Jason Heller | Change email or password |
Biography of Underwater Photographer Jason Heller
Jason Heller is a New York City based commercial photographer specializing in underwater, travel & lifestyle photography. He is also the founder and publisher of DivePhotoGuide.com, a popular portal for the global community of underwater photographers and videographers. Additionally, Jason is a special correspondent for Sport Diver magazine where he writes and shoots the Images column.
Jason began scuba diving in 2001 and is part of the new generation of underwater photographers. During the mid to late nineties, Jason was better known as the founder of one of the first digital advertising agencies, and diving was far from his mind. It was not until 2001 when he began providing marketing seminars for DEMA, where he got hooked on diving forever. Diving came naturally for Jason. Finally submerged into the mysteries of the ocean that he had been drawn to from an early age, soon thereafter underwater photography became his passion. Although he is a champion for marine related causes, Jason’s photographic vision is to create images that are exude passion and uniquely portray water as an artistic medium. You can see more of Jason's work at www.jasonheller.com.
Jason began scuba diving in 2001 and is part of the new generation of underwater photographers. During the mid to late nineties, Jason was better known as the founder of one of the first digital advertising agencies, and diving was far from his mind. It was not until 2001 when he began providing marketing seminars for DEMA, where he got hooked on diving forever. Diving came naturally for Jason. Finally submerged into the mysteries of the ocean that he had been drawn to from an early age, soon thereafter underwater photography became his passion. Although he is a champion for marine related causes, Jason’s photographic vision is to create images that are exude passion and uniquely portray water as an artistic medium. You can see more of Jason's work at www.jasonheller.com.
What I look for in a Dive Operator:
Professionalism, excellent guides, boats that are not over-crowded, large rinse tanks and experience working with photographers.
Underwater Photography of Jason Heller
Latest Jason Heller's Comments
Sep 3, 2010
While as of this moment the D3s has been on the market for over a year with no housing, I know that at least one housing (Aquatica) is coming soon. This is an amazing camera.
Besides underwater photography use, the high ISO capabilities make it great for night time photography, and the fast 9fps for high speed shooting comes in handy. I keep my D3x in the housing and the D3s on land most of the time. The video is 720 vs 1080, but that's okj, it's all most of us need and is great quality.
Besides underwater photography use, the high ISO capabilities make it great for night time photography, and the fast 9fps for high speed shooting comes in handy. I keep my D3x in the housing and the D3s on land most of the time. The video is 720 vs 1080, but that's okj, it's all most of us need and is great quality.
Aug 25, 2010
Nice shot Nikolaas! You may want to revise the tag to describe it as the link won't work this way anyway. Thanks!
Aug 24, 2010
Nicholas, the world and the ocean is a very different place than it used to be. There is a reason that the food banks are now refusing to accept the shark meat from this tournament. There is a reason why the Destin tournament shut down. There is a reason why Frank Mundus in his last days even admitted that catch and release still harms and kills the animals and he created the new circle hooks that mist fishermen don't use. The researchers don't like the tournaments - they are just happyt to have access to sharks that they would otherwise not have funding for. These are all excuses for the tournaments, which are simply and factually bad for sharks.
Are these tournaments decimating local populations of sharks? Probably not. But they do target the most reproductively mature of a species that is in decline. Worse off - the interesting" stories as you put it are covered by the mainstream media who use these tournaments to continue to make sharks look evil, which hurts the bigger conservation efforts.
I'm not a tree hugger, so to speak. But I don't advocate sport hunting of any kind. Killing for fun and money? You'd think that we are above that.
Are these tournaments decimating local populations of sharks? Probably not. But they do target the most reproductively mature of a species that is in decline. Worse off - the interesting" stories as you put it are covered by the mainstream media who use these tournaments to continue to make sharks look evil, which hurts the bigger conservation efforts.
I'm not a tree hugger, so to speak. But I don't advocate sport hunting of any kind. Killing for fun and money? You'd think that we are above that.
Aug 16, 2010
Mike you rock. Love the images and info and really thrilled to have you working with DPG!
Aug 13, 2010
Love these strobes. Very powerful with mutiple power levels. Only "downside" is the weight. They are very heavy. More of an issue traveling than shooting.
Aug 13, 2010
Nice shot. Is the red light on the diver actually red or shifted after doing a white balance correction in post?
Aug 9, 2010
Hey Alex - great shot! That was the baitball you guys had without us, huh! Great seeing you out there!
