February 2nd Meeting
I've Been Told it's Fiji

By Leonard Cichowski

Last month we had a wonderful program from Anne Millioud and Chuck Roberts on the delightful destination of Bali.  Their combined program of the surrounding countryside and dramatic diving had all of us scrambling to find our passports and cheap airfare.  Bali and the surrounding area seems to be a favorite spot for many of our Pacific divers.  Once again I would like to thank Anne and Chuck for a sending us off to a wonderful trip.

For February, John and Kathy Ringrose will be our featured speakers.  Their program, as I understand, will deal with diving another beautiful Pacific destination: Fiji.  John and Kathy have traveled to this area several times.  Both are accomplished photographers.  They have placed in and won many of our HUPS monthly contests.  John has also been named member of the year (I don’t remember which year).  He's been a member of the Board of Director of HUPS for numerous years.  He also headed up the photography contest for more years than he would like to remember.  If you have ever been to one of our Christmas parties and wanted to know who put on such a fantastic event. . . the finger points to Kathy.  Outside of HUPS, the Ringrose's dedicate time to ticket sales for SEASPACE.  Kathy and John make up a wonder dive/photo team.

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February 2nd Meeting from previous column

If you don’t know John, you need to go up and introduce yourself to him, as this may be the last time we see him for awhile, for John is a CPA and tax time is upon us.  Kathy has the task of teaching the future leaders of our country.  Her toughest job is keeping John straight.

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.

TGCC Banquet

It’s not too late to join HUPS in presenting its 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 7th.  The location will be the Monument Inn (http://www.monumentinn.com).  Price per person is $30 until February 3, 2004, $35 thereafter.  Price includes all the seafood you can eat.  For tickets go to the TGCC web site.

Photo by John Ringrose ©2003

President's Message
It’s All About Getting Better and Having Fun

There are probably as many reasons for being a member of HUPS as there are members.  However, it’s probably safe to say that one of the most important motivations for membership is to learn how to develop your UW photographic skills.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone is doing it to win contests or become a pro.  Many of us would be perfectly satisfied to be able to know that their work is really solid and worth showing to others.

So what is it about "getting better" that is most difficult?  Is it understanding your equipment and knowing how to operate it to get well-exposed and in-focus pictures?  Or is it more about how to capture a shot that is truly artistically satisfying?  If you ask me, the 2nd statement is where the pot of gold resides.  Don’t get me wrong, the technical details are essential elements of good images.  However, knowing how to operate your gear is just a detail.  Aside from operating your equipment competently, there are other essential factors that need to be mastered to get over the high bar and start creating really fine images.

1. Composition is probably the most important single element.  Even common subjects take on a magical quality if you take the time to really look and "see" the beauty that resides in almost everything we see underwater.  Knowing how to position your camera and when to snap the picture are so very important for high quality results.  If you feel like you’re clueless here, pay close attention to what wins the HUPS monthly contests or go to an art or photo gallery and study how the pros do it.  When you see something that you really like, try to analyze what it is about the image that makes it stand out.
2. Planning ahead is darned important also.  Have you ever gone out with a macro lens and discovered that you’re surrounded by sharks and schools of fish above a beautiful reef?  I have and I felt pretty stupid.  Asking the divemaster or someone familiar with the location what to expect can go a long way toward a satisfying experience.  Knowing what to look for really helps.  There’s a lot to be said about having a solid plan and sticking to it.
3. Stalking skills aren’t discussed as much as they should be but believe me, this is about the biggest challenge there is in many instances.  Don’t just go out and fin around the dive site 6-10 feet above the reef snapping shots of anything that manages to come close.  That’s really boring.  Learn how to observe.  When you spot something that is special, this is when the real work starts.  [Webmaster's comment: "First, do no harm."  Do not damage the natural environment for a picture.]

