Mary Lou Reid

 

I became a certified diver in 1984 and my first dive trip was to the Cayman Islands.  I knew after that first trip I wanted to take pictures.  It was just too beautiful not to.  My first camera was the Nikonos V and I knew nothing about photography.  As Jackie often says “didn’t know an f-stop from a bus stop.”  After my first dive trip I was hooked and was able to do two or three trips a year.  All my vacations from that time forward until just a few years ago included only dive trips.  There wasn’t anything else I wanted to do or see.  After using the Nikonos V for a few years I moved to my first housed system using a Nikon F3.  Now I have a Nikon D200 and Nikon D800 Seacam housings.  I’m primarily interested in macro and fish photography so I use the 60 mm.  When I do wide angle photography I use the 12-24, 17-55 or the 10.5.  

 

I learned about HUPS from a local dive shop, and attended my first meeting located at a hotel off the Southwest Freeway in the mid 80’s.  I was completely blown away when I saw the first slide show and the unbelievable images.  Couldn’t wait until the next meeting!  Being a member of HUPS all these years has really been a blessing in so many ways.  From the learning and travel opportunities to the wonderful friendships I’ve made over the years, it’s made such a difference in my life.  

 

During these 30+ years of diving (yes I started at 5), I have had the opportunity to dive most spots in the Caribbean, Red Sea, Palau, New Guinea, Socorro, Fiji, Philippines, plus lots of Indonesia diving.  I have two favorite spots, Alor-Flores and Komodo in Indonesia.  Some of the best trips have been HUPS trips.  

 

In the last couple of years Jackie and I have started doing other wildlife photography especially bird photography.  Probably my one regret looking back is being too focused on one area of photography and not exploring other opportunities.  After all, most of us can’t do underwater photography everyday but there are many other photo opportunities that if taken advantage of, will make us better photographers.  

 

I have been married to Jackie since 1994 and we live in Lake Jackson with our two cats “Clemmie” and “Mouse.”  I am still working as the Privacy/Freedom of Information Act Officer for the VA hospital in Houston.  

 

Jackie and I are always willing to share what we have learned over the years.  Feel free to contact us.  Also visit our website: jrandml.zenfolio.com