December 1st
Annual Holiday Feast

Ignore the previous newsletters that said the Holiday Party was December 8th.  It was a typo.  The meeting is December 1st.  That’s DECEMBER FIRST!  It is surely one you don’t want to miss.  The December meeting will be our annual Holiday Party.  A time to visit with friends, judge some incredible images and stuff your face.  It’s a potluck dinner, so if you haven’t signed up to bring something contact John and Kathy Ringrose.  As usual HUPS will provide ham and turkey.

There is no formal program scheduled for the Holiday Party meeting.  Don’t worry; we will still have plenty of images to share.  We have scheduled the Best of HUPS photo contest.  Now is the time to stop holding back and bring out your best images.  These images can be past HUPS monthly winners.  Images that placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a national competition or past Best of HUPS winners are ineligible.  The slide contest will be divided into two categories.  First will be images from the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean.  The second category is Indo-Pacifc and all other areas of the world.  As usual competitors will be split up into Novice and Advanced divisions.  Contestants are allowed to enter up to 3 images in each category.

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Holiday HUPS from previous column

A special first ever Best of HUPS Digital category will also be available this year.  This will be a bit different from our usual digital contests.  This contest will be an almost anything goes digital contest.  Entries can be from digital cameras or scanned slides or whatever.  Instead of being limited to minor adjustments images can be digitally enhanced to your heart’s content.  The main rule is that all components in image must be yours.  Basically this means you can’t take photos of other photos or take image off the web, etc.  Just make sure all parts of image are your creations.  File size is limited to 1.44 megabytes (1024x768 maximum).  Each participant is allowed to enter up to three images in the digital contest.  E-mail images to James Wiseman. Entries must be received by midnight Saturday, November 29th.  The entire audience will judge the slide and digital contests.

Don’t miss this festival of fun, food and fotos.

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.

Nominations for Member of the Year

Is there a club member that you feel should be recognized as the HUPS Member of the Year?  This should be someone who has made significant contributions to HUPS over the last year.  Winners over the last few years include: Pat Miller, Dennis Deavenport and Sue Watson.  Please send nominations in writing to David Lenderman or turn them in at the start of the December meeting.  HUPS VP and President are not eligible.

President's Message

Since my second term is nearing its end I guess this is my last President’s Message.  I have written 23 prior messages and still haven’t learned my lesson to write them well ahead of the newsletter deadline.  Typically I write them just before the newsletter goes to press.  This one, my last, is no exception.  I really wish I had written this one in advance so that I could have come up with some awesome message to leave with you.  I’ll see what I can do.

If there is one bit of advice I want to pass on it is to treasure your experiences.  As divers and photographer we get to see and experience so many things that most people only see on the Discovery Channel.  In this world we are the fortunate few who have the ability to travel in an airplane to some far off land to pursue our hobby of underwater photography.  Think about what small percentage of the planet’s population is able to do this.

I have many fond memories from my diving: swimming with a whale shark in the Gulf of Mexico, having huge mantas hover inches above my head in Yap, watching the stars twinkle from underwater during my safety stop on a night dive off Little Cayman, being face to face with a 300-pound Goliath Grouper off a Texas oil platform, being surrounded by jacks off Sipadan, doing a predawn dive to see the sun rise over the house reef at Wakatobi, swimming along rainbow colored walls in Fiji.  These are experiences that I will always remember and treasure.

I will also always remember my two years as President of HUPS.  I have truly enjoyed my involvement with HUPS.  It has been an honor to be involved with such a fine group.  I hope you members have enjoyed it as much as I have.  I owe a lot to HUPS.  I went from taking snapshots to now considering myself a photographer thanks to HUPS and its members who were willing to give me guidance.  I have made many great friends through HUPS.  I even met my wife, Sue, at HUPS.

I look forward to handing things over to Dennis and his VP Leonard.  I know they will do a fine job.  It will be fun to attend meetings without having to prepare anything to talk about or stress over the evening’s schedule.  I just hope Dennis and Leonard have as much fun as I did.