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President's Message from previous column

Determine how you want the shot to go down and make your camera and strobe adjustments before you even start trying to get into position for the shot.  Slow down and look, really look at the subject and its surroundings.  Once you understand what you want to capture, start getting your camera in position to get that special shot.  If it’s a nervous critter, it might take a lot of patience and slow, careful maneuvering to finally get you, the critter, and your camera all where they need to be.  Then take the picture!  If you’re lucky and your subject hasn’t bolted for safety, recompose and take more shots.  Don’t just sit there firing off shot after shot the same way each time.  Vary your camera and strobe angle, bracket your exposure, get closer. . . just don’t give up on a good subject.  If it’s worth shooting once, it’s probably worth shooting 2-10 more times.  Some subjects might be worth the whole roll of film or a good portion of your digital memory.

Last but hardly least, have fun, enjoy the people around you, sit and watch the sun go down, take some time to develop all of those mental pictures that make life so special.

See Ya February 2nd,
Dennis

Nikon School of Photography in Houston

In March The Nikon School of Photography will be hosting two digital photography classes in Houston. Digital 101 will be held March 13 and Digital 201 will be offered March 14.  Digital 101 is suited to those considering a digital camera and to newer digital photographers.  If you consider yourself an advanced digital shooter you may be interested in Digital 201.  To learn more about these classes check out http://www.nikonschool.com/.

Thanks to Dennis Vernon and Pat Miller for submitting this information for inclusion in the newsletter.

Don’t Forget to Renew

If you haven’t renewed your HUPS membership for 2004 please do it soon.  We need to get the 2004 Directory printed and don’t want you to be left out.  Bring your check to the February meeting or mail it to Membership Chairman Chuck Jensen.

Marty Snyderman at June HUPS Meeting

Our annual post SEASPACE meeting will again have a big name headliner: Marty Snyderman.  Marty Snyderman is a world renowned still photographer, film producer, author and speaker specializing in the marine environment.  His still photography and/or writing has been utilized by National Geographic Magazine, numerous National Wildlife Federation publications, Natural History, Dive Training, Sport Diver, Time, Newsweek and numerous other publications.  Marty has also authored nine books relating to the marine environment and underwater photography.  Marty has been involved in underwater photography for 25 years and continues to produce compelling images of marine life in attempts to raise awareness and interest about many marine issues.

Marty will be in Houston for SEASPACE ’04.  At SEASPACE he will be teaching several one-hour seminars on underwater photography.  Marty’s participation in SEASPACE is being underwritten by Dive Training Magazine.  We also owe a big thanks to Ken Knezick of Island Dreams Dive Travel for securing Marty as the guest speaker for our post SEASPACE meeting June 7th.

Quick-Tip

(If you have a tip that would be of interest to fellow members please email it to underh2o@ev1.net.)

Pay attention to the background of your shots.  This is important in both macro and wide-angle photography.  In macro photography look out for distracting objects in the background.  Things like light colored, reflective objects that will burn out and create a hot spot in your image.  Or maybe objects that will appear to be sticking out of your subject’s head.  Kinda like topside photos of people where a light pole or signpost is sticking up right behind the subject.  This can ruin an otherwise good shot.  Just try repositioning yourself to minimize the distracting background.

In wide-angle photography it’s a big thrill when a manta ray swims through the group of divers.  You concentrate on that manta in the viewfinder failing to notice the scuba fins or bubbles in all your shots.  Before you squeeze that shutter look around the whole frame to make sure you’re not getting any unwanted extras.

UpComing Meetings and Events

February 2, 2004 - HUPS Meeting
John & Kathy Ringrose - Fiji

February 7, 2004 – TGCC Awards Banquet

March 1, 2004 - HUPS Meeting
Terry Moore - British Virgin Islands

FOR SALE

Four (4) Nikonos TTL sync cords $50 each Bose Headset – good condition $150 Contact Mary Lou Reid. *************

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.

Photos of these items are 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, TX.

HUPS Shootout 2004
By Leonard Cichowski

I am happy to announce that the 2004 edition of the HUPS Shootout will take place July 10-17, in the beautiful underwater paradise of Bonaire.  Our base of operations will be the Plaza Resort Bonaire.  For further information on this property, please visit their website.