Jul 29, 2010
that might be the first image I've seen from Antibes. Was there when the underwater festival of images was held there. Shame that it had to move
Apr 25, 2010
@thomas, a bummer for sure. I love my D3s
Apr 18, 2010
Very cool Mark, thanks for the clarification - that's a tough technique in and of itself!
Apr 15, 2010
George - i asked myself that question first as well - "what does it replace", and it does not necessarily replace anything (maybe a kindle and portable DVD player). It is a third category device and is not a productivity device for photographers. Personally I will not even consider using for images, other than to show post processed images in slide shows. So far it has been great for days that I do not want to carry a laptop and still work. It is more convenient to work on than my laptop, but more limiting. It is definitely not a replacement for most of us.
But many people don't travel with their laptops (and shoot jpegs and don't do a lot of post processing) and for them, it will hold a different place in their gear bag.
For those long haul flights - it will make this underwater photographer very happy!
But many people don't travel with their laptops (and shoot jpegs and don't do a lot of post processing) and for them, it will hold a different place in their gear bag.
For those long haul flights - it will make this underwater photographer very happy!
Apr 14, 2010
Actually Vimeo, Youtube and several other flash based video players do work in the iPad, they have developed HTML5 players.
Hoping that the external USB will eventually be used for more than to connect a camera. You'd need to shoot RAW+JPEG or JPEG only in order to view them on the iPad anyway. Will check out Photogene. The Photoshop mobile app for the iPhone has been pretty useful but there is not an iPad version yet. In fact most of the iPhone apps have not adapted for the iPad yet and will load as small iPhone sized apps on the iPad.
I've been carrying the iPad all week instead of my laptop, but there are productivity limitations. It's a nice minimal device when you don't need to do a lot of work. I was thinking what to do when I travel and so far it is to bring both my laptop and iPad. But the iPad would be an entertainment and internet device and the laptop my workhorse.
Hoping that the external USB will eventually be used for more than to connect a camera. You'd need to shoot RAW+JPEG or JPEG only in order to view them on the iPad anyway. Will check out Photogene. The Photoshop mobile app for the iPhone has been pretty useful but there is not an iPad version yet. In fact most of the iPhone apps have not adapted for the iPad yet and will load as small iPhone sized apps on the iPad.
I've been carrying the iPad all week instead of my laptop, but there are productivity limitations. It's a nice minimal device when you don't need to do a lot of work. I was thinking what to do when I travel and so far it is to bring both my laptop and iPad. But the iPad would be an entertainment and internet device and the laptop my workhorse.
Mar 20, 2010
We rarely see innovation these days. Keri really did such a great job of creating a DIY snoot and took the time to select proper subjects, and develop shooting techniques. With his existing skill, this took it to another level and the crop of awards speak for themselves. Great job amigo!
Mar 20, 2010
something about this image i really like - the eerie up close silhouette is a unique look at the sailfish
Mar 10, 2010
Took one of these as a pocket camera to Bali and Raja Ampat with no housing. Excellent additional camera to add to the gear bag. I went white water rafting with it and got some great videos.
Note that in video mode it defaults to the lower resolution. You need to go into general settings and set the image size from QVGA to VGA in order to get the better resolution video. Obviously not HD, but great for a travel cam.
As noted, it does not shoot RAW, nor does it manual white balance, but it does have an underwater mode.
Note that in video mode it defaults to the lower resolution. You need to go into general settings and set the image size from QVGA to VGA in order to get the better resolution video. Obviously not HD, but great for a travel cam.
As noted, it does not shoot RAW, nor does it manual white balance, but it does have an underwater mode.
Mar 8, 2010
If you shoot full frame this is the working lens for you. On a DX camera it is not at its best potential, but still sharp as a tack. This is my primary wide angle working lens
Feb 28, 2010
The company that owns Scuba Diving (and Sport Diver for that matter) is a big US media company with very specific rules and guidelines on how they do promotions. It is technically a US magazine - there is actually very little distribution outside the US. Yes it is unfortunate that the competition is not an international one, but there are plenty of other competitions. Keep an eye on our calendars for all the competitions out there!
Thanks for the support Jamie!
Thanks for the support Jamie!
Feb 11, 2010
Hey Arthur, will get a picture of the homemade diffuser. It's actually not as much homemade as just not from an underwater strobe. It's a small dome diffuser duct taped to the strobe (for elegance). The YS-110 behind the soft coral has an optical slave at the end of a sync cord to trigger from the main strobes..