See Ya December 1st,
David

Diving Komodo – A Four Course Meal

November’s presentation was reminiscent of a fine meal with several different courses served par excellence.  Of the 13 HUPS members on the Komodo trip, 9 made contributions to the visual feast.  The hors d’oeuvre was dished up by David Lenderman as a slide presentation of trip highlights showing the delectable sights around Bali followed by a spicy sauce of pictures on board the Komodo Dancer.  As we have come to expect from David, everyone was laughing and having a good time as he entertained us with his running commentary.  From pictures of Balinese dancers and their gamelan orchestra to Komodo dragons having their own feast of rare venison, the audience was placed in the midst of the exotic dishes that one can partake in this part of the world.

Lynn Nicklo’s debut for HUPS was a gourmet salad of digital images that she had taken on the trip both above and below water.  Her presentation given as a PowerPoint show set to music showcased her emerging talents as a fine photographer.  As an interesting side point, while on board the boat, Lynn had created a fully annotated show for the crew with candid shots taken of them working and interacting with our group.  The experience she got creating this show was put to good use when doing her HUPS show.  Impressive images, excellently presented. . . nice job Lynn.

The main entree was taken from underwater slides submitted by 8 of the group to Dennis Deavenport.  The presentation with 160 slides, set to the music of Vangelis’ album "Oceanic," ran approximately 9 minutes.  As you can imagine, when allowed to pick from the crème de la crème of images from Jackie and Mary Lou Reid, Dennis Vernon, David Lenderman, Sue Watson, Anne Millioud, Joe Nicklo and Dennis Deavenport, the final result was spectacular.  Most of the dive sights from Bali to Komodo are in black sand, muck and lower visibility.  As a result, most of the show focused on macro photography.  What a great bunch of shots.  The most frustrating time I had in assembling the show was choosing what to use in the program.  I remember thinking to myself over and over, "This is insane.  I can’t believe I’m not going to use this slide." The show could have been 3 times as long as it was and there would not have been any drop off in quality.

To end the presentation, David Lenderman came out with one of the most unusual dessert selections imaginable.  As with most outstanding desserts, the name he selected, "Beautiful," was designed to tantalize our nearly sated taste buds.  The 4-minute show set to Christina Aguilera’s song "Beautiful," was hilarious.  I suppose that you would say that this type of beauty is of the inner variety since the slides he chose were of some of the ugliest, funkiest critters found in the watery world.  As the sun slowly set in the west, the last slide of Jackie Reid hosing down the deck was greeted with howls of laughter.  I think it is safe to conclude from the audience’s reaction that a good time was had by all.

NEW Airline Baggage Regulations Thanks to ASMP!
Submitted by Jesse Cancelmo

Thanks to the efforts of American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) and the cooperation and understanding of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), working photographers and other members of the traveling public may now take on board an additional piece of carry-on baggage containing photographic equipment.  This means that you are allowed to carry on two bags - when at least one is photographic equipment - along with a personal item.  This accommodation will make it easier to travel for working photographers with sensitive and valuable equipment.  Document Checkers are being informed at this time of the change in Transportation Security Administration regulations.  The TSA has said to go ahead at this time and take advantage of the new policy.

Be advised that some Document Checkers may not be aware of the change in policy and this will require your speaking to the airline's customer service personnel.  Also, the additional bag must conform to the carry-on regulations for size and weight.  There will still be occasions when there simply is no space available on board for additional carry-on and this will require checking a bag.

Quick-Tip

An easy way to improve your images is to slow down.  When you see a good photo subject don’t rush in to snap photos.  Pause to evaluate the opportunity at hand.  Consider the best angle to approach the subject.  Analyze the negative space around the subject.  Set your camera up with the optimal strobe position and camera settings.  Note the direction of the current.  Will it push you into or away from the subject?  This is also the time to notice the surrounding substrate.  Is it fine particles that will be easily stirred up to ruin your shot or is it fragile coral that needs to be avoided?  When all these factors have been considered slowly move in to create those awesome images.

