I am going to be documenting this in a new "travel blog" section of my site but though I'd share some of the first photos.
A quick note on gear - underwater I used both my own personal Canon S100 compact in a dedicated underwater housing and the waterproof/shockproof D30 I am currently reviewing for Canon. All the images below are from the S100 in this case. Shot in manual mode with the built-in flash on, through a diffuser. Mostly in macro mode to allow me to get close enough - I'll share an image shot at greater distance later to show you why you need to be close in. All underwater images shot at f/7.1 and 1/250th sec, ISO 250
Pulau Labas by David, on Flickr
This is Pulau Labas, and like Mike did earlier in the week, is more of a test of the Lightroom RAW panorama merge. Underneath this tiny rocky islet are a network of tunnels and small holes we dived through. Problem is, with at least two other dive boats there the visibility in the tunnels was crap. Couldn't see my wife 2m in front of me! Would much rather have stayed outside the swim-throughs and looked at pretty fish.
Now comes the photos I am happiest to have achieved. They all follow a similar theme - see if you can spot it! - but I really wanted a few images I could be happy with and think I've managed it with these. Getting pictures sharp and in focus is a challenge above ground, underwater in crap conditions was even more challenging!
Clownfish I by David, on Flickr
Normally clownfish are bright orange but these guys are grey - not sure what exact species they are though. Maybe just old clownfish?
Clownfish II by David, on Flickr
Hide & seek. The small marks and blemishes are actually on the fish. The white mark looks like a chunk taken out of it and there looks to be something like a wart just near its left eye.
Clownfish III by David, on Flickr
This pair were extremely relaxed and didn't seem to be afraid or aggressive towards the camera at all. Maybe they liked having their photo taken?
Clownfish IV by David, on Flickr
A much more nervous individual, happy to stay hidden.
Clownfish V by David, on Flickr
This little guy viciously savaged me.
As I was holding position in the water to steady the shot it came closer and closer. I didn't move, wanting to see what it did, and in the blink of an eye it darted in, pecked my knuckle, and fled back to the anemone. It did make me laugh out loud, which underwater with a regulator in your mouth is ill-advised.
As I have time to go through more images I'll share some highlights here and ultimately link through to the travel section where I'm doing a more detailed writeup.
LOL