June 7^th Meeting
Marty Snyderman!

By Leonard Cichowski

Our next HUPS meeting, on Monday, June 7th, will be our Post-SEASPACE meeting and will feature Marty Snyderman.  We, as underwater photographers, look forward to this special meeting every year.  It is a special time when we get to spend a few cherished moments with the folks that are known as the gurus and mentors of our photographic passion.  And this year we are proud to have Marty Snyderman as the visiting Underwater Photo Pro.

If you’ve been hiding under a rock and don’t know anything about Marty, let me pass on some of his credentials.  Marty has been involved in underwater photography for the past 25 years.  He presently resides in Solana Beach, California.  A very prolific photographer, cinematographer and author, Marty has nine books to his credit.  His photography and /or writing has been used by National Geographic Magazine, Skin Diver Magazine, National Wildlife Federation, Natural History, Dive Training, Sport Diver, Time, Newsweek and Time Life, to name a few.  His films have aired on PBS Nature, National Geographic Society, Nova, BBC and the Discovery Channel.  Marty also served as the Field Editor for Skin Diving Magazine.  He is a much-sought out speaker for various organizations that are interested in the marine environment, such as SEASPACE and HUPS.

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June 7th Meeting from previous column

So I think you get the idea.  Marty is very busy in putting his talents and skills into an enjoyable venue for us, the viewers, and that allows him to reap rewards for his endeavors.  But as busy as he may be, he has put together an online underwater photographic course that interested individuals can subscribe to for a period of six months and work at their own pace.  Classes range from beginner to advanced and encompass separate courses in both film and digital photography.  All you have to do is go to http://www.theUnderwaterPhotographer.com and sign up.  He is definitely willing to teach you the skills needed to be the best underwater photographer of your ability.

Marty hasn’t passed on exactly what he will be showing us at HUPS.  But you can bet it will be something fantastic.  If you don’t believe me, log onto his website: http://www.martysnyderman.com/ and check out his portfolio.  And by all means, whether you are an underwater photographer or someone that enjoys fine photography, HUPS invites you to come spend an evening with Marty Snyderman.

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.

Happy Diving,

Leonard

SEASPACE is Here!

SEASPACE will be at the new Reliant Center June 5 and 6.  Check out the special SEASPACE photo events insert at the end of this newsletter.  Make a whole weekend of it.  Friday Night is a mixer at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  Saturday and Sunday is the exhibition along with all the seminars and workshops at Reliant Center.  Saturday night is the SEASPACE Film Festival back at the Museum’s IMAX Theater.  This will be a special film festival with Howard and Michele Hall screening their new IMAX film "Coral Reef Adventure."  For more information on all events check out http://www.seaspace.org.

President's Message
HUPS goes Public

No, we’re not about to start selling stock.  This article is a tribute to all those members who regularly offer their talents and time to reach out to other people and organizations in our community to show them the beauty that lies just below the waterline.  I used to joke, tongue-in-cheek; “What good does it do to have an expensive hobby if you can’t inflict it on your friends and relatives?”  After seeing how others have responded to presentations, workshops, and classes given by members of HUPS, I’d have to say that this is a pretty poor sentiment to express.

The truth is, HUPS members routinely produce an exceptionally high quality product to anyone fortunate enough to experience it.  The most frequent recipients of presentation are other dive clubs in the area.  HUC probably leads the list in invitations.  Just in my recent memory I can name Jackie and Mary Lou Reid, Joyce and Frank Burek, Lee Mixon, Joe Nicklo, John and Kathy Ringrose, David Lenderman and myself, and a group show featuring Sue Watson, Tammy Allyn, Jean Himes, Kathy Ringrose, and Mary Lou Reid.

David Lenderman and I gave presentations two separate times for the Beaumont dive club, The Wet Set.  David has also done shows for the Nubian Dive Club and in Galveston.  David says he will speak to anyone that will listen.  He has made several presentations to school groups, Boy Scout troops, etc.  James Wiseman and I have teamed up a couple of times lately to give digitally-oriented presentations for the Houston Photochrome Club and the Bay Area Divers.