UpComing Meetings and Events

December 1, 2003 – HUPS Meeting
HUPS Annual Christmas Party meeting

January 5, 2004 – HUPS Meeting
Anne Millioud

February 7, 2004
TGCC Awards Banquet

FOR SALE

Ikelite 4200 Digital underwater light meter. $275

Sekonic MMII with bracket and UltraLight mount.  Extra batteries. $125

Ikelite flat port for 50 Micro Nikkor (#5502 for lenses < 3.5" max extension). $25

AquaLens dome port in very good condition.  This allows you to use any NIkon-mount compatible lens as an underwater wide angle lens on your Nikonos camera.  Note that a 20mm lens inside this dome port is equivalent in field of view to the Nikonos 15mm.  Included is a Vivitar 19 mm lens (good condition also) along with focusing and aperture rings.  Original cost of the AquaLens alone was $800.  All yours for $150 OBO.

Nikon 15mm viewfinder for use with Nikonos IVa (I don't think it fits the Nik V).  Almost unused. $50

All viewable at http://www.seabelow.com/uwphoto4sale.  All prices OR BEST OFFER.  Contact Dave Van Rooy at dvanrooy@seabelow.com.  Dave has been a member of HUPS for over 15 years and currently resides in Bali.  All equipment is in good working order, and he will guarantee money back if not satisfied.  Equipment is located in and will be shipped from Austin.

Color Darkroom For Sale

HUPS Shootout 2004

At press time we have deposits from 19 members planning to attend the HUPS Bonaire Shootout.  The shootout will be in Bonaire July 10-17, 2004.  This is an excellent opportunity to improve your underwater photography.

Cost of this trip will be approximately $877 for land, which includes: seven nights, six days of two two-tank boat dives/day, unlimited shore dives and daily breakfast.  Each 2-room villa will have access to a four-door pickup, for "tooling" around or diving the beautiful dive sites from the beach.  Airfare is anticipated to come in somewhere around $550.  Total cost for the basic package will be approximately $1427.  All villas come complete with a kitchenette.  For more information on lodging check out http://www.plazaresortbonaire.com.

Island Dreams Travel will sponsor a one-day photo contest.  Prizes will be a $300, $200, $100 certificate for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place respectively, to be used towards a travel package with Island Dreams.  If you have any question or want to make a $200 deposit to hold your spot contact Leonard Cichowski.

2004 HUPS Contest Topics

Over several margaritas and more chips and salsa than I care to admit to, the 2004 HUPS Monthly Contest topics were selected.  We had 6 members submit topic ideas.  This resulted in 54 potential topics.  Some submissions were eliminated because they were not broad enough or were only available at Indo-Pacific destinations.  The contest topics were then drawn at random from the submissions.  The 2004 topics are as follows:

Please note that we will have six digital contests plus the Best of HUPS contest.  Start looking though your images to select your best shots.  If you are going on a trip soon consider how you can capture some images to fit the 2004 topics.

Lighting Workshop a Shining Success
By Joe Nicklo, Director of Educational Activities (DEA)

I am extremely pleased seeing how well the educational workshops have been received by our members.  On November 22 we had our second workshop.  This time lighting was the subject and Ken Knezick was our instructor.  We had 23 members in attendance.  I am sure everyone walked away with some new tips or tricks to try out on their next trip.  A big thanks to Ken and Island Dreams Travel for hosting this workshop.

The next workshop will feature David Lenderman discussing how to get the most from your Nikonos.  The date and location are still being nailed down but we are shooting for sometime in February.

TGCC Banquet

HUPS will again present it’s member of the year and photographer of the year awards at the TGCC Banquet.  Join in on the good fun and good food.  Last year we had about 20 HUPS members show up to chow down.  This year the banquet will be Saturday, February 7, 2004.  The location will be the Monument Inn.  Price per person is $30 until February 3, 2004, $35 thereafter.  Price includes all the seafood you can eat.  For tickets go to http://www.tgccdiveclubs.org/banquetticket.pdf

Monthly Contest Winners
November 2003 – Things that live in the sand or muck

Thanks David! Job Well Done
By Dennis Deavenport

This article will be both easy and difficult to write.  Easy, because I won’t have any trouble searching for something good to say about David Lenderman’s two years as president of HUPS.  Difficult, since there is so much that I want to tell you about how truly good it has been to work with him and see how HUPS has prospered under his guidance.

