The Appeal of Spring Time

Mark Webster · Issue 50, Sep/Oct 2009 · pp. 54–58

Products mentioned: Nikon D200, Nikon D300, Nikon D100, Subal ND20, Light and Motion Titan housing, Inon Quad Flash, Inon wet lens, Subtronic Mini flash guns, 18-200mm zoom, 60mm micro lens, 105mm micro lens, 10-17mm zoom

My workshop clients often question the value of temperate or cold water diving, and indeed my sanity, when I extol its virtues. If you have been trained in warm tropical conditions then it may be difficult to imagine the attractions of cold and sometimes murky water diving, but the most likely misconception is that there is nothing to see or photograph. The issue of water temperature can be easily dealt with by using the correct equipment and a dry suit with a good thermal under suit is a must for photography. Suits and equipment feel bulkier and heavier than tropical equipment, but a little practise will soon familiarise you with the techniques required for comfortable diving. As for marine life subjects temperate waters can be every bit as rich and varied as tropical seas, but of course we need to be able to adapt our techniques to suit the (sometimes less than perfect) conditions. The…