The Bureks get around a lot.  I know of several times when they have given presentations at Bay Area Divers and at the Armand Bayou Nature Center.  This just touches on two of the many organizations in the South Texas region that have been willing audiences for their considerable talents.

Jack Allyn has taken time to gather work from HUPS members and prepare a number of slide presentations for church and health organizations such as The Gathering Program, a group supporting services to Alzheimer’s patients.  This is the type of spirit that best embodies what is best about HUPS.  Likewise, a couple of years ago, Leonard assembled another show featuring slides from Jackie Reid, David Lenderman, Charlie Lundquist, Dick Zingula, and himself titled "Oil & Water Do Mix" for a group of offshore oil professionals.

It’s not possible to do an article like this without mentioning the many contributions that Ken Knezick makes around the world and more specifically in the Houston area.  Ken has many allegiances to HUC, SEASPACE and his own company, Island Dreams, but he is a staunch supporter of HUPS and gives a significant amount of time to promoting diving and U/W photography.  His presentations are always well conceived, educational and entertaining.

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President's Message from previous column

At SEASPACE this year, HUPS will be well-represented.  Jesse Cancelmo is giving workshop on "Techniques for Improving Your UW Photography" and a seminar on the "Secret Reefs of the NW Gulf of Mexico."  He’s not the only one that is doing double duty.  Pat Miller is giving two seminars on "Using Your Computer to Enhance UW Digital Photography."  David Lenderman starts off with a seminar on "Bali – Island of the Gods" and moves on with "Bobbit Worms, Demon Stingers, Fairy Crabs and Other Bizarre Critters of Indonesia."  Finally, James Wiseman starts off with a seminar on "Digital U/W Photography – DUOY Flower Gardens Educations Trips" and finishes up with a 2-hour workshop with Eric Cheng of Wetpixel.com on "Beginner & Advanced Photo Systems, Digital Workflow and Computer Tools."  That is just for this year’s SEASPACE.  Last year was similarly busy for HUPS with seminars, photo displays, and a film festival feature.

Over the past year we have had several successful HUPS Workshops.  The next HUPS workshop on "What to Do after the Shutter Clicks" will be given by that talented workhorse, James Wiseman, on June 12th.  This article wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t also mention that HUPS offers all of our workshops to non-members for the paltry sum of $15, which can be applied to membership.  What a deal.

For those that I failed to recognize, I offer my apologies.  This has been a difficult article to write, and as you can see, the list of contributors that I do know about already fills a large section of this newsletter.  The message here is that HUPS isn’t just about us doing things for our group alone.  We go well beyond these boundaries helping to make this world a more colorful and interesting place to live.

For those that are already doing their part like those above, keep up the good work.  And for others that may be thinking of doing so, I heartily encourage you to jump into the frying pan and see what you can cook up.  You'll enjoy it and so will your audience.

See You at SEASPACE,
Dennis Deavenport

Check it Out on the Web

We have had this one before, but Mary Lou Reid wanted me to remind you again about http://www.uwpmag.com. It’s a free, web-based underwater photography magazine.  Each issue is filled with great articles including: camera/housing reviews, travels stories, creature features and photo portfolios.  Take a look at the site and download the current and past issues.

Volunteers Still Needed for our SEASPACE Booth

There is still time to volunteer for the HUPS booth at SEASPACE.  Helping out in the booth is fun.  You meet new people and get to act like an underwater photography expert.  To volunteer, contact Jack Andrews or Joe Nicklo.

 

Monthly Contest Winners
May 2004 - Reef Scenes

Enter the Wetpixel.com Photo Contests

There is a fairly new bi-monthly on-line photo contest organized by Wetpixel.  This contest is judged by a group of highly acclaimed, professional underwater photographers.  Prizes for each contest total over $1,000 in value.  Digital entries can be from digital cameras or scanned film images.  The contest entry is free so what have you got to lose?  For the complete low down checkout http://www.wetpixel.com/contest/.  Wetpixel also has a photo of the week contest.  This is a just-for-fun themed contest with a different theme each week.