PS: Thanks! :)
PS: Thanks! :)
Feb 7, 2010
Simon, you should post your bubble coral shot in your gallery here. It's a great one!
Feb 4, 2010
not embedded geo-tags. You'll need to edit each image in your DPG gallery. It's quick.
Feb 1, 2010
Yes some type of damsel for sure. Hopefully someone with specific knowledge on the species can chime in
Jan 28, 2010
Damn that's one hefty lens Matt! Great job, looks like fun
Jan 21, 2010
Good question Steve, I will ask them to post in the comments here or otherwise update us.
Jan 21, 2010
UPDATE: Now that I have the D3s I want to report another issue. To start and stop the video in "tripod mode" which allows you to focus while shooting, you need access to the PV button on the front of the camera, so the solution cannot be just a new back, unfortunately.
Jan 15, 2010
I hear you on the 720 thing. Unfortunately Nikon gets their sensors from Sony, who obviously has a video camera business and I assume won't give up the 1080 goods to Nikon. Canon on the other hand makes video and still cameras so they can leverage their own technology. Nikon seems at a disadvantage until they can get the 1080 from Sony. That all being said, while the video capabilities are nice. I am first and foremost interested in stills, and the video I will shoot will be used primarily for the web, so 720 is just fine...for now
Jan 13, 2010
This is so well executed Ric, really love the series. Will look out for it in Comm Arts
Jan 10, 2010
I really need to try diving California. The more I see the more I realize that I live on the wrong coast!
Dec 22, 2009
Although I have a D3x, I use the D3 topside (although excellent underwater as well of course). The fast frame rate is great for handheld HDR series shots.
Nov 29, 2009
I don't use the camera anymore, but must say that when I did I was very happy with it. It brings back some good diving memoris!
Nov 3, 2009
Love my D3x - high quality camera, excellent on high ISO's, even though that is rarely useful underwater. Just a great camera.
Oct 16, 2009
This is pretty cool - I've seen other Great Wall images. Seems the vis is pretty bad and you need to be pretty creative to create good images, I really like this one
Sep 22, 2009
Can that be?
There will be third party housing options for this camera as well, albeit significantly more expensive. It's a great camera, but one of the reasons it's great are the manual controls. I have yet to see one of the WP-DC34's and will have to look into this.
Anyone else have any info?
There will be third party housing options for this camera as well, albeit significantly more expensive. It's a great camera, but one of the reasons it's great are the manual controls. I have yet to see one of the WP-DC34's and will have to look into this.
Anyone else have any info?
Sep 12, 2009
They are touched up a little bit I'm sure, but ultimately they were captured with the skill required to create fantastic images. I would definitely say that the statement of "bears little resemblance to what was actually in front of the lens at the time" is really untrue.
Digital RAW images are innately soft, and lack some saturation. There's no way to make amazing images like this from images that were not great to begin with.
Post processing is part of the image creation process, but it's not magic.
Digital RAW images are innately soft, and lack some saturation. There's no way to make amazing images like this from images that were not great to begin with.
Post processing is part of the image creation process, but it's not magic.
Sep 9, 2009
Hey Shana - that is great to hear! Would love to hear more. Can you email me (jason@)
Sep 2, 2009
Results will be posted week of Sept 7th! Great images submitted - over 400 entries!
Aug 31, 2009
Ah - ok that explains it. I thought this was a really little one. Ok now makes sense :) Great image!
Aug 30, 2009
Is this a composite? I can;t tell - the more I look at it, the more I think ti is. Either way it's a great image
Aug 27, 2009
The housings have not been announced yet. We will definitely have info as soon as they are available
Aug 27, 2009
Awesome image Sarah -love the mood. Still can;t beleive you're only 18 and shooting like this! You rock!
Aug 21, 2009
Gordon - retag these nudi shots without the quotes to be included in the contest this month. Should just be Nudibranch809 without the quotes.
Glad to see you stepping up your game!
Glad to see you stepping up your game!
Aug 18, 2009
I think I need one too, will find out!
Aug 12, 2009
That's a very unique shot of a subject that otherwise is hard to put in a unique light. Great job!
Aug 11, 2009
Besides the competition aspect, we hope that everyone can plan around the schedule to shoot new images based on these themes. Sometimes having that "assignment", so to speak, really pushes your photography further. Good luck!
Aug 9, 2009
@eddy - thanks for the info. I just emailed Jeremiah!
