide.

The exhibition includes photographs from leading underwater photographers including DPG contributors Daniel Botelho and Keri Wilk . The photographs feature ocean ecosystems from all over the world, including the pristine reefs of Raja Ampat, the waters of South Africa where free-diving scientists swim among sharks, and the lair of the rare coelacanth at the very depths of the ocean.

The exhibition would not have been possible without the support of Blancpain. Their commitment to the ocean is displayed in a desire to make this vast and mysterious universe better known. Convinced that we can only respect and protect what we love, and can only love what we know, the Swiss watchmaking brand supports numerous underwater explorations and was the driving force behind "Oceans."

"Oceans" will be on display at the United Nations Visitor Center in New York City from June 5 to August 16. Visitors must purchase a UN Guided Tour ticket online to access the Visitor Center and see the exhibition. Photos courtesy of Blancpain.

Tagged: dpg, news, united nations

Adobe updates its Creative Cloud

Adam Hanlon — 2013-06-18T07:20:59+00:00

Amidst the [furore](http://wetpixel.com/articles/adobe-creates-a-furore-over-its-creative-cloud-plans) regarding its change to a subscription based model for most of its software, Adobe has released the new Creative Cloud (CC) versions of its apps. These include Photoshop CC, Premier Pro CC and After Effects CC amongst others. Key improvements include new sharpening technology in Photoshop and the Lumetri Deep Color Engine in Premiere.
###Press Release
##Major Update to Adobe Creative Cloud Now Available
###Includes Next Generation of “CC” Desktop Applications and Delivers New Community and Publishing Capabilities
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced that a major update to Adobe® Creative Cloud™, the company’s flagship offering for creatives, is now available. Unveiled at Adobe MAX, The Creativity Conference, in early May and packed with new features, this Creative Cloud release reimagines the creative process through a stunning set of “CC” desktop applications and sophisticated cross-device collaboration and publishing capabilities. Creative files can be stored and shared, via Creative Cloud, on Mac OS, Windows, iOS and Android; and Behance, the world’s leading online creative community, is now integrated with Creative Cloud, so customers can showcase work, get feedback on projects and gain global exposure.

“*We've added a ton of new innovation to all our CC desktop apps like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. These apps include new features that increase productivity, streamline the effort to build mobile content and showcase some stunning new imaging and video science. And in addition to the traditional areas of innovation these apps are now connected to the powerful publishing and community features integral to the Creative Cloud experience,*” said David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager, Digital Media, Adobe. “*And with even more great updates coming to Creative Cloud throughout the year, we can’t wait to see the incredible work our customers are going to deliver*.”

With Creative Cloud, publishing finished work has never been easier, with enhanced services that build and power websites, mobile apps, tablet publications, online portfolios, and content for virtually any medium and device.
###Adobe Creative Cloud Powers Frictionless Creative Workflows
This milestone update to Creative Cloud simplifies the entire creative process. Core features include:

* Creative Cloud Experience on the Desktop. With the new Creative Cloud desktop app, your entire creative world is synced and organized across your desktop, website, and mobile device. You can stay connected to work on Behance; track feedback; and install and manage apps and updates. More features will be added soon to manage your files and desktop fonts within this same experience.
* Integration With The World’s Leading Creative Community. With Behance now integrated with Creative Cloud, members are able to publish their own portfolios, follow other creatives, publish work-in-progress from within a growing number of CC apps and solicit feedback from the worldwide creative community. Over 1.4 million creatives globally are part of the Behance network.
* Store, Share and Collaborate. All files and assets can be shared between the desktop, cloud and mobile devices. A designer can take a photo on their iPad, use Photoshop® Touch to refine the photo while on the go, then access that file, via the cloud, and use Photoshop CC on their Mac or Windows PC to further enhance the image. Designers can send files to view, download or comment. Individual members receive 20GB of storage.
* Seamless Publishing. Creative Cloud members have access to the services necessary to publish highly personalized portfolio websites using Behance ProSite, high-impact digital publications for iPad using Digital Publishing Suite (DPS) Single Edition, and PhoneGap™ Build to create and publish mobile apps for any device. Adobe Typekit features an unmatched library of old-classic to new-favorite fonts for use on websites and, coming soon in an update to Creative Cloud, creatives will also be able to quickly find the perfect fonts in the growing Adobe Typekit library, sync them to their computer, and have them immediately available for use in any desktop application. Full Creative Cloud members will soon have access to over 700 fonts, installed with a single click.