UpComing Meetings & Events

June 5-6, 2004 – SEASPACE http://www.seaspace.org

June 7, 2004 – HUPS Meeting
Special post-SEASPACE meeting – Marty Snyderman

June 12, 2004 – Workshop
James Wiseman – Digital Workflow

July 5, 2004 – HUPS Meeting

FOR SALE

Ikelite SLR housing for Cannon AE1, w/ flat port, focus & zoom controls & rings, Ikelite Substrobe M, Ikelite strobe arm, Sync cord and Fitted plastic carrying case

Canon AE1 35mm film SLR camera, Canon lens FD 50mm 1: 1.8, Canon zoom lens FD 35-70mm 1: 3.5-4.5, Canon zoom lens FD 70-120mm 1:4, Vivitar tilt/bounce flash unit zoom thyristor 3500 w/colored diffusers, Hanimex close up lens set +1, +3

Make an offer to Lee Mixon.

*************

Two Ikelite SubStrobe 200 (orange) with batteries, quick charger and 2 diffusers -- $900. All work great and one just serviced by Ikelite

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

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.

Third Place Novice – Bob O'Steen ©2004

Care and Handling of CDs and DVDs
By David Lenderman

Information in this article was taken from a document titled "Care and Handling of CDs and DVDs" by Fred R. Byers.  It was co-published by the Council on Library and Information Resources and National Institute of Standards and Technology.  The article can be viewed online.

So you have a huge library of digital images stored on CDs and/or DVDs.  How long will this storage media last?  What is the best way to handle and clean the discs?  Under what conditions should they be stored?  These are all questions answered in the above-mentioned article.  I will attempt to summarize some of the key points below.

Life expectancy - Testing performed by disc manufacturers indicates that CD-R, DVD-R and DVD+R discs have a life expectancy of 100-200 years or more.  CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM discs should have a life expectancy of 25 years or more.  Life expectancies for CD-ROM and DVD-ROM vary from 20 years to 100 years.  All these life expectancies are based on storing discs under recommended conditions.

This data comes from disc manufacturers.  Independent laboratories have performed very few life expectancy tests.  In an accelerated life expectancy test by NIST one type of DVD-R had a life expectancy estimated at 30 years if stored at 77 degrees F and 50% relative humidity.

Handling – Users should handle discs only by the outer edge or center hole areas.  One should not bend the disc, touch the surface of the disc, use adhesive labels or expose the disk to high heat or humidity.  When labeling discs do not write in the data area of the disc and never use a marker that contains solvents.

Cleaning - Discs do not require routine cleaning.  Only clean the discs when absolutely necessary to remove visible contamination.  To clean a disc, first try to use a soft dry cloth wiping from the center of the disc straight outward.  Never wipe in a direction going around the disc.  If that doesn’t remove the contamination try rinsing under water or using commercially available water-based detergents formulated for cleaning discs.  As a last resort, use isopropyl alcohol or methanol.  Never use acetone, as it will dissolve the polycarbonate base of the disc.  In general, avoid anything that is abrasive.

Storage – Discs should be stored in a cool, dark, dry location.  Discs should be protected form swings in temperature and humidity.  Ideal storage conditions are temperature between 39 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity between 20% and 50%.

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CDs & DVDs from previous column

Discs should be kept in original packaging until needed.  Keep discs in cases stored upright (book style).  It’s also a good idea to have back up discs stored in a different location in case of fire, flood or other disaster.

The Council on Library and Information Resources website has a nice quick reference guide to care and handling of these discs.  Just click on the link and scroll to the bottom of the page, and there it is.  With proper care discs will last a long time.  They should certainly outlive slides or negatives.  But remember, "Nothing lasts forever" always holds true.

Member Profile - Jim and Debbie Mensay

Jim and Debbie currently reside in Sugar Land.  Jim was born and raised in Houston and Debbie was born in New Orleans and grew up in Norco, LA.  The Mensays have been HUPS members about two years.  They get in three to five dive trips per year.  They say their favorite destinations are Cozumel because it’s so close, Bonaire for easy diving and photo opportunities, and everywhere they been in the Pacific.  They must really like Cozumel because they have been there 19 times!

