FStoppers has published an article about getting started in underwater photography. The article focuses on diving certifications, costs and equipment, swimming ability, and base of operations. The article was written by DivePhotoGuide’s field editor Joanna Lentini. She is New York City based and has a wealth of underwater photography experience.
National Geographic has just published a list of their top 15 underwater photos from 2015. From the mangroves of Cuba, to the sandy shallows of the Bahamas and even the rivers in Yellowstone, National Geographic is inarguably host to some of the best underwater images around. Take a few moments to feast your eyes on their best of the year.
Scientists have just returned from a deep sea exploration of four underwater mountains off the west coast of Scotland. The survey is known as The Deep Links project and is a collaboration between Plymouth University, the University of Oxford, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the British Geological Survey. What they found was an underwater realm teaming with life and many species that have yet to be scientifically described.
Engadget has published an article about OceanOne, a “humanoid diving robot” that has been developed by Stanford for use in research of coral reefs in the Red Sea. It has two “eyes” giving stereoscopic vision and a pair of dextrous manipulator arms. The latter are equipped with sensors that give the pilot feedback about the amount of force being applied.
Underwater photographer Tobias Friedrich has captured a series of spectacular images showcasing the beauty of icebergs below the surface. The images were photographed in Tasiilaq Fjord in East Greenland and illustrate the enormity of icebergs that lurk hidden below the surface.
Leica has announced the Leica X-U, which is being marketed as the company’s first “underwater” camera. It is actually waterproof to 15 meter (45 feet) without a housing and is equipped with a 16.5 MP APS-C sensor. It has a fixed Summilux 23 mm f/1.7 ASPH lens with a the close focusing distance of 20 centimeters (8 inches).
Back in September, two geologists predict the eruption of the underwater volcano, Axial, off the coast of Oregon. The prediction was unprecedented, but wouldn’t have been possible without the aid of the underwater observatory, NeMO (New Millenial Observatory).
In a move that should be of note to underwater photographers, Apple has patented underwater photography image editing tools. The editing tools aim to color correct for the underwater color loss of foreground subjects independently while retaining the blueness of the water itself.