Ultraviolet photography

Matej Simonic · Issue 57, Nov/Dec 2010 · pp. 56–59

Products mentioned: Canon 7D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM, Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM, Sealux housing, Halcyon HID 18 light, Ikelite DS161 strobes, Ikelite manual controllers, Loc-line arms, Nightsea filters

My interest in ultraviolet (UV) spectrum began to develop more than ten years ago, when I found some underwater UV photos on the net and they looked very interesting. I immediately decided that I had to see it with my own eyes. At that time it was not possible to buy an underwater ultraviolet light so I decided to build one myself. I took small black fluorescent tube (similar to the ones used in night clubs), made some electronics to drive it from a pack of batteries and sealed everything together in the transparent acrylic. I had no clue about needing a filter on my mask. I took it to Egypt, eager to experience UV fluorescence myself. On the night we arrived I went straight to the jetty, turned it on and it worked very well on the surface even though it was not very powerful. When I dove into the water, it leaked and I drowned my dreams for a long time … Certain corals and animals emit …