Underwater Photography Books

good basic intro to digital underwater photos and equipment

I bought this for my scuba diving photographer husband as a present. He said it is an excellent book as he leafed through it. Then he sat down to read it immediately. That's quite a positive reaction for him.

Denise

Found this book very helpful. Have some experience with underwater digital photography but found the explainations and examples very helpful. Took it to Palau...and left it with the captain who kept picking it up to read. So am ordering my replacement!

Very disappointing. I was hoping for a more informative book. This was pretty basic photography. The previous reviews were misleading for me. This was a waste of money.

This book is fine for point and shoot, and non-D-SLR cameras. It does have some inaccurate information - at least, information that most underwater photo pros disagree with. It has very limited information for those who are using D-SLR cameras.

It seems biased to write about someone's book, when I have always been a fan of his/her work (in this case, the Ferraris'). This may be unfair to other potential buyers. Yet, I am now looking at my well worn copy of "A Diver's Guide to Underwater Malaysia Macrolife" and realizing how much I have been using this book. The cover is creased, two corners are warped and many pages are wrinkled. A few other pages are nearly separating from the main stem. Though the binding of the pages are holding well, I don't think mine will last too long. It is way overused and is time for me to purchase a new copy.

Being a natural history photojournalist myself, I utilize a number of reference books. This is one that I often make use of. The field guide contains more than 600 species of marine critters, from invertebrates (such as worms, opisthobranchs, echinoderms, crustaceans and cephalopods) to reef fishes found in the Indo-Pacific waters. Each of the species has been provided with pictures, Latin & English identifications, distribution, sizing, habitats and underwater photo-tips to capture the subject on film/pixels. These hands on photographic suggestions are especially valuable for both seasoned and budding photographers. In addition, through the authors' dedicated observations, the content provides additional information on certain animals' symbiotic relationships with other creatures and behavioral aspects. The book is written in a clear and easy-to-understand context. The Ferraris' impressive knowledge on gobies has educated me immensely.

Despite that the book does not contain information on sponge, anemone, coral and shell, the Ferraris have selectively concentrated on the macro faunas that avid divers and photographers deliberately search for in the Indo-Pacific. Many of the critters shown in the book are of rarity, and many photos (over 800) in this almanac do not only depict the subject identification alone but with artistic flares. A difficult feat (and with hundreds of hours underwater), and the Ferraris have done it with roaring success. In a heartbeat, I highly recommend this field guide to anyone (also parents with kids) who enjoys the beautiful and unique macro life of the ocean.

Stephen Wong Marine Wildlife Photojournalist

As a marine biologist as well as an author and photographer of marine life books, I tend to purchase only books that have useful information along with decent photography that facilitates easy identification. Books that cover too broad an area or all marine life rather than a particular group tend to fall short. By focusing on the small things in an area of extremely high diversity, the authors have managed to be unusually comprehensive. In my area of expertise, the fishes, I found very few errors (zero is an impossibility given the constant changes as new information comes to light). The photography and printing are excellent. The species descriptions are concise, well-researched and full of information useful to the naturalist as well as photographer. This book belongs on every underwater photographer or naturalist's bookshelf. It is also good enough and compact enough to go in one's luggage in this age of traveling light. For those interested in the Red Sea, I highly recommend the following Coral Reef Guide Red Sea (Coral Reef)

Once again we have a book by Andrea & Antonella Ferrari which hides a failing in basic marine identification behind a façade of photographs that are, in some cases, quite outstanding. Clearly, these authors know their photography. Sadly, however, they do not know their species identification as well as they should for a book of this type. In short, there are several instances where this book will mislead the diver.

Altogether, I got the distinct impression that this book was an afterthought whereby they had produced something (anything!) from a collection of surplus photographs from their fairly abysmal "Malaysia Diving Guide" - a book where the publishers could not even get their names right on the cover! (It's true).

In the long term, I fear more and more people will purchase this and similar books, become overwhelmed by the impact of the outstanding photography and take whatever is "written" as being gospel. Then, when the next generation of authors with a camera come along, they will use this book as their own identification bible. Thus the errors are compounded and repeated.

If you want to purchase a book bursting at the seems with excellent images and only wish to look at the pictures then this book is unlikely to disappoint. If, however, you are keen to identify each species seen underwater "Accurately!," then this book cannot be trusted because there is nothing occasional about the errors found here.