###New Family of CC Desktop Applications Available Exclusively to Creative Cloud Members
This update to Creative Cloud includes the next generation of 15 Adobe desktop applications -- including Adobe Photoshop CC, InDesign® CC, Illustrator® CC,Dreamweaver® CC, Premiere® Pro CC and more. Adobe Creative Cloud includes more than 30 tools and services that enable professional-grade content creation and delivery across print, web, mobile apps, video and photography.

Hundreds of new features are included in these latest versions of Adobe’s industry-defining desktop tools. Innovations include:

* Photoshop CC ships with new sharpening technologies and designer workflow enhancements. Camera Shake Reduction deblurs images that would have otherwise been lost due to camera movement. All-new Smart Sharpen makes texture and detail pop, and Adobe Camera Raw 8 adds even more powerful photographic controls to straighten and perfect images. Photoshop CC and Illustrator CC are the first Adobe desktop applications to include the ability to post files directly to Behance, showcasing work immediately and integrating peer feedback into the creative process.
* For designers, the Touch Type tool in Illustrator CC offers a new level of creativity with type. Move, scale, and rotate text characters knowing that it remains editable. This feature works with a mouse, stylus or multi-touch device. Illustrator also enables painting with a brush made from a photo. Art, Pattern, and Scatter brushes can contain raster images, so designers can create complex organic designs quickly, with simple brush strokes. And Illustrator CC features integration with Behance, so work can be shared directly to Behance to get feedback and showcase projects. A new, modern architecture for InDesign CC turbocharges performance, and in-browser editing in Adobe Muse™ CC -- a tool for designers to create and publish HTML websites without writing code -- allows clients to make edits to a published website, which can then be reviewed, approved, and updated by the designer.
* For video customers Adobe Premiere Pro CC includes dramatic new editing features, customizations and improvements to help editors work efficiently. Premiere Pro CC integrates powerful color workflows, with the addition of the Lumetri™ Deep Color Engine to easily apply rich color grading looks. A high-impact version of Adobe After Effects® CC brings motion graphics and visual effects artists more creative possibilities and allows them to work more easily in 3D with the new Live 3D Pipeline with Maxon Cinema4D integration. There are also all-new versions of Adobe SpeedGrade CC, Audition® CC, Prelude™ CC and Adobe Story CC Plus.
* Web designers and developers can look forward to significant advances in Adobe’s family of Edge tools and services. The latest Edge Animate CC lets web designers create animated and interactive content with amazing ease and precision, using native HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Dreamweaver users can look forward to the most up-to-date CSS and properties via the intuitive visual editing tool, CSS Designer. And Adobe Flash® Pro CC features a modern, modular 64-bit architecture rebuilt from the ground up to be fast and reliable.

###Adobe Create Now
To mark this introduction, Adobe has also launched Create Now: a Celebration of Creativity. Over the course of the program’s first month Adobe will host a variety of collaborative art projects, commemorate the birthday of a design icon and provide a forum for creatives to use Adobe tools to express themselves in fun, engaging and unexpected ways. More information is available on the Adobe Create Now [page](http://adobe.ly/createnow).
###Membership Plans and Availability
This major update to Creative Cloud is available now. Current Creative Cloud members receive all of this innovation as part of their existing membership, at no extra cost. Special promotional pricing is available to existing customers who own CS3 or later. Individual, education, team, government and enterprise membership plans are available. See [here](https://creative.adobe.com/plans?plan=individual&sdid=KGXGU) for pricing details.

Tagged: adobe, creative cloud, news

Sea & Sea announces the MDX D7100

Adam Hanlon — 2013-06-17T19:24:58+00:00

Sea & Sea has announced that their MDX-D7100 housing for the Nikon D7100 SLR will be available from the end of June. The new housing features the option of a built-in YS TTL convertor and a multi selector control that mimics both the function and position of the camera's. It also has an externally controlled port lock and a leak detector as standard.
###Press Release.
##New product release: MDX-D7100
* Optical YS Converter N can be built into the housing.

Compatible with new Optical YS Converter N (#50126) which converts the camera’s TTL signal to a light signal. Both TTL and manual strobe photography is possible using a fiber-optic cable. (Optical YS Converter details will be announced later).

* Compatible with both VF180 1.2x and VF45 1.2x viewfinders

By attaching the VF180 (#46112) or the VF45 prism viewfinders (#46111) (magnification ratio of 1.2x) to the housing, the magnification increases by 1.2x and entire field of view can be seen at the same time. Recommended for users committed to strict composition and focusing.