Almost from day one, it was obvious that the club was fortunate to have him at the helm.  Our goals were remarkably similar.  David always wants the best for HUPS and is fully aware that to achieve great things you have to get dedication and involvement from more than just a few members.  I think that we can honestly say that this part of his vision has been remarkably well served.  During his tenure, we have seen a large number of people step up and make quality contributions to HUPS in a surprisingly broad range of ways.  Even more impressive is the number of newer members that have felt comfortable enough come forward.  I attribute much of this to David’s management style, which is not only instinctive and forward thinking but warm and fun.  In short, it’s a real kick to work in this type of environment.  When others see how much fun we’re having, they want some of the action too.  In that sense, success breeds more success.

Some of the good things that have happened in HUPS over the past 3 or 4 years can be attributed to the changing face of underwater photography.  The digital tsunami that has hit us hard and heavy has been enormous for HUPS.  The fact that HUPS embraced this awesome new technology quickly and decisively is to a large extent due to David’s influence and his clear vision regarding how HUPS might benefit by taking a leadership role in promoting and teaching new and established members about this amazing new tool.  To realize this you don’t have to look any further than to review what we accomplished during Seaspace this past year.  Okay, we had a great opportunity to showcase HUPS when we were asked to put together the photo exhibit and a presentation at the film festival.  However, "opportunity" doesn’t always guarantee "success."  What we accomplished was truly excellent.  We added many new members, we made a lot of money, and we put our organization’s name and accomplishments up on the billboard in bright lights for all to see.  Doing this took a lot of hard work, dedication, and organization from many, many HUPS members.  David’s role in leading this effort was essential to the success we achieved.  The best part... it was fantastic fun with everyone coming away with a great sense of accomplishment.

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Thanks David! from previous column

So what did we get with David as president?  We got a whole lot of Bang for the Buck.  I honestly don’t know where you can spend $30-35 a year and get as much in return: quality programs, educational activities, shootouts, monthly contests, and much more.  Something must be going right.  Just take look around at any meeting.  We’re averaging more than 50 people each month, which is almost twice as many as used to attend a few years ago.  HUPS is a great place to learn how to become a good underwater photographer but the best part of membership is the new friends we make.  It’s our good fortune to be able to count David as one of those friends.

Want to Dive an Aircraft Carrier?

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, (through its Artificial Reef Program), is applying to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to acquire the USS Oriskany, a decommissioned aircraft carrier, for deployment as an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast.

The USS Oriskany is the last Essex Class carrier built, the same class as the USS Lexington, now a museum, docked in Corpus Christi.  It was built in the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard and launched Oct 13, 1945.  The ship was completed and commissioned on September 25, 1950, and served both in the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War.  The USS Oriskany is approximately 900 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 160 feet high from keel to the top of the conning tower.

Texas is in tight competition with several other states to acquire the USS Oriskany for their respective artificial reef programs.  As such, public support for this project is critical for us to be successful in this endeavor.  Therefore, we are seeking letters of support for TPWD’s efforts to acquire the USS Oriskany.  Additionally, to develop a fitting memorial for the vessel and her crew, TPWD is requesting suggestions for that memorial from her former crew members.  These letters may be mailed to:

Paul Hammerschmidt, Director
Texas Artificial Reef Program
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
or paul.hammerschmidt@tpwd.state.tx.us.

For more information go to:
http://www.wrecks2reefs.org/
http://www.ussoriskany.com/
http://www.tgccdiveclubs.org/

Time to Renew

It’s time to renew your HUPS Membership.  Please fill out the renewal form and bring it to the December meeting or mail it to Houston Underwater Photographic Society, P.O. Box 270056, Houston, TX 77277-0056.

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!