NM

Whether you're an armchair adventurer, an aquarist, or a diver of any skill level that has already viewed some of the better coral reefs in the world, this is definitely a must-have book for your library. Never has any publication so accurately and colorfully depicted the Indo-Pacific marine species that presently exist in the South China, Sulu and Sulawesi seas.

This book, or possibly more correctly called a `Field Guide' is an outstanding identification guide for the scientist, diver, student, and the hobbyist for those species living in the covered area. It describes over 600 different fish and invertebrate species, including colorful nudibranchs, cleaner shrimps and some exceptionally rare cuttlefish. Each species notes its scientific and common name, distribution, habitat, size, life habits, and many also provide some extremely helpful underwater photography tips. All illustrated with over 800 beautiful color photographs. In fact, it was difficult for me to get past the early part of the book as the scenery photos put me into a dream mode. Honestly, after viewing the first few photos in the Introduction section I was tempted to make airline reservations!

A Diver's Guide to Underwater Malaysia Macrolife is basically divided into three sections: Introduction; Invertebrates; and, Fishes. However, there are eight pages prior to the Introduction section that helps put the tone of the overall work into perspective. The first, "Selected Bibliography" is a list of some publication titles that compliment this work. Following that, there is a list of "Recommended Internet Web Sites" that includes dive travel information in Malaysia, and an underwater camera-housing site that can be quite helpful in assembling the right equipment before leaving home. Also mentioned is "Addenda" which contains a list of corrections and updates that came along too near the end of the publication cycle to be incorporated into the finished version. Really a thoughtful and useful touch. There are also maps of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, and Malaysia, Indonesian, and Borneo areas. This is followed by a list of the "Top Ten Dive Sites of Malaysia" and a very well written piece on "How to Use This Book."

The "Introduction" section, which consists of 37 pages, was the most difficult portion for me to get through. As mentioned above it scenery photos were mesmerizing! But when you get past those you'll find this section divided into various mini subjects of interest. To begin, "Why Macrolife" notes that actually shallow water diving is more rewarding than deep diving and it requires no special body fitness or risk. Therefore good dive spots are easy to find, and with good patience and eyesight your experiences will be quite rewarding. Next, "Redressing the Balance" notes that the areas mentioned in this book are without equal, even if visiting the more public and heavily advertised dive sites. Following that, "Where and How" pinpoints Pulau Sipadan in the Sulawesi Sea off Borneo, and the South China Sea atoll of Layang Layang as Malaysia's two majestic dive areas. Next, "The Fine Art of Marcophotography" dispels some of the myths about underwater photography and describes the equipment used by the authors along with some very helpful hints in getting that perfect photo. "Macro Habitats" is next and briefly notes the need for careful and thoughtful observation. Of course the weather you would experience in these areas is of interest and in the next portion of the Introduction the subject of "Climate" is examined. What are the best months to visit these areas and their temperature ranges are discussed. Ending this section "A Matter of Choice" notes what creatures were photographed for this book and why.

The following two portions of the book are massive when compared to the Introduction section. The "Invertebrates" section consists of 166 pages and is divided into five subsections. Over 300 hundred species of flatworms, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, octopi,, squids, shrimps, crabs, lobsters, sea stars, brittle stars, and sea urchins are described. Each containing a high quality color photo accompanied with various levels of information as noted above.

The "Fishes" section consists of 232 pages, and concentrates on bony fishes. The families Blennies, Gobies, Filefishes, Dartfishes, Dragonets, Jawfishes, Anemonefishes, Hawkfishes, Cardinalfishes, Flatheads, Scorpionfishes, Lionfishes, Pipefishes, Seahorses, Frogfishes, and Morays are among the many well depicted. There are also two brief, but interesting subtopics titled "The Host and the Hosted" and "Fish Juveniles." The first provides an insight into the micro-world where some close-ups of various parasites or commensals are shown. The second provides some shots of fish juveniles, and contains an interesting photo of a juvenile dragonet that is only a few millimeters in length. Excellent photography!

This superb work completes with an "Index of Common Names" and "Index of Scientific Names." Also, on the inside back cover there's a little more information about the Authors and their previous books and magazine articles. Both the front and back cover foldout and can be used as a bookmark, which is always very convenient when it comes to `Field Guide' type books.

