May 5th Meeting - Jesse Cancelmo Presents...
"The Why, the What, and the How-To of Wide Angle Photography"

Most consider wide angle shots the most challenging type to pull off underwater.  Jesse Cancelmo, our May 5th presenter, will discuss tools, balance lighting, shooting at night, close-up W/A, and more.  Whether you are a film or digital shooter, this presentation will help you improve your Wide Angle photography.

As most of us know, Jesse Cancelmo is a long-time HUPS member and an accomplished underwater photographer, author,and photojournalist.  He has been diving since 1970 and is a PADI Divemaster.  In 1972, Jesse graduated from the Brooks Institute/Underwater Photography.

His articles and photographs have appeared in numerous diving, wildlife, and other publications such as USA TODAY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BOOKS & CALENDARS, RODALE’S SCUBA DIVING, OCEAN REALM, SKIN DIVER, OUTSIDE, AQUA and BBC WILDLIFE.  He has also authored two books, DIVING CAYMAN ISLANDS (1998), and DIVING BERMUDA (1990, to be reissued later in 2003). Jesse is on the masthead of two scuba magazines: Rodales and Dive Training.  He teaches underwater photography and leads groups on Gulf, Caribbean and Pacific dive adventures.

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Jesse from previous column

Jesse also has a taste for high adventure and has dived technically demanding projects on the famous Civil War ship, USS Monitor (North Carolina), the Andrea Doria (New York), the USS Wilkes Barre (Florida), and the Carrie Lee (Grand Cayman).

As you can tell from the long list of accomplishments, this month’s program is one that you really shouldn’t miss.  So get in your car Monday, May 5th and come on out to Bayland Community Center.  You won’t regret it.

As usual the meeting will be at the Bayland Community Center starting at 7:00 PM.  A map and directions are at the end of this newsletter.

Photo by Jesse Cancelmo ©2003

Happy Birthday HUPS

This month HUPS is 20 years old.  HUPS was founded Monday May 2, 1983.  The founding meeting was held in the Embassy Room of the Shamrock Hilton Hotel.  The first ever HUPS Shootout was in September of 1983.  The shootout destination was the exotic San Marcos River.  Four members made the trip to this 3.5-foot deep "dive" spot.

If you have any HUPS images or memorabilia from the early days bring it to the meeting for a little show and tell.  Maybe we can figure out who won that famous San Marcos River Shootout.

President's Message

HUPS is 20 years old this month.  That’s quite a milestone.  HUPS was founded in 1983.  Yep, those were the good ole’ days.  I was still in high school.  Cameras used film.  Nikon was just about to release a cutting edge new amphibious camera called the Nikonos V.  It had this special feature called TTL.  The first commercially available dive computer called the Orca Edge was release that year.  Things couldn’t have been any better.  Could they?

In twenty years things sure have changed.  The majority of new cameras purchased in the U. S. are now filmless digital cameras.  These things are catching on faster than anyone could have ever imagined.  If someone in 1983 told you that you would be using a camera that didn’t require film you would have thought they were crazy.  They would have said, "It’s so easy, you just download images onto your laptop and burn them onto a cd."  Your reply may have been, "What’s a cd and why would I want to burn it?"

Nikon is no longer in the amphibious camera business.  After six generations, the trusty old Nikonos is no longer in production.  The Nikonos V was in production for nearly 20 years.  It has proven to be longest-lived piece of underwater camera gear ever.  I know I will have my Nikonos for years to come.

Today no serious diver would dive without a computer.  These little gadgets have done wonders to make diving safer and more enjoyable.  They are the perfect tools for photographers wishing to extend bottom times.  You no longer have to figure out how to use those confusing dive tables for repetitive dives.

