An Alternate View

Mark Webster · Issue 58, Jan/Feb 2011 · pp. 53–57

Products mentioned: Nikon D300, Subal ND20, 10-17mm zoom lens, Subtronic Mini flash guns, Magic Filter

I am sure that most of us are familiar with the old adage that familiarity can breed contempt. Whilst this may be a generalisation in life fortunately it does not usually apply to underwater photography. Repetitive diving of a particular site is normally a benefit as it allows us to get very familiar with the topography and habitats, the inhabitants of the site and any changes that may occur during the seasons as they come and go. All this helps you plan what to do with a dive perhaps targeting a particular subject or trying a new technique. Even when travelling many of us will visit the same sites many times and often the temptation is to stick with what we know works in terms of subjects and techniques. After all, you will have spent a good deal of money getting to your destination and you don’t want to come back disappointed. This attitude can be a hangover from the days of film for s…