As a pictorial guide of the fishes and invertebrates found in this part of the world, you'll not find any better! And it's written in a clear and concise style, which truly makes it a must for all divers and students interested in the underwater creatures that inhabit this part of the world. And for those that don't dive, yet keep aquariums, this work serves as a valuable identification source along with some habitat information that might benefit the species in their aquariums.

In conclusion, A Diver's Guide to Underwater Malaysia Macrolife is well written, quite informative, beautifully illustrated, and a priced right quality publication. Get a copy, you'll be happy you did!

Amazing photography!!! Great ID book on macro reef inhabitants! Always with me on my dive trips... no regrets ;p

The correct URL for the UW Photo tips is:
http://www.seapix.com/tips.htm
Sorry for any confusion I may have caused.
eyesguy@aol.com

A really good how to book for owners of Nikonos camera systems, with practical tips for Nikonos V and Nikonos RS users, although valuable for all. I really like the way that Jim Church has included Situations - UW photo scenarios and he guides you through his approach.

My first reaction when opening this book was that it was light on text. Not necessarily bad if it says what it needs to succinctly. Unfortunately, this book didn't do that. Procedures could be explained more clearly, and could be illustrated with more and better figures and photographs. This semi-pro photographer often found himself reading a procedure and saying, "huh?" "Change the f-stop which way?" The advanced photographer will gloss over reading the description of f-stops and shutter speeds while the novice will be left befuddled. The book leans toward giving recipes for a situation rather than trying to teach an understanding of photography.

More explanation and pictures could be given of the equipment and configuration. A new underwater photographer with a camera is overwhelmed by the array of arms and attachments, but there is one paragraph on arms and brackets that basically says, "Get the best," without as much as figure to show how one looks or attaches to the camera. Then you get descriptions such as "attach the strobe arm so it tilts toward the camera body." Tilt in what plane? What does a strobe arm look like?

There are statement and procedures that seem odd to an experienced photographer. It is suggested that manual strobe exposure, which is typically only dependent of distance and f-stop, is also a function of subject brightness. The procedure for using TTL flash starts with looking up the flash distance for a full-power manual flash to set the f-stop. If you're going to do that, you might as well not use TTL (although this method does maximize depth of field, but, of course, this is not explained.) The TTL electronics are then used as little more than a proper exposure indication, and if you don't get a proper exposure with your camera set to the edge of the exposure range, you're to burn more film at another f-stop until it works.

This books focuses on the Nikonos V and the now-discontinued RS. Even though the author considers the IVA to be "a dud," the III and IVA are still viable cameras that a beginner, the audience for this book, is likely to have because of the lower procurement cost. (Currently on eBay, a V with 35mm lens runs about $475 while a IVA with the same lens is about $250.) An appendix on the features, and how operating and maintenance differ for these models, would be very useful. Church has written on these models in previous editions, so it shouldn't be difficult.

So, what is good about this book? The color photographs are very good, but are more of result examples than actually showing the equipment, but are inspirational. The guidelines on positioning strobes and estimating distances is invaluable, as are the maintenance sections. If you bought a used Nikonos without a manual, note that Craig Camera sells the manuals for a IVA for $20 while the book currently retails on-line for less than that. If you're trying to decide between the two, I'd get this book. This book also seems to be considered by many to be the definitive guide to Nikonos photography, and my search shows few, if any, other underwater photography books dedicated to this one line of cameras. So, like the title says, even though I feel that there is a LOT of room for improvement, this book may be, indeed, essential for the Nikonos beginner.

Jim Church is the true professor of underwater photography. His book is comprehensive and fairly clear. His approach is almost too analytical at times. I would have liked more photos and text explaining what he did and why and how it worked out, although he did offer quite a number of photo examples. His tips on strobe useage and his "secret guide to strobe exposures" alone are worth the price of the book. For a looser and more intuitive approach, read http://scubadiving.com/photo/instruction/.
this is an addition to, not a replacement for Church's book.
Overall, I would give the book an A- with about half of it worthy of an A+ and the remainder a solid B to B+.
eyesguy@aol.com

Easy to understand, yet comprehensive info for the beginning to intermediate UW photographers utilizing Nikonos V (slightly less info on the Nikonos RS). Organization by subject matter creates a reference that you can take with you for easy and quick, pre-dive brush-ups. Excellent example photos, charts and diagrams. It goes way beyond all Nikon manuals and publications.