Jul 17, 2009
Shaff, awesome video, it really captures the unique setting. And congrats to Thomas for the Nat Geo piece! The images are really impressive!
Jun 25, 2009
I will attest to Eric's integrity and his passion and service to the marine environment. Additionally, this image is outstanding :)
Jun 21, 2009
Really great capture of an otherwise common shot. Great lighting and detail Greg
Jun 19, 2009
Erin you must be a treat for the TSA folks :)
Recently on the way back from Curacao, I had 4 YS-250 batteries together in a pouch and was called by security to help them inspect it before they allowed it onto the plane. Lesson learned - pack batteries in a less bomb-looking fashion :)
Recently on the way back from Curacao, I had 4 YS-250 batteries together in a pouch and was called by security to help them inspect it before they allowed it onto the plane. Lesson learned - pack batteries in a less bomb-looking fashion :)
Jun 19, 2009
It wasn't profitable for them to do so, they now pretty much ignore the underwater market. It's a shame really...
Next week we have an interesting piece going up related to this, stay tuned.
Next week we have an interesting piece going up related to this, stay tuned.
Jun 18, 2009
Very curious to hear comments about what cases and backpacks everyone is using. This is such a topic of debate among all of us.
Me:
Carry-on: I LOVE my Mountainsmith Flightpath AT rolling backpack - it's my only carry-on. I pack two camera bodies, lenses, laptop, topside flashes, and accessories like memory cards etc. Also anything really important like c-cards, wallet etc.
Check-in: I travel with 2 Zarges cases and a large Stahlsac dive bag. The Zarges cases are for my housings, strobes and other parts, also pack clothes around my gear (what else are clothes used for?). The cases are lightweight and durable. Need to get thick foam to line the inside of them, but otherwise they are great.
PS: Yes I slightly edited John's piece to through int he Flightpath and Zarges references, I had to :)
Me:
Carry-on: I LOVE my Mountainsmith Flightpath AT rolling backpack - it's my only carry-on. I pack two camera bodies, lenses, laptop, topside flashes, and accessories like memory cards etc. Also anything really important like c-cards, wallet etc.
Check-in: I travel with 2 Zarges cases and a large Stahlsac dive bag. The Zarges cases are for my housings, strobes and other parts, also pack clothes around my gear (what else are clothes used for?). The cases are lightweight and durable. Need to get thick foam to line the inside of them, but otherwise they are great.
PS: Yes I slightly edited John's piece to through int he Flightpath and Zarges references, I had to :)
Jun 16, 2009
Hey congrats on the reef checker award. Wendy and I were actually diving in the Similans, in fact at Richelieu Rock, when the Tsunami came through. I was at the bottom of Richelieu Rock at 100 feet when the Tsunami passed over the area. It's awesome to see photos of some of the shallow coral that survived
May 20, 2009
You are so right Mark, and these water drop images are awesome. I've always wanted to try this! Your images and films are inspiring my friend!
May 20, 2009
I plan on it! I have wanted to do the cenotes for a long time now. So many dive sites, so little time :)
May 18, 2009
Tee - these are great, Keri brings up a good question, did you use the internal flash? If not then you pulled off some miraculous lighting :) Either way, excellent job for no strobes!
May 17, 2009
The palm trees through the surface help to make this shot. Agree that it would be nice if the entire turtle was in the frame, but it totally works - excellent shot Thomas!
May 17, 2009
Most flamboyant cuttlefish shots are against the muck, it's really nice to see this against black, nice one Debbie!
May 17, 2009
We should have learned this lesson a long time ago before we decimated the reefs and other marine ecosystems, now in many regions there is little left to save. The coral triangle is one region where there is still a lot left to conserve. Hopefully the world has woken up and is changing our tunes.
May 17, 2009
I think we often take task loading for granted and Becky brings up such an excellent point - that it's ok to call a dive.
May 15, 2009
This would be so horrible for another country to start whaling
May 14, 2009
Hey Stevae - let's grab a drink in Curacao. Email me at jason(at)divephotoguide.com
May 13, 2009
@Jcsgt actually Keri wrote it, he did a great job!
May 13, 2009
So many photographers attempt to emulate the "Howard Schatz" style. But let it be known that Howard is an innovator and true artist in this realm. Howard, you rock!
May 13, 2009
Keri, indeed - you have some awesome super macro shots. Happy to have you writing these for DPG, and always look forward to your images
May 13, 2009
I've had only one such encounter (on a recent DPG expedition), and the water was a bit darker and murkier. I got a shot, but not "the shot". I will be working towards more chances to get an encounter like this. You must have been thrilled! Great encounter, clear sunny day, great vis and clear water. What else can you ask for? Great shot again Colin!
