418 Dive Log Australasia JUNE 2026.pdf

The Underwater Seascape –The Rare Big Picture Genre Capture Process

The big picture image, as revealed here is a rare example of this genre. It requires a combination of a visually appealing habitat while combining an exciting marinelife or wildlife subject that is somewhat reduced in scale to emphasise the grandeur of its environment. I love it when this rare opportunity is possible and also use this genre to capture wildlife in the grand scale of an African habitat. However it requires a wide skill set that includes technical expertise, the right environment and marine life or wildlife subject, good timing and correct composition. But most of all the photographer must have an eye for this type of image and recognise the opportunity if it presents itself to ensure the picture is created in this genre. It’s often all too easy to be seduced into simply shooting a tight portrait of an exciting animal while ignoring the environment it’s in. Image by Kevin Deacon. Gardens of The Queen, Cuba.

Genre: Underwater Marine Seascape. Big Picture Style Photo Data: Nikon D800, Nikkor Zoom Lens 16-35 MM, ISO 200, F14 @ 1/125 Second, Seacam Housing, Strobes. Photo Hints: Exposing the scene and multiple subjects is the most challenging aspect of creating these images underwater. Correct sunlight exposure must be employed to capture the ocean background. Dual strobes are required with one adjusted to correctly expose the foreground corals and the other adjusted to a higher power setting to illuminate the shark & diver subjects. Also challenging is finding a cooperative shark. And thank god for my model, Cherie. Interesting Facts: Gardens Of the Queen is a remote, magnificent marine protected environment of uninhabited islands, pristine reefs with every species of Caribbean marine life protected from fishing or any other exploitation. This is all thanks to Fidel Castro, President of Cuba, a keen diver, who recognised its importance and passed laws to fully protect it.

Kevin Deacon is a pioneer of Underwater Photography. His images have been published World Wide in prestigious books, magazines and advertising media. Kevin & Cherie Deacon operate DIVE 2000 based at Sydney's, Northern Beaches providing Photo Guided Marinelife & Photo Guided Africa Wildlife Safaris. Sales of Seacam Underwater Photographic Equipment & Photography Training.

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Dive Log Australasia #418 JUNE ‘26

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