Worth owning just to see the beautiful photography within! Designed for the professional and avid amateur, this book is full of useful advice and discussions of such topics as: what happens to light underwater, shooting wildlife and people underwater, angle choices, and even suggestions on how to sell underwater photography. A great choice!

This outstanding effort by Brian Skerry with Howard Hall is very definitely one of the finest books I have ever read on the art and wizardry of taking pictures in the hostile environment of a watery world. Lots of good info here on equipment and techniques for the aspiring underwater photographer. Although published at the dawn of the age of the practical high definition digital camera it shows that the essence of photography is above all to work with light and that the rules are the same for any camera. Packed with splendid images and insightful text this book belongs on the bookshelf of all divers who aspire to excellence in the world of underwater photography.

This is by far the most helpful book on underwater photography that I have read up to now. It is not just a coffee-table book of gorgeous images. The authors have genuinely set out to teach the craft of u/w photography. Each photograph is discussed in detail - how it was taken, how the exposure was determined, shooting angle, the instructions to the model, how they got the fish to look through the hole, etc. Best of all, they teach you how to appraise other photographs, to identify the technique used and to criticise weaknesses. The images and the technique data are mainly from film cameras, but digital cameras are discussed too. An excellent, inspiring, articulate, readable and beautifully-presented book. Sits next to Jim Church's Essential Guide to Composition on my quick access bookshelf.

Excellent book for the beginner. It is well written, and concise. Plenty of great shots and how to take them.

Not much information in this one. I read the whole thing in just a few hours, and I read slowly. Not what I expected at all. Did not cover digital photography much at all. Of course, digital was new when the book came out, but now books like this are bound (no pun intended) to go the way of the 35MM cartridge.

I did not expect too much when I purchased this book. To my surprise, I found the insights it contained very practical and indispensable, as I read through it. In fact, I plan to read it all over again. It is full of very useful information. It think the quality of this book mirrors the other work done by the authors. I'm going to get a copy of their other books on marine adventures. I recommend it a 100%!

I've been shooting underwater photos for 10 years and never have I read a book that so throughly explains the technology of cameras, and relates it so well to the underwater realm. The crew of the Turks and Caicos Aggressor liked it so much I gave Captain Piers a copy and have come back to Amazon.com for another for myself.

Maybe for those people that buy Nikonos cameras this book is Ok, but what happenned with those who have Sea & Sea or others amphibians cameras?? This book only explain how to use Nikonos cameras and show tables with accessories of Nikonos, not others... In page 19: "For 90% of amateur photographers, the Nikonos system is probably the best choice" maybe this was true in past time, but I'm sure that now this words are wrong, because Sea and Sea or others good cameras are bests buys and testers choices...

In generals contents of UW Photography this book explain very good from basics to professionals tips.

The photographic tips and lessons were helpful but what impressed me the most was the quality of the photographs. More than any other book on underwater photography I have read, I would like my underwater photographs to look like the ones contained in this book. In most other books on underwater photography I have read, by some of the most renowned photographers, although the text is helpful, the sample or example photos leave me thinking "Is this the best they can do?". Whereas in this book, the sample photographs are stunning, in composition, texture and sharpness - and are alone worth the price of the book.

I bought this book having just purchased a Sea & Sea Motormarine 11-EX for a 2 week dive holiday in the Red Sea. For someone coming from land photography, the book explains the different principals, theories and techniques of underwater photography very clearly with excellent visual guides. The proof of the success of the book was that office colleagues actually wanted to see my holiday photos.

This book will make a wonderful gift for my father-in-law who is an avid scuba diver. Wonderful pictures.

I had the opportunity to dive with the author in Monterey Bay, California while he was still shooting the images for this book. He is a fascinating individual and if you like an uncommon perspective of underwater photography, this book is for you.

I bought this for my wife who is an avid scuba diver and has dove in many locations in the USA and even some outside of the country. The pictures in this book are excellent and my wife enjoyed seeing some of the locations she has been to in the book. It has an interesting style and some very unique photography too. Even though Im not a diver I found this book interesting too. The only thing my wife wished was that there was a little more detail in explaining some of the locations, overall though highly recommended.