May 5, 2009
So true. An indication of the world we live in
May 3, 2009
Pam, the lighting on this shot is absolutely fantastic - GREAT image!
Apr 24, 2009
I agree. The production quality is exceptionally outstanding.
Like I said above, too bad it's not being used as a mainstream media PSA (public service announcement). Hopefully they are working with one of the NGO's to make it part of one of the their campaigns that have PSA support.
Like I said above, too bad it's not being used as a mainstream media PSA (public service announcement). Hopefully they are working with one of the NGO's to make it part of one of the their campaigns that have PSA support.
Mar 19, 2009
Thanks guys. BTW - click on the satellite tab in the map, it's a much better view :)
Mar 6, 2009
Amen Cathy! we refuse to use plastic bags and always bring our own bags to the market.
Mar 6, 2009
Thanks for chiming in Cathy, hope to see more from you as it is always useful and informative!
Mar 4, 2009
Thanks, I love these as well. Mike is doing a great job in making me want to go diving in California!
Mar 1, 2009
An update that one year later it is in fact a new species, and has been named:
Congrats to Andy & Buck for having such a cool new find on their house reef!
http://www.uwfishcollection.org/psychedelica/
Congrats to Andy & Buck for having such a cool new find on their house reef!
http://www.uwfishcollection.org/psychedelica/
Feb 25, 2009
Danny & Erwin - you guys rock. This is a HUGE find and I can't wait to get back out there and dive Buyat Bay with you! Alex GREAT work, thanks!
Feb 17, 2009
Thanks for the post David - a reminder that Ikelite usually does hit the market early with new models because of the ease of manufacturing the polycarbonate housings. I too need to be reminded sometimes that Ikelite almost always has a housing available for every model
Feb 8, 2009
@JoeE Indonesia is my favorite place to dive healthy bio-diverse reefs. This is the epicenter. Not the place for big animals, but the reefs are simply the best in the world I have dived. I go to Indonesia at least once a year sometimes twice.
Feb 5, 2009
@Joseph - that would not be "published" (ie: in the publicly accessible domain), so you'd register as an unpublished work.
@John Creative Commons is not part of the Copyright law, nor a replacement of registering your copyrights, but rather acts as a license arrangement. There are still some gray areas with Creative Commons.
You want to read about the 4 types of Creative Commons (Attribution, Noncommercial, No derivative works, Share alike) very carefully before applying this blanket license to your images.
Re: Canadian copyrights. Canada does have a Copyright office where you can register your copyrights and the process is a bit different. I would inquire specifically with them about the process.
@John Creative Commons is not part of the Copyright law, nor a replacement of registering your copyrights, but rather acts as a license arrangement. There are still some gray areas with Creative Commons.
You want to read about the 4 types of Creative Commons (Attribution, Noncommercial, No derivative works, Share alike) very carefully before applying this blanket license to your images.
Re: Canadian copyrights. Canada does have a Copyright office where you can register your copyrights and the process is a bit different. I would inquire specifically with them about the process.
Jan 28, 2009
In response to an email I received this morning regarding EU copyright registration...All EU Member States are parties to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (Berne Convention), so EU copyright protection is automatic and no formal registration is necessary. However, many photographers register in the US for increased protection here as well as a means of expediting reference int he case of infringement and enforcement anywhere globally.
Jan 28, 2009
Thanks for the kind words guys. This is indeed an important and usually overlooked topic. If anyone has any questions just post them as comments here and I will answer as best as I can
Jan 17, 2009
@Reefdancer - there are a couple of ways to get back in the boat. Many boats have retractable ladders, although I guess maybe some don't. Update: we only have 2 spaces left for 2009
Jan 14, 2009
Thanks guys - and for anyone wondering yes it was shot late at night (or early morning depending on how you look at it) and I definitely needed a strong espresso :) Expect to see more of these short videos from me and the team here, glad you enjoy it
Jan 1, 2009
Thanks Matt, this is great. Here are a few more to add to Matt's list.
