Ikelite has announced their new 67mm lens holder. This can be attached to their Ball Arm Extension Mark II and provides a convenient place to “park” 67mm threaded wet lenses when they are not in use. They can be attached singly or “back to back” so that two lenses can be attached simultaneously.
It is with great regret and sadness that we have to write that PJ Dunick, crew member on the Bahamas liveaboard Dolphin Dream, was killed in a free diving accident last Monday. Wetpixel sends our thoughts and prayers to his family, friend and loved ones. A gofundme page has been set up to assist PJ’s family with the funeral and repatriation costs.
Wetpixel and DivePhotoguide’s second contest, DEEP Indonesia, is also calling for entries. It offers over $40,000 in prizes. The deadline for entries is 27 February 2015.
Wetpixel and our partners, DivePhotoGuide, are proud to announce that they are now accepting entries for the 2015 Our World Underwater Contest. In its tenth year the contest is, together with the DEEP Indonesia Contest, seen as the pinnacle of achievement for those that are placed in them. The deadline for entries is 8 February 2015.
The Smithsonian Channel has featured filmmaker Dave Rigg’s stunning footage of orcas (Orcinus orca) apparently playing around his boat. Captured using a innovative tow camera at the Bremer Canyon, a deepwater ecosystem in which offshore orcas can be reliably encountered throughout the Australian summer months.
New World Publications has announced the release of a limited edition 3 volume set of coffee table style books. Roger Steene’s Colours of the Reef represents 50 years of underwater imaging undertaken by the author and “has taken the art of underwater imagery to a new level” There will be only 900 sets published.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) closed the Three Sisters Springs over the weekend of 13 and 14 December, due to the cold weather causing a high concentration of manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris)). In turn this caused “high turbidity” making the area unsuitable for swimmers. If the colder weather continues, it is likely that there will be more closures in future. Please bear in mind that there are other areas where manatees can be viewed, although it will be worth checking with the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge by email prior to your visit if you are planning to go there.
Wetpixel Editor Adam Hanlon presents a review of the new GoPro: Professional Guide to Filmmaking. The cameras are now ubiquitous, and are an almost standard part of the scuba diver’s equipment. Unfortunately perhaps, the widespread availability of the cameras has not always resulted in an improvement in the films being presented! The new guide will help those new to video to capture, create and shape amazing films
According to Diimex’s Facebook site, Australian underwater photographer Darren Jew has captured a world record image with 9 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in one frame. Diimex is a “global online digital media exchange”. (Image by Darren Jew/Diimex)
The Sea Save Foundation has launched their annual online auction. Over 50 lots, featuring trips, prints and experiences are available, with all the funds raised being used to fund Sea Save’s ongoing campaigns to educate individuals, encourage advocacy and to facilitate change in public policy. The auction ends on 16 December, so please head on over and bid soon.