This is truly an amazing book, featuring 360 richly illustrated color pages with hundreds of incredible full-page underwater images (most by the authors and several by the world's best underwater photographers, like Doug Perrine), plus informative, wonderfully accessible texts. Be aware this really isn't a technical, dry, boring guide in the strictest sense of the word like most of the others available on the market. It's rather more of a highly inspirational book which begs to be read and re-read again to find creative inspiration, to bring out the inner hidden artist. I loved the amazing photos and highly enjoyed the clever suggestions in the text - and I can already see how my own underwater photography has incredibly been enriched by this book. It's like having your own personal tutor! Go on and buy it - this is something you'll treasure for many years to come.

Its a terrific book, fantastic pictures. Liked that you could get helpful hints for point and shoot UW cameras, not just the expensive ones. Only thing I didn't care for was that the commentaries were not continued on the next page - you had to go 2 or 3 pages for them to continue.

Physical limitations now prevent me from diving, but I started young, very young! In fact, in the late 1940's by simply holding my breath and going as deep and as long as possible to see `nature' in areas along the east coast of North America and various areas in the Caribbean. And in the following decades when traveling to other global areas where the ocean was a short distance away, I always made time to explore the local depths. And even though I've never owned sophisticated diving equipment, or had the skill to photograph underwater creatures, those adventures brought much pleasure and an appreciation for the complexities in the underwater world. I've also been an aquarist for over 60 years, and have tried to duplicate nature in all my aquariums, whether they were freshwater or marine aquariums.

And in the past where certain world areas where not available to me, I depended upon the `icons' such as Jacques Cousteau and others to publish the results of their diving adventures so I could enjoy seeing the fruits of their underwater travels. Today is no different, and thank goodness there are people like Andrea & Antonella Ferrari! Their new book `The Art Of Underwater Photography' is a welcome addition to my library, and even though I cannot comment on its photography techniques and equipment, except to say it appears quite informative, I can say I'm impressed with their organization of the material and its artwork. Therefore, whether you're an armchair adventurer or diver, (even a past diver like myself), you'll enjoy slowly going through this massive 360 page book and viewing their and their co-contributors stunning contributions!
Bob Goemans

It is very easy to mention David Doubilet in the same breath as National Geographic as though that says it all. Of course his work has appeared in that illustrious magazine for many years and, well, perhaps it does.

Light in the Sea is a large coffee-table book measuring 12in x 12in and is packed with a collection of photographs taken in, on, around, above and, of course, below the surface of the sea. It is, however, far more than just another collection of photographs of fish, corals and other sea creatures - this is an complete exercise in what to aim for when taking similar photographs.

I am studiously avoiding such words as "Outstanding" or "Excellent" when describing the pictures contained in this book. This is because there are many outstanding and excellent photographers out there - but David Doubilet is a cut above the rest and in a class of his own. His photographs need no such description.

There is far more to Underwater Photography than taking good photographs underwater and, having studied the many images in this book, I would suggest "Light in the Sea" is the template on which any aspiring underwater photographer should model their own abilities.

Sea Creatures are photographed from every position - with wide-angle lens and with macro-lens, from above the surface, from below the surface - and even from half in and half out of the water. Islands are shown with rows of coconut trees along the shores in the background and rows of corals underwater in the foreground - and all in a single photograph. Even that well-known rocky promontory in Egypt called Ras Mohammed is photographed from a new and exciting angle.

This is a book where every photograph is an abject lesson in photography with each one making the statement; "this is what you should aim to achieve when taking a photograph like this." This is a book where the Master has demonstrated his art to the student and I salute the author.

NM

Light in the Sea is a book that revolutionized the techniques of underwater photography. It belongs to the most beautifull books I`ve ever seen. Doubilet is a photographer that has done a pair of other good books and written a lot of articles for National Geographic. His photos looks more like paintings than photos and that`s what`s making the book so good. Among my favourite pics are the Izu Peninsula coral reefs and also the Caribbean which is my favourite underwater area. His ways to capture the animals is unique,although there are other good photographers too,such as Roger Steene and Chris Newbert. But Doubilet is the best. The only thing which made me disappointed is that it is so short,just 160 pages. A 400-page photo book would be better. Fortunatley,I also own his other book that has 240 pages of beautifull photos. But don`t forget this,it is fantastic,I promise you that!