I really liked the piece on Bruce Mozert:
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/one_of_underwater_photography__s_true_pioneer__s___bruce_mozert
Matt's Underwater Photographer's Guide to Southeast Asia series, which we've only seen the tip of the iceberg of, has been very cool:
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/an_underwater_photographer__s_guide_to_southeast_asia
NOAA confirms the extinction of the Caribbean Monk Seal:
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/noaa_confirms_caribbean_monk_seal_extinct
Coverage from the 1st Annual DPG Underwater Photo & Video festival (held in Wakatobi this past year):
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/dpg_underwater_photo___video_festival___adex_2008_reports
Lastly, we started the year with the silly Lithium battery ban on flights, which was a precursor (although totally unrelated) to the new found hassles we all face with airline travel and baggage restrictions. Stay tuned for a complete report on that soon!
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/flying_with_lithium_batteries
Happy 2009 everyone!
I really liked the piece on Bruce Mozert:
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/one_of_underwater_photography__s_true_pioneer__s___bruce_mozert
Matt's Underwater Photographer's Guide to Southeast Asia series, which we've only seen the tip of the iceberg of, has been very cool:
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/an_underwater_photographer__s_guide_to_southeast_asia
NOAA confirms the extinction of the Caribbean Monk Seal:
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/noaa_confirms_caribbean_monk_seal_extinct
Coverage from the 1st Annual DPG Underwater Photo & Video festival (held in Wakatobi this past year):
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/dpg_underwater_photo___video_festival___adex_2008_reports
Lastly, we started the year with the silly Lithium battery ban on flights, which was a precursor (although totally unrelated) to the new found hassles we all face with airline travel and baggage restrictions. Stay tuned for a complete report on that soon!
http://www.divephotoguide.com/articles/flying_with_lithium_batteries
Happy 2009 everyone!
Dec 26, 2008
Thanks for posting Matt, I'll add as well that there is a lot of sentiment out there that the market will just shift to other distribution channels. After all, when a multi-billion dollar illegal business is offset, it will try really hard to get back on track.
We congratulate Alibaba.com on *finally* making the right decision, however, we will all be keeping our eyes open on the shark finning "industry" and where it's headed. We also congratulate our good friend Shawn Heinrichs for helping to get the shark finning issue on Anderson Cooper 360 "Planet in Peril" on CNN this past month. With more awareness, hopefully international governments will eventually pass legislation that will truly solve the problem. We respect and understand the long standing tradition of shark fin soup in Asian culture, but it is no longer sustainable.
We congratulate Alibaba.com on *finally* making the right decision, however, we will all be keeping our eyes open on the shark finning "industry" and where it's headed. We also congratulate our good friend Shawn Heinrichs for helping to get the shark finning issue on Anderson Cooper 360 "Planet in Peril" on CNN this past month. With more awareness, hopefully international governments will eventually pass legislation that will truly solve the problem. We respect and understand the long standing tradition of shark fin soup in Asian culture, but it is no longer sustainable.
Dec 24, 2008
Update: Dec 2008, Alibaba *claims* that as of Jan 1, 2009, it will be banning all shark related products from the website. If this is true and they do not fund any additional ventures relating to shark fin trading, we congratulate them for finally doing the right thing!
Dec 20, 2008
Thanks guys. I know, a little corny, but I had to do it :)
Dec 17, 2008
2 more and we have all of our winners!
Dec 11, 2008
I watched the program tonight. Really great to see the issue get the level of exposure that Planet in Peril provides.
Dec 5, 2008
Just added a video to the article - enjoy!
Nov 5, 2008
Amos - the trips looks awesome. I'm sure some people will look at this and freak out, but the images are iconic and the experience is one that I will have to grow the balls for one day ;)
Nov 1, 2008
You held it together! Thanks to all who came out for an awesome party!
Nov 1, 2008
Yeah we're really looking forward to it. Carlos paints from what I call a "dome port point of view". It's very surreal
Sep 18, 2008
It's certainly more commercial than say, other parts of Indonesia, but I wouldn't call Bali too commercial. There are aspects that can be - like Nusa Dua with the chain hotels, which even those are pretty nice - and the squadron of Polo stores and shops in Kuta, but even that aspect is a break from total solitude of most dive destinations. It can be nice to have some life with your paradise, it's such an awesome place.
Love it :)
Love it :)
Sep 18, 2008
Should be a precursor to Nikon's D3x!
Jul 24, 2008
Yeah Kerri kicked butt on this trip. That juvi flying fish shot is indeed awesome and unique. Hope to see that in some contests!