The land package will cost approximately $877 and includes seven nights, six days of two tank boat dives, and daily breakfast, unlimited shore diving, and each two bedroom villa will have a four door pickup for their use, whether for shore diving the wonderful close in dive sites or just "tooling" around the island.  Airfare will be around $696.40.  Thus, it will be a total of approximately $1573.40 per person.  A $200 deposit per person will be required to reserve your spot on this trip.  We plan to have a celebration dinner on the final night, which will cost an additional $26/person.  If you prefer the privacy of a one bedroom villa, add $314/person.

We will be diving with Toucan Divers.  Nitrox is available for $63.50 for unlimited fills for the week.  E-6 processing is available.  We plan to incorporate the resident photo pros into our shootout with an evening of slides and lecture as well as an evening of photo critiques.  Island Dreams Travel has also agreed to sponsor a one day photo contest.  First prize will be $300, $200, $100, for first, second, and third place respectfully.  Details on judging to follow.

I will be collecting deposits at the next meeting or they can be mailed to me.  The date on the check and/or postmark will determine priority and/or position on the waiting list.  You can mail your deposit to Leonard Cichowski.

We have 25 folks signed up and ready to dive.  If any of you would like to pay on your trip, you may do so by sending your check to Henry Ragland.

You can contact Island Dreams Travel if you would like to pay your airfare by credit card.  Please call or e-mail Tina Robinette-Miller at Island Dreams.  We are asking that monies be paid in full by April 1, so that we can deposit checks and get final payment to Island Dreams.  We will be working on room assignments in the upcoming week.

I would like to ask for volunteers to help plan evening festivities and help coordinate the trip, rules for the contest and judging.  My intent is to make this one of the most memorable shootouts to date.

February Workshop
By Joe Nicklo, Director of Educational Activities (DEA)

Our first workshop of 2004 is scheduled for February 28, 2004, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM.  Directions will be announced at the Feburary meeting.  Former HUPS President, David Lenderman, will show us "HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR NIKONOS V CAMERA."  David is an artist when it comes to using the Nikonos Camera set up.  Many monthly contest winners have been captured with David’s trusty Nikonos V cameras.  His plans include discussion on wide-angle and macro photography.  Topics will include strengths and weaknesses of the Nikonos system, pool testing, dual versus single strobe, camera settings, subject selection, etc.  He also will give us all a mini course on film and explain why film still has its applications.  As an added bonus David will bring his Nikonos set ups to show how his cameras/strobes are configured to create those winning images.  This is a workshop that will be informative for all photographers including you digital types.  If you have questions concerning this workshop contact Joe Nicklo.

Monthly Contest Winners
January 2004 - Night Time

Check it Out on the Web

As of Saturday, January 24th, Wetpixel.com has been switched over to the new site design Version 3.0.  Many new features have been added and the site is now integrated as one complete "Content Management System."  When Wetpixel users log in to the site, they will have seamless integration between the bulletin boards, reviews, news, and features.  Users will now be able to search across the whole website with the push of a button - one login does it all.  A few new things have also been added, such as: New links section: add your business, or your personal website to the links list.  Wiseman Beginner Column: This section is being updated with over a dozen articles.  Submit News: Members can now submit news to go on the Wetpixel homepage.

Now that digital SLR cameras or "DSLRs" have dropped below $1,000 US, many underwater photographers are thinking about buying one, instead of a new "prosumer" camera like the Olympus 5060 or the Nikon Coolpix 5400.  I regularly see questions in the Wetpixel Forums about the differences between consumer and SLR cameras for underwater use, so I’m hoping that this article can serve as an "upgrade guide."  The aim of this piece is not to influence photographers to switch, but rather to answer questions and explain the differences between the two systems.

Some reasons photographers have given for upgrading are:
  Image quality – lower noise
  Lens choices
  Faster autofocus
  Critical focus through the viewfinder

Size
SLR cameras are inherently larger than prosumer cams.  While the camera body is not that much bigger, size can double when a lens is mounted.  Naturally this means that housings will be larger.  Not including a handle or tray, prosumer camera housings are typically roughly 5" tall by 8" wide by 5" front to back.  A typical digital SLR housing might be 8" tall by 10" wide by 6" front to back.  Add a lens port and the housing can "grow a nose" anywhere from 5" to 10" in length.  Most SLR housings have dual handles affixed directly to the housing, so when making size comparisons, make sure to compare "apples to apples" and include a tray and handles on the consumer camera housing.

