Stepping off the Lizard

Mark Webster · Issue 63, Nov/Dec 2011 · pp. 58–63

Products mentioned: Nikon D300, Subal ND20, 10-17mm FE zoom, Inon Z240 flash guns

Photographers are fussy creatures. We want bright light, calm seas, good visibility, plenty of subjects and endless time in the water. These needs are rarely all fulfilled at the same time but we can improve the odds sometimes by being selective with the type of diving we plan. For many divers, diving from the beach is something you have to do whilst training and is often not considered once you have those first few qualifying dives under your belt. However, for photographers, beach diving is often an ideal choice as the schedule is not dictated by a boat and possibly by divers and a guide who have no interest in the perfect image. It is not always necessary to venture far offshore for good subjects and the beach diving option often offers a much more relaxed approach to diving without the need to consider the needs others and if you are happy to dive on your own then you won’t even need…