Jul 15, 2008
I was actually with David when he shot some of these. He does take tremendous care moving subjects. Keep in mind that his stories reach millions of readers worldwide and help to educate them about these subjects. Even researchers do far worse, often killing and dissecting subjects to obtain the information. The images are amazing and help to tell the story of a species that only divers were previously familiar with. I think the article is great. I also normally do not condone touching or moving marine life.
Jul 3, 2008
Thanks for the recent report! Seahorse runs a great operation and as you know the diving and photo opportunities in Raja and Fak Fak are second to none. I was diving in Raja Empat with Doubilet in 2005, so far it is my favorite part of Indonesia - of course doing the trip with Doubilet made it that much better :). Fak Fak / Triton Bay area continues to startle scientists with new species being discovered all the time. This should be a real adventurous trip with some amazing diving
Jul 3, 2008
Of course commercial fishing is the largest issue. BUt the glorification of sharks as the enemy doesn't make it easy to fight any battle against the decimation of sharks. For the record - a good percentage of sharks do in fact die after being released, mainly from hooks remaining in their stomachs. The fishermen confirmed that at the tournament, and many shark researchers also subsequently confirmed this sad fact to me offline.
Jun 28, 2008
Clearly commercial shark fishing, by-catch and illegal shark finning are the biggest issues plaguing shark populations. However, the issue is the widespread glorification of killing sharks and the message it sends. We need to create public awareness of the fact that we need these apex predators alive in the oceans to keep the oceans in balance. Although in the grand scheme of things, the number of sharks taken at the tournaments is insignificant, it does add up to thousands of dead sharks. If the 10 biggest tournaments in the Northeast attract about 200 boats, each can catch up to 10 - 20 sharks that are "caught & released" prior to the one they haul in, and at least 50% of the released sharks die (a number confirmed to me by fishermen and scientists alike), you're talking about at least 10,000 sharks killed and removed from the ecosystem.
Jun 13, 2008
We are starting to receive threats from these fishermen. They know nothing but how to kill or threaten to kill apparently. The authorities have been notified and calls are being traced by the phone company.
Below is a transcript of a call we received at the office earlier today:
CALLER: Hi- i was calling to tell you that you need to back off trying to save the sharks, you have no idea what you're getting into and know nothing about shark fisheries management, stay the fuck away or else you're gonna get hurt
sharks aren't the only thing we kill in Long Island.
ME: excuse me? what is this about? who would you like to speak to?
CALLER: I'm talking to you
ME: sorry, I think you have the wrong number
CALLER: No, I'm talking to you so you better back off or else you f*ing b*tch
end of call- he hung up!
Below is a transcript of a call we received at the office earlier today:
CALLER: Hi- i was calling to tell you that you need to back off trying to save the sharks, you have no idea what you're getting into and know nothing about shark fisheries management, stay the fuck away or else you're gonna get hurt
sharks aren't the only thing we kill in Long Island.
ME: excuse me? what is this about? who would you like to speak to?
CALLER: I'm talking to you
ME: sorry, I think you have the wrong number
CALLER: No, I'm talking to you so you better back off or else you f*ing b*tch
end of call- he hung up!
May 30, 2008
Hey Sam - that's funny! What a small world (considering how off the beaten path this place is)! You weren't the location scout from LA were you?
Apr 30, 2008
I just scratched the surface of the images I shot. I put 45 shots up on Flickr:
http://flickr.com/photos/jasondpg/sets/72157604738491010/
But this is my favorite shot of Annie from the trip:
http://flickr.com/photos/jasondpg/2444152210/
There's a flick'r pool for the trip, so far Eddy is the only other photographer who added images, but I'm sure there are tons more on the way from everyone else:
http://flickr.com/groups/2008-dpg-wakatobi-group/pool/
http://flickr.com/photos/jasondpg/sets/72157604738491010/
But this is my favorite shot of Annie from the trip:
http://flickr.com/photos/jasondpg/2444152210/
There's a flick'r pool for the trip, so far Eddy is the only other photographer who added images, but I'm sure there are tons more on the way from everyone else:
http://flickr.com/groups/2008-dpg-wakatobi-group/pool/
Feb 27, 2008
Thanks David - it's a truly rare and unfortunate situation. We send our heartfelt thoughts out to the victim and his family and we also wish Jim Abernathy the best in all the crap he has to deal with at the moment. The mass media has totally blown this out of proportion - but hey, that's what they do for ratings...
Feb 24, 2008
This situation is absolutely horrible and I thank Tom Peschak for the firsthand account. Also, more info is coming in from eyewitnesses, such as our friend Walter from South African Water Sports, who never let the boat with the Tigers out of their sight, tracked the boat in the MPA, but nonetheless the guilty & greedy fishermen seem to be escaping prosecution. We have asked Walter to add his comments here regarding so stay tuned!
