Dark Thoughts

Mark Webster · Issue 8, Aug/Sep 2002 · pp. 32–36

Products mentioned: Nikon F90X, Subal housing, Inon quad flash, YS120, YS30, Nikonos III, Sea and Sea camera, Mitylite torch

Whether you choose to take your photographs on temperate or tropical reefs there is a seemingly endless selection of marine fauna and flora to record. However, if you choose to dive only during daylight hours you are likely to see only half the story as many of the reef’s most secretive and some might say most interesting creatures remain hidden until the sun goes down. Diving at night is an exciting experience if only because it feels slightly unnatural, but for the photographer it opens up a whole new range of subjects. Although the prospect of managing your camera equipment in the dark may seem a little daunting at first don’t let this put you off as a judicious choice of equipment and techniques can make the task very simple. Firstly you need to consider how you are going to find your subjects. Effective lighting is essential, although it is a mistake to work on the principle of “the…