DIVE LOG AUSTRALASIA ISSUE 413 AUGUST 25

different cyan colour nuances. On the other hand, strong upwelling is channelling nutrient rich cooler and clearer water into the strait. The strong seasonal variations of the water temperature are beneficial for providing corals relief from stress by reducing the chances of coral bleaching. This dynamic change of clear, cold-water upwelling and murky sea water from freshwater runoffs makes this area for underwater photography so interesting and creates so many possibilities. These changes create different lighting moods underwater with the whole spectrum from subtle, low-contrast pastel colours in murky sea water to saturated, full colours in clear sea water. This murky seawater, so frowned upon by some diving communities, together with sun shining on this lushness and richness of colours and shapes leads to almost "psychedelic" impressions under water. Sometimes it seems as one would dive in a mystical, fairy-tale wonderland. Particularly the extensive gardens of black coral bushes with white polyps in combination with the enormous schools of fishes is surely one of the signature impressions of Triton Bay area. It always reminds me of the first white frost in winter time in Austria but with the paradox vision of swarms of fish instead of birds literally flying over this frosty forest. Of course these sea water conditions and this exuberant life underwater are not an easy task for wide angle photography. It is quite challenging to depict in an image. But it is worth a try!

Underwater wide-angle photography usually concentrates on a single subject isolated from the background which simplifies the message of an image but also leads to a loss

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Dive Log Australasia #413 AUGUST’25

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