One can only imagine what gear underwater photographers will have at their disposal when HUPS celebrates its 40th in 2023.  I know what I could wish for.  I would like a small, light camera system.  This system would offer flexibility to photograph small gobies and whale sharks with the same lens.  It would have unlimited battery life and image storage capability.  This would make it unnecessary to open the camera between dives, allowing more relaxation time while on a dive vacation.  Automatic flash and ambient light metering would be nice, without the need for those pesky sync cords of course.  Instantaneous auto-focus would help capture images of moving subjects.  This dream camera would have the resolution offered by fine grain films.  Oh, while I am wishing, I would like this system to be cheap.  Say less than $500.  This may be impossible, but then maybe not.  Remember in 1983 we didn’t know what a cd was.  Stay tuned to see what "develops."

See Ya May 5th,
David

The Caribbean Through the Eyes of an Artist
Drew Trent’s April Presentation
By David Lenderman

Drew Trent has spent years diving and taking underwater photographs in the eastern and southern Caribbean islands with a group of his good friends.  In the process he collected an impressive catalog of images and experiences that he was able to draw from in creating April’s fascinating program.  From the beginning of the first Reggae beat to the last superbly crafted image, it was apparent that we were in good hands.

This may have been Drew’s first long program for HUPS but it was obvious that his skills as a photographer and presenter are finely honed.  He has an artist’s eye for composition and drama and all of the necessary technical skills to capture what he sees in his mind’s eye as the shutter clicks.  Doing things right is more than just getting things properly exposed and in focus.  The ability to create and paint lasting images is a gift... one that Drew has in abundance.

This part of the diving world is sometimes neglected by many of us in Houston.  We travel to distant locations looking for the rich and exotic when treasures exist very close to home.  Maybe we should take Drew’s lead and check out this part of our hemisphere... take a peek at the wrecks, the sharks, the small and the large, the caves and shallows... experience some island-time on shore... kick back and enjoy life as it is meant to be lived.  Do it right like Drew does.

3rd Place Digital - Jean Himes ©2003

OK!  HUPS members here is a true test of your devotion and dedication to helping HUPS grow and prosper.  SEASPACE is the ideal time to solicit new members.  First, because we will have a multitude of potential members pass by our booth.  Second, because it is an opportune time to show to a prospect what one can accomplish as a member with our display of exhibits and photographs in the booth and at the Gallery.  We have had many members volunteer; however, we still need a "few good men...bers" to volunteer to complete a full compliment.  You can contact me, Joe Nicklo. Or, I'll contact you and you can attempt to convince me why you cannot volunteer.  P.S. I have insomnia!

On another note, we are still attempting to locate suitable meeting facilities for the workshops.  We have had a few offers for which we are grateful, but are seeking more before making a final decision.  We would like to conduct our first workshop in June.  If you have or know of a facility, please contact me, Joe Nicklo.

Discounts in Cozumel for HUPS Members

Cozumel’s Island Photo-Video Center has extended a 10% discount to all HUPS members.  Services include same day E-6 slide and C-41 print processing, slide scanning (up to 4000 ppi) and CD burning.  Prints and CD burns are also available from digital cameras.  They even rent the new Sea & Sea DX3000 digital camera.  Take this baby on a few dives to see if you are ready to make the jump to digital.

Island Photo-Video is located at the entrance to El Cid La Ceiba Hotel in the Southern Hotel Zone.  Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00-7:00 PM.  They are closed on Sunday.  The phone number is (011 – 52 – 987) 872 – 5833.  Their website is www.cozumel.net/services/armando.

To receive the 10% discount just identify yourself as a HUPS member.

3rd Place Novice - John Anderson ©2003

UpComing Meetings and Events

May 5, 2003 – HUPS meeting
Jesse Cancelmo – Wide-angle Workshop

June 9, 2003 – HUPS meeting
Post SEASPACE Meeting with Jack & Sue Drafahl - Supermacro UW Photography

July 7, 2003 – HUPS meeting
Ken Knezick – Digital Techniques

August 4, 2003 – HUPS Meeting
TBA

September 8, 2003 – HUPS Meeting
TBA

October 6, 2003 – HUPS Meeting
Ned Shimizu - Southern Japan

FOR SALE

Nikon N90S with multi-function data back.  Owned by professional architecture photographer.  Never been in an underwater housing.  Clean and well maintained.  Price $500.00.  Contact Hall Puckett.