This book was a gift, and one I'm eternally grateful for. David Doubilet takes you on a photographic journey from the cold waters of British Colmbia to dive with giant octopus to the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Palau, the Red Sea and the underwater volcanic sands of the Izu Penninsular, Japan. Amazing shots of Great White sharks and WWII wrecks, the incredible compositions and imagination of his photography will pluck you out of your chair and dunk you in the ocean! The supporting text just adds to the effect and compliments the photos beautifully. It's so real that I use it as a substitute for diving when I can't get out there. This man knows how to use a camera, and has a real feel for the sea. If you find it, grab it!

Brenda Peterson has combined her talents as nature writer and novelist in this fascinating book. "Animal Heart" is an eco-adventure/love story that makes for a riveting read. I read late into the night in order to finish this novel, too captivated with the storyline to wait for another day to learn the outcome!

Brenda Peterson has a great talent for weaving together true yet scary scientific realities of our modern world with her heroic yet quirky fictional characters who work for a better world for animals.

If you believe in the great mysteries that exist between humans and animals, and those inexplicable places where are realities cross and mingle, you'll love this book. If you care about humane treatment of all animals, this story will resonate with you. And if you like an unusual, intriguing love story, this will be a good read!

I applaud Peterson for her commitment to animals and nature, whether she is writing fiction or nonfiction. And that she makes no apologies for her great passion and vision for a kinder, gentler world for all species. And the good news is the last page of the book begs for a sequel...now, we can only wait to learn what happens next!

After demonstrating her talents as a nonfiction nature writer, and inspired by her love for our oceans and marine life, Brenda Peterson (BUILD ME AN ARK, 2001; SINGING TO THE SOUND, 2000) has returned to writing fiction with her strong, new novel, ANIMAL HEART. Published by the Sierra Club, ANIMAL HEART explores Peterson's concerns about the new scientific technologies of our "brave new world" (p. 110), namely xenotransplantation and the military's experiments with mid-to-low frequency active sonar. The plot of Peterson's novel follows two wildlife pathologists, "passionately curious" (p. 79), Isabel Spinner and her friend, Marian Windhorse, and their forensic investigation of a mass stranding of whales and dolphins along the Oregon coast during U.S. Navy off-shore testing of high-intensity sonar. Meanwhile, after another character, Marshall McGreggor, suffers an underwater heart attack, doctors implant a baboon's heart into his chest. Soon thereafter, he experiences "cellular memories" (p. 118) of life as an ape on an African savannah. When he befriends another transplant patient, Irene Feinstein, the recipient of a pig valve heart implant, the two discover they are in an "unknown territory" (p. 264), and begin wondering if their hearts are trying to tell them something--that human life and culture are not the only measures, that humans are not the only ones who matter. With ANIMAL HEART, Peterson has not only written a troubling story about scientific techonlogies gone way too far, but a story sure to touch the heart of every reader.

G. Merritt

love it!!!!!
happened upon it in a small bookstore in providence ri.....
big fan of marine historical stories and this is definately one of them!!!!!
plus i am a a.c.clarke science fiction fan too...so great to see different side of the man....
quite humourous to see the differences in tech and thinking about diving...
love it.....cannot wait for the third in the series to be reprinted!!!!!!

Originally published in 1955, The Coast of Coral is an account of Arthur C. Clarke's exploration of the Great Barrier Reef off the eastern coast of Australia. He describes the large variety of coral found during his many dives there, along with fish and other inhabitants of the reef, including several shark encounters, all accompanied by sixteen pages of B&W photos. The book is somewhat of a look into the past, as much of the reef has now been destroyed by careless tourists, some fishing methods, pollution, and the more natural ravages of weather. Also dated is activity like eating sea turtle eggs, and walking on the reef, which the author retracts in his recently written introduction. Clarke touches on Australian culture and there are several chapters on pearl diving. Unfortunately there are a few typos, seemingly common in ibooks publications. An example from page 32 shows editors can't just rely on spellcheckers: "...if the hark did appear, I was chiefly anxious to get him in the game picture as Mike..." While the reader should be able to determine what is meant, these errors are irritating and could easily have been eliminated with better proofreading.