Dave Haas at DEMA, showing the small size of the Ikelite D-Rebel housing

Ports and Lenses
If you buy the digital rebel (or the Nikon D70 when it comes out) I recommend buying it with the "kit" lens.  On the D-Rebel, this mid-range zoom lens is a great starter, because it has an equivalent field of view of 28-85mm on a film camera.

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DLSRs vs. Prosumer from previous column

That means that it will take photos with a slightly wider field of view than an Olympus 5050, which means you can get in closer to your subjects.  Unfortunately, even at the closest focus, this lens does not have very high magnification so the next lens to purchase is a macro.  Based on discussions I have had it seems like the first macro lens to buy is the Sigma 50mm.  This lens is similar in quality to the Canon 50mm macro, but it will yield twice the magnification.  Shooters who enjoyed using a wet-mate wide angle lens may want to look at buying a Sigma 15mm fisheye for underwater use.  This lens focuses close and has a very wide field of view.  Because of the sensor crop on the D-Rebel, you probably won’t notice much distortion in your underwater photos.  Another option is the Sigma 12-24 wide-angle zoom which was just released.

The Aquatica D-Rebel housing will include TTL conversion circuitry

Unlike with a consumer camera, it is impossible to switch lenses underwater with a digital SLR.  Wetmate macro lenses are sometimes used, but I have never heard of a wet-mate wide-angle lens for SLRs.  Lenses can be changed on the boat, but after that they go behind either a flat or a dome port which is fitted to the housing.  Many have asked, but unfortunately, there is no "one size fits all" port which will work with all three of the above lens types.  A good starting point is to buy a flat port to use with the macro lens and a dome port for the kit lens and the wide angle.  Fortunately, the kit lens and the fisheye both work behind Ikelite’s extended dome port.  The same will probably hold true for the Aquatica housing.

Viewfinder
Because there is a real shutter and a mirror in between the SLR’s lens and the image sensor, there is no image preview on the back of the camera.  If you are used to composing by looking at the LCD on a consumer camera, the viewfinder on an SLR might seem small.  But as another photographer once said, "As long as it’s smaller than my eye, I won’t have any trouble looking into it."  What you’ll quickly realize is that with your mask up against the viewfinder, you see what the camera sees, and it’s bright and sharp and when you press the shutter, that’s what you’ll capture.

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DLSRs vs. Prosumer from page 5

Consumer cameras pass a video feed from the imager to the LCD on the camera back and this video is usually delayed quite a bit and only updates a couple times a second.  Because of the limited number of pixels, the LCD screen can’t be used for manual focus or even really for judging focus after a shot.  On the other hand, the viewfinder on an SLR is excellent for focusing on tiny macro critters.  To summarize: it will take some getting used to having to put your mask up against the housing to compose and focus, but in the long run this photographer thinks the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

The viewfinder and control layout of the Ikelite housing

Strobes
If you already own strobes for a consumer camera, the chances are that they will work with your DSLR.  With a few exceptions, most strobes will only work in manual power mode.  One piece of exciting news is that the Aquatica housing for the D-Rebel has TTL circuitry built into the unit.  The DSLR difference will be that the strobes will be fired using an electronic circuit, rather than a slave sensor.  Most DSLR’s shoot at a low of ISO 100, so required strobe power should be about the same as for a consumer camera.

Cost Comparison

I’ve put together a rounded off cost comparison. It assumes you already have strobes and strobe arms for a consumer camera.

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DLSRs vs. Prosumer from previous column

As you can see, the Digital SLR system will run about $1,000 more than a comparable consumer digicam setup.  As an underwater shooter, it’s really up to you to decide if the upgrade is right for you.  Based on the questions I have been seeing on Wetpixel, apparently, at this price point, it’s the right choice for a lot of shooters that are ready for a new camera system.