Newsletter space permitting we offer free classified ads for HUPS members.  If you have something to sell email a short ad to suewatson@mail.ev1.net.

SEASPACE 2003 Gallery

The deadline for submitting prints for the SEASPACE Gallery is rapidly approaching.  The May 5th meeting will be the best opportunity to drop off your images.  If you cannot bring your prints to the May 5th meeting contact Gary Merritt or David Lenderman to make other arrangements. Gary can be reached at gary_merritt@yahoo.com.  David can be reached at underh2o@mail.ev1.net.  We are looking for 16x20 or 11x14 prints.  Smaller sizes may also be considered for display.  Friday May 23rd will be the last day prints will be accepted.

For more information on the Gallery, including special discounts at Houston Photo Imaging, see the item in the March newsletter.

Rules for SEASPACE Gallery

Deadline: images must be received by the May 5, 2003 HUPS meeting.

1. The Photo Gallery is open to all current members of the Houston Underwater Photographer’s Society.  There is no limit to the number of photographs that you may submit, but we would like to give everyone the chance to participate.  Each photograph must have been taken by the submitting photographer and must be their own "original" work.  Winning photographs from HUPS monthly contest or any other photo contest are greatly encouraged (a nice twist).
2. No framed pictures will be accepted.  Photographs should be mounted on a lightweight backing such as Gator board or foam board.  The photos will be hung on display panels with Velcro so we will need to apply several pieces of Velcro to the backside of the pictures.
3. Photographs should be at least 11x14 inches, but not more than 16x20 inches.  16x20 is the recommended size to give the best overall impact.  If you have something smaller and do not want to reprint it then please submit it and we will find a place for it.
4. Photographs displaying unethical activity such as, but not limited to harassing/harming of wild life or divers damaging to the environment, poor diving skills, etc., are greatly discouraged and may not be displayed at our discretion.  We do not condone or promote poor diving activities or destruction of the environment.
5. Absolute and utmost care will be provided to all entries, but the Photo Gallery Committee, Houston Underwater Photographers Society, SEASPACE, or any of its sponsors will not be responsible for losses or damages.

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SEASPACE Gallery from previous column

6. All photographs MUST be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, title of the print, location it was taken.  In cases where the orientation is not obvious, then please mark which direction is up.  A nameplate will be displayed next to each photograph.  (For prints that were done by HPI at the discounted rate, we would like to display the HPI logo on the nameplate. Please indicate if prints were made at HPI.)
7. All submissions give HUPS the right to display all photographs for the full duration of SEASPACE 2003.  Every attempt will be made to return photographs at the Post SEASPACE HUPS meeting, but other arrangements may be made (see below).
8. Although I will gladly receive any submissions by mail, for logistical reasons I would prefer that they be brought to a HUPS monthly meeting.  Please contact me via e-mail to make other arrangements.

Please fill out this form for any prints submitted.

Photo Contest Winners
April 2003 - "Angels and Butterflies"

Digital
1st	Ken Knezick
2nd	James Wiseman
3rd	Jean Himes
Novice
1st	Sue Watson
2nd	Joe Nicklo
3rd	John Anderson
Advanced
1st	Jackie Reid
2nd	David Lenderman
3rd	Jackie Reid

When I purchased my first SLR camera – the Fuji S2 – I decided it was about time that I got an insurance policy for my camera gear.  This month, I’d like to relate some of my experiences insuring a digital SLR camera setup and actually filing a claim – when insurance proves its true worth.

I should start by explaining that buying insurance for a digital setup is a bit different than insuring a film camera.  New models of digital cameras come out often, and the way the development cycle is going now, camera image quality doubles about every 2 years.  Compare this to a much slower cycle for film cameras.  This fact comes into consideration when you choose your insurance carrier.