* Port can be replaced without opening the housing.

Port lock can be now activated from outside the housing. The housing is also equipped with a ‘lens-lock release’ button which allows the lens to be replaced without opening the housing. The port lock can also be activated from inside like previous SEA&SEA housings.
###Features
* Equipped with two fiber-optic cable sockets. With the camera's built-in flash raised and fiber-optic cables fitted, external strobes can be triggered as ‘slave units’ by the built-in flash.
* Every detail of the housing is precision machined. The housing is protected by a highly corrosion resistant anodized coating. All edges have been polished carefully for perfection.
* Controls all the Nikon D7100 essential functions underwater. (Bracketing button, preview button and function button are not operable from the housing).
* The multi selector (which is often used underwater) is the same design as the camera control and can be operated in the same way. AF areas and Focus points can be changed by depressing the selector. The multi selector control is located so that it is accessible with your hand on the grip.
* The camera's built-in flash can be activated and deactivated from the housing. (When the accessory light-shielding plate is fixed, this function cannot be used).
* Equipped with Accessory Port which can be used for HDMI output.
* The grip design has been significantly improved with the travelling diver in mind. The grips are mounted with threadless fixings to facilitate easy transportation, mounting and removal of the grips. The new design also alleviates corrosion build up around the fittings. All fixings are available as spare parts.
* Fitted with a tripod socket on the centre underside of the housing.
* Equipped with the Optical Viewfinder 0.5x as standard. Other (optional) interchangeable viewfinders can be used.
* The quick shoe makes the camera easy to install and remove from the housing.
* Built-in leak sensor immediately alerts you to water ingress.
* Depth rating of 100m / 330ft makes the housing ideal for tech diving.

*1. The MDX-D7100 is standard with a connector cap only. Optional Sync Cord Connectors are available. External strobe(s) or the YS Converter/N can be used with fiber-optic cable or by removing the connector cap and installing Optional Sync Cord 2-pin Connector (#50122) or Optional YS Converter / N 5-pin Connector (#50123).

###Specifications
Construction: Body: corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy (machined) / Grip: corrosion-resistant die-cast aluminum alloy.
Depth rating: 100m/330ft.
Dimensions (W x H x D): 341 x 192 x 136mm/13.4 x 7.6 x 5.4 inches
Weight: Approx. 2,700g / 94.5oz.

Tagged: mdx-d7100, news

New study estimates manta ray tourism at $140 million

Adam Hanlon — 2013-06-17T18:26:08+00:00

A [study published](http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0065051) in the Public Library of Science (PLOS) ONE journal has quantified the revenue that is accrued from tourism related activities associated with manta rays. In the 23 countries in which manta ray watching operations met the study's criteria, direct revenue to dive operators from manta ray dives and snorkels is estimated at over US$73 million annually and direct economic impact, including associated tourism expenditures, at US$140 million annually.

The paper reached these figures using diver operator surveys, internet research and a review of available literature. The annual catch of mantas for the Chinese medicine trade is estimated to have no more than $5 million worth of value.

Tagged: environment, manta rays, news

Deepwater shark spawning ground discovered off Scotland

Abi Mullens — 2013-06-17T16:56:31+00:00

Scientists from Scotland's Heriot-Watt University have discovered a shark spawning ground within the only known inshore coral reef off Scotland's waters. Egg-cases from the blackmouth catshark (*Galeus melastomus*) were discovered nestled within the corals of Mingulay Reef.

Scientists are waiting to hear back from the European Union regarding marine protection status for the newly discovered spawning grounds.

Dr. Lea-Anne Henry of Heriot-Watt University has this to say about marine protection of the area: "*Protecting these spawning sites has real economic benefits too. Over 60% of sport anglers target catsharks when they fish this area, which brings in over £140m to the Scottish economy each year.*

*Sports anglers catch the sharks and release them back in the water, which helps us document and ultimately conserve the populations.*"

Find the BBC segment on discovering the spawning grounds [here](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-22886834).

Tagged: bbc, news, shark spawning ground

Aaron Schmidt: The basics of surf photography

Adam Hanlon — 2013-06-15T19:09:32+00:00

The Photoshelter Blog has [published an article](http://blog.photoshelter.com/2013/06/back-to-basics-surf-photography-tips-for-thrill-seekers/) by photographer Aaron Schmidt entitled *Back to Basics: Surf Photography Tips for Thrill Seekers*.