Jim and Debbie started diving in 1991.  Debbie holds an Instructor rating and Jim an Assistant Instructor.  They got involved with underwater photography in 1995 with a Sealife Reefmaster camera.  Today they both shoot with Olympus C-4040 digital cameras.

Jim and Debbie are also involved with HUC and SEASPACE.  Jim is on the Board of Directors for HUC and they are both Managers for the Kids Dive Shop at SEASPACE.

When not diving, Debbie works as an Environmental Manager and Jim as a Crude Oil Marketer.  They are both heavily involved in church.  They help coordinate the Confirmation Program and are part of the core team of the Youth Ministry.  Jim volunteers at M.D. Anderson as a floor host and Debbie likes to do scrapbooks.

News from the DEA
By Joe Nicklo – Director of Educational Activities

When I was appointed Director of Educational Activities, I had no idea what I could bring to the table that would benefit our members.  However, within a short period of time, it became evident that our members craved information that would make them better underwater photographers.  Recognizing this fact, I immediately saw an opportunity to utilize the knowledge and experience of our more advanced photographers.  As a result, we now have a workshop program.  My special thanks to all those members willing to donate their time to make this program a huge success.  Sure, our members enjoy the camaraderie and social benefits that our HUPS offers, but I'm hearing how much more meaningful membership is with the educational experience.  Knowledge is power, and with it comes enjoyment.  Take advantage of the upcoming workshops and I guarantee your underwater photography will be a more enjoyable, lasting experience.

Speaking of learning about UW photography, SEASPACE is cram packed with seminars and workshops for improving your photography.  Check out http://www.seaspace.org for the latest schedules.  We also have a special opportunity with the Los Angeles Underwater Photographic Society’s gallery at SEASPACE.  It will be great to see their images and maybe get some ideas on how to create better images.  Lets all attempt to learn something from the LAUPS exhibit at SEASPACE.

Workshop Schedule: On June 12th, James Wiseman will give the workshop "Digital Workflow - What to do After the Shutter Clicks."  James will discuss everything that can and should be done with your digital photo, whether it is a scanned slide or a file from a digital camera.  Thanks to Henry Ragland, the workshop is being conducted at Cornerstone Mortgage, 1177 West Loop South, Suite 300 and is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM. Topics include:

• Backing up your photo files while traveling
• Transferring files to your computer
• Backing up your files at home
• Computer image adjustments and optimization
• Preparing your files for professional printing
• Preparing your files for viewing on the web
• Sharing your photos on the web using an online gallery
• Preparing digital submissions for photo contests

On September 18th, Dennis Deavenport will give the workshop, "Enhancing Digital Images."  Attendees will learn-by-doing in this computer-intensive session.

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News from the DEA from previous column

Dennis will utilize dual digital projection systems.  One will be used to show the Powerpoint outline of techniques and lessons that the class will be expected to learn using their own computers.  The other screen will be used as an on-line Photoshop 7.0 demonstration tool where each action can be viewed as it is discussed.  A copy of the Powerpoint presentation and a CD containing images used in the workshop will be given to all attendees.  Contact Joe Nicklo if you are interested in attending and for additional information.

Quick Tip

Be Prepared.  That’s the old Boy Scout motto.  It has applications reaching way beyond a scout camp-out.  It also applies to underwater photography.  When you are swimming along a deep wall or other area near deep open water, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for something big to swim by.  In case a shark, manta or turtle decide to make a surprise appearance, try to have your camera preset to capture the surprise visitor.  When searching the reef for a good wide-angle photo composition have your camera ready to go.  Make a meter reading to determine the proper f-stop to create the blue-water background.  Have your focus preset for 3 feet or so.  With these functions preset, you won’t have to fumble with camera setting when the surprise visitor shows up.

Third Place Advanced – Jackie Reid ©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!