DIVE LOG DECEMBER 25 ISSUE 415

Always try to photograph the eyes. Good eye contact makes the shot!

north. In this case, you have photographic proof that the distribution of such Pygmy sea horses has to be expanded. This is a classic case of citizen science making a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge on Pygmy Sea Horses. Same goes for Melanesian wrasse. They live on coral rubble in underground burrows. I have no idea how they do this. My best guess is that they commandeer a burrow that was made by a fish such as a Shrimp Goby. Subjects that remain stationary are the easiest to photograph. You will be able to take more time and concentrate on your composition The dome port is a precision optical device. It brings the horizon (infinity) to a curve about 35 to 45 cm in front of the housing, depending on the curvature of the dome. There is a mathematical formula that can be used to calculate this, The so-called virtual horizon is an optical focus that facilitates easier functioning of the focusing ability of your lens. The cornea in your eye functions in a similar manner. Light is refracted somewhat by the clear curved cornea before it is focussed by you eye lens. Using your macro lens behind a Dome Port

Experiment with your composition using front on shots versus side on shots.

The dome port will allow you to get good sharp photographs of larger subjects than with shooting with the same lens behind a flat port. it works very well! That is why it is a useful way to take pictures of larger fish such as Sweetlip.

Helfrich’s Dart Gobies, Nemateleotris helfrici are one of the difficult photo subjects of all due to their extremely nervous disposition. This one was found at Saie’s cave in Palau at 31 metres.

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Dive Log Australasia #415 DECEMBER ’25

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