Film SLR Lenses on Digital SLR Cameras?
By Pat Miller

Here's an interesting tidbit: Using lenses from your film SLR camera on your new digital SLR camera may not give the results you might expect.  Nearly all sensors used in digital cameras are smaller than a 35mm film frame (24mmx 36mm).  So the digital sensor captures a smaller portion of the image focused by the lens onto the film plane in the camera compared to 35mm film.  It's like a film camera zoomed in.  This results in a telephoto effect; for example a 60mm focal length lens on a Nikon D1 performs like a 90mm lens (1.5 multiplication factor).

This probably sounds like good news for underwater macro, as long as you don't have to back up too far and put too much water between you and your subject.  It's not so good for wide angle.  That wide-angle lens isn't quite so wide any more!  The Nikon press release says they have three new digital lenses called DX Nikkor for wide angle.  Nikon says, "You got to buy more lenses!"

Also, I read that some digital sensors don't do so well with light coming in at an angle as compared to film.  Sensors work best with light coming in straight, head on.  So with film SLR lenses, the corners and edges particularly with wide angle shots are not so sharp.  This may not be a severe problem with all digital SLRs and film lenses, and/or it may not matter depending on the kind of pictures you take.

2nd Place Digital - Frank Burek ©2004

Member Profile – Jesse Cancelmo

After spending way too many cold winters in Philadelphia, Jesse moved to Houston in 1976.  Not only did he enjoy the warm air temperatures, he also enjoyed the warm water of the Gulf.  Today the Flower Gardens are his most frequented dive site.  He has seen some parts of the Gulf few divers experience.  He has utilized Tri-Mix to do some deep dives on the Flower Gardens.  In addition to deep Tri-mix dives in the Gulf, Jesse has also done some deep wreck dives on the east coast, including the Andrea Doria.  His favorite dive spots are Indonesia and Galapagos.

Jesse began diving in 1970 and took up underwater photography in 1973.  Jesse’s camera gear has come a long way since he took up photography.  In 1973, he started underwater photography with a Nikonos II and flash bulbs.  Today, he shoots a Nikon F100 in a Sea & Sea housing.  He relies on Ikelite strobes to bring light to his images.

Jesse is an Engineering Project Manager with a sideline UW Photography business.  He has had images/articles published in numerous publications including: Alert Diver, BBC Wildlife, Dive Training, Houston Chronicle, USA Today and Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine.  In addition, Jesse has authored two books: Diving Bermuda and Diving Cayman Islands.  Both books are published by AquaQuest.

When not off on a dive trip, Jesse enjoys running and spending time with his wife and two children.

To learn more about Jesse and to see some of his work, check out Jesse’s website at http://www.cancelmophoto.com.

HUPS Library

The list of materials available in the HUPS Library keeps growing. Below is a partial listing of items available to be checked out by HUPS Members. To check out any of the items just see Joe Nicklo at a HUPS meeting. He’s the guy with the big box of books and videos.

If you have any photography related books or videos you would like to donate to the library contact Joe at jnicklo@aol.com.

Books
Essential Guide to Composition by Jim Church
Essential Guide to Nikonos Systems by Jim Church
Essential Guide to Underwater Video by Jim Church
The Nikonos Handbook by Jim & Cathy Church
How to Photograph Underwater by Norbert Wu
Kodak Guide to 35mm Photography by Kodak
Kodak Workshop Series: The Art of Seeing by Kodak
Master Composition and Light
Kodak Library of Creative Photography
Available Light Photography by Lou Jacobs, Jr.
How to Improve by Your Photography H. P. Brooks
Photography by Barbara & John Upton
Lens for 35mm

Videos
A series of three Nikonos V VHS videos by Martin Sutton including introduction to the Nikonos V, Macro/Close up Photography with the Nikonos V and Wide-Angle Photography with the Nikonos V.

CDs
Capture the Light – the HUPS SEASPACE 2003 Film Festival Show
HUPS Workshop: Enhancing Digital Images & Being Creative with Them by Dennis Deavenport

3rd Place Digital - James Wiseman ©2004

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!