DEPP or DAN?
Up until recently, most people have used Divers Equipment Protection Program (DEPP) to cover their scuba gear and their photo gear.  Recently, DAN has partnered with a company called H2Oinsurance.com (Senn, Dunn, and Marsh) to offer equipment protection.  I will highlight some of the differences between the two, and why I think it’s better to go with DAN to cover your camera – especially if you are a digital shooter.  With DEPP, you are required to insure your scuba gear along with your photo equipment.  With DAN, you can just insure the photo gear.  This may be good for folks that don’t like to travel with scuba gear and prefer to rent – or who just don’t choose to insure their scuba gear.  The major difference for me is that DAN will pay the replacement cost for insured items while DEPP prefers to send you a replacement camera (that’s what their literature says at least).  As a digital shooter, if I flood my camera after using it for a year and a half, I don’t want my insurance company to send me a replacement –I want the money instead, so I can buy the "latest and greatest."  To DEPP’s credit, if your camera model has been discontinued they will buy you the newest model as a replacement.  I only have experience with DAN’s program which covered my S2pro, 60mm Nikkor, 14mm Sigma, and IBM Microdrive for $130 with a $250 deductible for flooding and $100 for theft/loss.

Filing a Claim
On my last dive in Grand Cayman last month, my housing flooded through the dome port and water poured all over the front of the camera and lens.  Only a little over an inch of water entered, but it was enough to flood the battery compartment and electronics in the camera.  I removed the camera from the housing, took out all the batteries and took the lens off, and dried everything off.  I don’t think it really helps to rinse a digital camera after you flood it so I just left everything to air dry.  For some photos of the "guts" of the flooded S2 check out www.pbase.com/camelreef/.

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Insurance from previous column

When I got home the next day, I went to DAN’s website and filed a claim online for the camera and lens.  I immediately received an e-mail telling me my claim had been entered into the system and that I would be contacted shortly by a claims representative.  The next day, I was emailed by a "real person" who instructed me to get a repair estimate for the camera and lens and a replacement cost for the two also.  I went on the net to the online store where I purchased the camera and lens and printed out the cost for the two.  Then, I found a Fuji authorized service center from the Fuji website and one happened to be right here in Houston (Houston Camera Repair), so I took the camera by that Saturday.  They declared the camera and lens beyond economic repair and faxed the information to my office, which I then faxed to DAN along with the replacement cost estimate.  They cut me a check for the replacement cost of the camera and lens (minus the deductible) and sent it out.  The whole thing, from me filing the claim to receiving the check only took a week.

I would highly recommend that HUPS members that are interested in insuring their gear check out DAN’s new equipment insurance program.  Even though I bought another S2, I loved DAN’s flexibility and their quick claims service.

HUPS to do SEASPACE Seminars:
"Slideshows in the Digital Age"

In the last couple of weeks we have been approached by SEASPACE program manager, Lydia Locke, about putting together a seminar on creating slide shows in digital format.  After some internal discussion, we decided that it would be a great opportunity to present HUPS to the diving world.  As currently planned, we will be giving 45-minute seminars on Saturday and Sunday.

- 2:00 PM Saturday in the Leafy Sea Dragon Room
- 2:00 PM Sunday in the Rock Beauty Room

The program will be mostly based on how we went about creating HUPS’ digital slide show for this year’s SEASPACE Film Festival.  If all goes according to plan we’ll do the show in a tag-team approach with members of the Film Festival committee getting up and talking about some aspect of creating the final show.  Mark your calendars and plan to show up for one of the seminars.  It promises to be an entertaining and educational program.

The Houston Underwater Photographic Society (HUPS) meets the first Monday of every month at 7:00PM at the Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonet, near Hillcroft.

Social time begins at 7:00PM for members and visitors to get acquainted. Visitors are always welcome to join us. So, stop by and see what we are all about!