DIVE LOG DECEMBER 25 ISSUE 415

This is a lucky shot of four Lemon Faced Valencienna. Two adults and two juveniles in formation in Fiji.

Visualisation techniques

mind. If the opportunity arises, I can work out how to capture the photo. In this case, it will be ISO 200, f11, 1/250 sec with incoming sunbeams and a buddy who is wise to the shoot.

Have you imagined yourself as a millionaire? Most millionaires have and they will tell you that is a good place to begin your journey on the yellow brick road. I cannot tell you if it works but one day it might happen. Visualise the photos you want to get. I visualise the Lionfish photo I want. It is a front on, symmetrical photo with beams of sunlight radiating down from the early sunrise behind the fish. Its ventral fins are fully displayed below and the pectoral fins are fully fanned out above. It is like a dazzling and deadly display of perfect symmetry. The last time I had this opportunity, my dive buddy kept scaring away the fish as he tried to get his photos from the wrong side and eventually the fish bolted. It was not his fault as he had no way of knowing what I had in mind. Next time, I see a dawn sunrise Lionfish, I will ask my buddy to surface and explain to him what I am trying to do. That way, we can work together and maybe both capture the magic. I have photographed Lionfish a thousand times over many decades and I have never got that magic shot. It definitely is the penultimate goal in the subtle art and Zen of fish photography.

Good practice

It is critical to focus on the eye of a fish. If possible, have

One of the most difficult sub jects of all to capture is the juvenile Rock Mover Wrasse.

The all-important point is that I have a clear concept in

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Dive Log Australasia #415 DECEMBER ’25