He offers practical advice including how to position in the surf impact zone:

"*The best waves will actually peel down the line, parallel to the shore and away from the impact zone. So you want to be sideways to the impact zone and at an angle from the surfers take-off area. ”This vantage point gives you the best view of surfers racing down the wave,” says Aaron.*"

He also advises investing in a bespoke surf housing and suggests that photographers use shutter priority mode. He also recommends using a wide-angle lens, building relationships with surfers incrementally in a mutually beneficial way and also shooting scene-setting images topside.

Tagged: aaron schmidt, news, surf

New study into breath hold physiology

Adam Hanlon — 2013-06-15T18:43:33+00:00

A [paper](http://www.sciencemag.org/content/340/6138/1234192) published in the journal Science offers an explanation into how marine mammals manage to store oxygen during long deep dives. The study extracted myoglobin, an iron and oxygen-binding protein, from terrestrial and marine mammals and compared the properties of each. Scientists have understood that high levels of the protein allow more oxygen to be stored, but until now, have not understood how this does not pack together and inhibit muscle function generally.

The new study shows that deep diving mammals have myoglobin that is positively charged and repels other similar molecules, allowing for higher concentrations of it in the muscles. This discovery has helped explain the "*changes that took place in mammals' bodies as they evolved from land-based animals to the aquatic, air-breathing creatures that inhabit the oceans today*".

Tagged: marine mammals, myoglobin, news

Aquatica announces the AD600 housing

Adam Hanlon — 2013-06-13T22:04:34+00:00

Aquatica has announced the release of their housing for the Nikon D600 SLR. The AD600 provides access to the camera's Fn control, which can be customized for a variety of functions, via a button on the rear. It also has a thumb lever for ISO adjustment and three ports for accessories such as monitor or vacuum bulkheads. The housing will retail at $3,199 in the U.S.A.

###Press release:
##Upcoming Aquatica AD600 housing for the Nikon D600 camera.
The Aquatica Team is proud to introduce you to the Aquatica AD600 housing for the new bench mark in digital photography, the Nikon D600.

Aquatica has designed the ultimate housing for the new Nikon D600 camera. Along with the comfortable ergonomics usually associated with our housings, the AD600 also incorporates a multitude of refinements. Among them, it offers access direct to the Fn button. This is done via an easy to reach and unique design push button that is conveniently located on the rear of the housing. The many Custom Functions roles that can be attributed to this Fn button sure made it worthy of attention of our design team.

Here is a quick round up of the featured roles this Fn buttons can be attributed:

- Image area (FX to DX and vice versa)
- Convert to depth of field Preview
- FV Lock (lock the flash value)
- AE/AF Lock
- AE Lock only
- AE Lock (Reset on release)
- AE Lock (Hold)
- AF Lock only
- AF-ON
- Flash Off
- Bracketing burst
- Active Lighting
- Metering pattern
- Framing Grid
- Personalized Menu
- Playback
- 1 Step Speed/aperture shift

The housing features an internal flash up/flash down capability, a quick access ISO lever that is thumb actuated and a total of three access holes are provided to accept various accessories such as our remote trigger (# 19306), Hydrophone and/or external monitors.

Aquatica has the most comprehensive selection of easily interchangeable strobe connectors in the industry. The 20072-NK has two of the classic 5 pins Nikonos connectors and the 20072-KT is supplied with a time proven 5 pins Ikelite connector. Both version are ready to accept currently available TTL converter, S-TTL is also available with the 20072-OPT through optical connectivity with either of the supplied Sea & Sea and Inon type adapters. Lastly the 20072-HYB offers both a classic Nikonos and an optical connector giving the housing the ultimate choice in strobes selection. Bulkheads are now replaceable in the field without the need for specialized tools.

This precision housing is the product of a time proven lineage of underwater camera housing. Over 30 years of expertise in this field has made sure that every aspect of the housing’s ergonomics was studied and access to its controls carefully implemented. This housing is a statement to the constant evolution of our knowledge and of the influence of the many professional’s image makers from around the world who work and consult with us.

The Aquatica AD600, like all of our housings, benefits from the finest material available in the metallurgic industry. It is carefully crafted from a selected alloy of aircraft grade aluminum and graced with the finest grade of stainless steel for its multiple controls. Every Aquatica housing is machined on the latest 5 axis computer assisted machines. It then undergoes a protective anodizing process to the stringent North American Military Specifications. For further protection, a baked on powder coating paint is applied, this coating is as tough as nail tough. Furthermore, corrosion inhibiting, zinc anodes are supplied as standard equipment. This extra level of protection does make a huge difference as can be seen on some Aquatica housings that even with over 1,500 dives on them, still look as fresh as the day they came out of the box. This housing is made for the hard-working professional in mind, one who truly understands reliability in the field.