Feb 13, 2008
The folks from Maluku Divers contacted me today to ask me to look into this ID further. Apparently many experts in the region think this is a new and unidentified species.
Here is a link to the species that Robert points out above: http://www.fishbase.org/Photos/PicturesSummary.cfm?ID=59456&what=species
Same frogfish? I think the mystery may still be unsolved.
What do you think?
Here is a link to the species that Robert points out above: http://www.fishbase.org/Photos/PicturesSummary.cfm?ID=59456&what=species
Same frogfish? I think the mystery may still be unsolved.
What do you think?
Feb 11, 2008
Hey THANKS Rob & Andy! What a cool find! Thanks for ID'ing it!
Feb 6, 2008
Thanks to those who posted comments and who emailed me quotes. Stay tuned for the May issue of Sport Diver for the "Going Wide" piece.
Feb 6, 2008
Update - the same day I posted this, as if the camera gods were listening, my D3 arrived. The only non-DX lens I have is a 16mm fisheye, and I've been playing with it a bit. I am getting a 14-24 and a 70-200, both of which will be great with the full sensor D3. In playing around with it around the house, I can shoot at ISO 6400 and not see much grain, if any. Of course I'd rarely ever use that ISO, if ever, but for extreme example purposes it's a pretty good test of the camera's limits. Will post my first real test shots next week or so. Still another month before my Sea & Sea housing arrives! Grrr
Jan 21, 2008
I just took two flights over the last few days from JFK. Brought some spare lithiums with me and no questions. I decided to talk to one of the TSA agents to find out about how they have been trained on this issue. Apparently the training is solowly rolling out. Most TSA agents know that the regulation was passed, but don't know what it specifies yes. I don't forsee the lithium rule being an issue for us underwater photographers. I would however keep the spare lithiums in your carry on as the regulation specifies. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and find that TSA confiscated your checked spares.
Jan 8, 2008
Thanks for chiming in guys. I have heard from a few others that TSA is really not doing anything. But the key here is A) keep your spare lithium batteries out of checked baggage abd B) proect the contacts of the batteries so they do not accidentally short and start a fire. Prepare for heavier carry on's...
Dec 19, 2007
Hi Dan - sorry never saw this post, we have a few spots open. Please email me to discuss. Thanks
Dec 17, 2007
For those who consider "catch and release" fishing a humane activity, please look at Felix & Wolfgang's blog for some graphic images of the contrary.
Dec 17, 2007
Yes, as long as it is within ethical guidelines. Please visit the website for all guidelines and rules - www.underwatercompetition.com
Dec 14, 2007
The deadline is getting closer!
Dec 14, 2007
Yup. David and his crew have done a great job. DPG will be there covering the event live in 2008!
Dec 14, 2007
Congrats Mike - you deserve it. Can't wait to come check it out in person!
Dec 5, 2007
We'll be running a big story on this with many more images and video.
Diverdave thanks for the heads up on that! I just noticed that the google ads on the left are pulling in totally inappropraite ads. I will figure out how to fix that. Unfortunately google deems them relevant - what a world we live in! I am actually in the process of writing an article for a marketing publication about this type of mis-targeting from google 'contextual' ad system, and will use this as a prime example. We should also all email ebay and ask them not to allow shark parts to be sold on the site! They were very helpful in removing shark fin soup products last year. Thanks for the heads up again!
Diverdave thanks for the heads up on that! I just noticed that the google ads on the left are pulling in totally inappropraite ads. I will figure out how to fix that. Unfortunately google deems them relevant - what a world we live in! I am actually in the process of writing an article for a marketing publication about this type of mis-targeting from google 'contextual' ad system, and will use this as a prime example. We should also all email ebay and ask them not to allow shark parts to be sold on the site! They were very helpful in removing shark fin soup products last year. Thanks for the heads up again!
Nov 30, 2007
Marcus - Glad to have more help! We are about to blow the lid on these guys. That's 140,000 young Thresher sharks per year just from this one facility. Are you in Guatemala? Please email me (jason@divephotoguide.com)
Nov 9, 2007
DEMA is the annual industry trade show for the dive industry. If you are involved at all in the industry (even as a part-time freelance photographer) you would be able to attend. Next year DEMA's in Vegas too, should be a good one
Sponsors