The AD600 housing features a newly designed camera tray; it smoothly and precisely positions the camera in the housing and is easily disengaged by a simple push on a tab, it incorporates a linkage for transmitting mechanical input of the Fn button from the rear to the front. The zoom actuating pinion gear and the lens release lever pull out to allow the user to remove the camera from the back while keeping a lens and zoom gear attached.

All video controls are designed for easy reach and smooth operation. Whether it is for video or for still images the serious side of this housing operation is apparent from the get go.

The AF-L/AE-L button access is provided with a lever right under the users thumb. Menus buttons are angled to provide better access for your left hand. The AD600 also uses the new 4xxxx generation lens gears system with a smaller housing pinion gear and a larger lens gear, the results is a smoother action while zooming in a video sequence.

The AD600 housing’s lightness should not be misinterpreted as a weakness. This housing retains the same standard 90m/300ft depth rating as all our other housings and can still be upgraded to 130m/425ft depth rating. Its knurled knobs and oversized controls mean easy operation no matter what the situation is. Anyone familiar with our climate knows that being built-in Canada also means that all housings from Aquatica are born and bred in one of the world most rugged diving environment. Bottom line, if it works in our local conditions, it will work everywhere else!

The AD600 retain our popular molded grips; these have been the reference in comfort for the last 25 years. They are lightweight, sturdy, are made of one piece and cannot come unglued, fall apart or corrode. Both grips have mounting holes ready to accept popular mounting bracket of our TLC system and for the most current strobes and lighting arms out on the market. An extra mounting point for a focus/video light or other accessories is on top of the housing and three additional mounting points are provided under the housing for various brackets, support or tripods.

Seen above is a view of the business side of the new Aquatica AD600, clearly showing the serious nature of this housing. On the left hand, the buttons and mode selector control are angled and positioned for quicker access to the various functions. On the right hand the record lever has been relocated closer to your index. The Live View toggle remains within easy reach. The multi controller pad found on the Nikon D600 is made accessible with a simple and proven design and its SET button has been oversized. All push buttons are of high quality Type 304 stainless steel, the same used in the aerospace industry; these will not break or rust. Their smooth operation and position gives the photographer a very intuitive and normal feel to the housing.

Aquatica housings are supplied with our own exceptional Galileo type eye piece. This high quality and coated optical finder gives a bright and full view of the view finder. For those seeking the ultimate in viewing for still image, the optional Aqua View Finder, available in straight 180 and 45 degrees version, are among the best of the industry. They can easily be installed in a matter of a few minutes by the user. The enlarged and enhanced image of the Aqua View Finders are second to none in clarity; they provides the photographer with tack sharp corner to corner viewing of the camera view finder for composing and critical focusing

The D600 is supported by one of the most established and comprehensive port and accessories system of the industry. This port system has been a stable platform for over 20 years and remains one of the most reliable and used designs on the market.

This philosophy that made Aquatica housing so popular over the years certainly has not been lost on this newer version! Every effort was made to give you an underwater imaging system that can be tailored to your needs. The AD600 is rugged and reliable housing, one that will adapt to your needs and will last for the longest time with a minimum of care.

Retail price is 3,199.00 USD .

For more information and availability, please contact your dealer or [email](mailto:info@aquatica.ca) Aquatica.

Tagged: ad600, aquatica, news

National Geographic establishes stock agency

Adam Hanlon — 2013-06-12T20:22:51+00:00

National Geographic has launched [National Geographic Creative Studio](http://www.ngcreativestudio.com), an in-house agency that brings together National Geographic’s photography and video stock collection and talent representation agency. The agency licenses National Geographic photography and video to commercial and editorial clients and makes National Geographic talent available for custom marketing campaigns, in branded and non-branded formats.

The stock collection has a database containing hundreds of thousands of photos from National Geographic’s archive of more than 11.5 million images. In addition, is also has more than 100,000 clips as well as a collection of short-form videos.

The talent section offers the use of National Geographic's roster of talented content creators, including Frans Lanting, Joel Sartore, Annie Griffiths and Michael Yamashita.

Tagged: national geographic, news, stock