As we descended down the anchor line and hit the sandy bottom I really was not sure what to expect. I have seen pictures of the habitat for several years, however images often lack a sense of scale or environment. The first part of the dive was spent doing “clever diving tricks”. Check the electronics; increase the oxygen in the breathing mixtures, and switch back and forth to open circuit bailout. All the skill you want to show up as second nature when you really need them and your life is on the line. As we swam to toward the habitat out of the gloom was this enormous submarine looking structure. The size was quite dramatic. We peered through the portholes where some of the UNCW staff were working away at maintenance and general upkeep. I had to restrain myself from tapping on the glass and waiving like a tourist. For the remainder of the dive we swam around the structure admiring the design and construction. The marine life surrounding this artificial reef was spectacular. It was an entire ecosystem both outside and in that supported life. The irony was how much infrastructure it took simply to keep humans alive, yet the dizzying array of life on the outside was much more beautiful.

We ended our dive with a debrief as every member of the team recalled child hood stories about living in an underwater house. Dreams of an aquanaut, apparently they are shared by those who have pursued a career under the sea.

Kelp Forest, Channel Islands NP

Last Dive

It seems like an urban myth, but occasionally some of the best shots of an assignment do actually come on the last dive...

When in Channel Islands...

...you have to walk away with a couple images of the Garibaldi.

Happy Birthday Dives

I had one of the most rewarding dives in many years today. In addition to it being my Birthday, we took a slight detour from the shipwreck inventory to dive a location called Gull Island. The crew was gracious enough to spend some time there so I could scout for a 3D shoot next year. My objective was kelp and sea lions. I was not disappointed!

As we dropped beneath the boat, the bottom was flat and sandy, almost like a field. We swam toward the kelp and through one of the most beautiful kelp forest I have been in. Then came the sea lions. First just one or two, darting in and out of the towering kelp. As we swam into shallower water, there was a posse of sea lions dancing and playing in the shallow surf zone. Now my experience with shooting sea lions is virtually not existent. I quickly learned it does absolutely no good to try and follow there actions or swim into them to get the shot. They reminded me of a pack of teens wandering the streets. A ball of twisted gray black animals would roll by you as one or two occasionally would dart close to the camera and blow bubbles as if to say "can't catch me".

The entire dive was exhilarating. Andres, my dive buddy, was very patient as I wandered the kelp forest and attempted to capture the roving sea lion gangs. The boat crew knew it was a good dive, simply because we spent over an hour and half underwater. A very impressive little dive site and one I will be returning to with 3D HD camera systems to share with the public.

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park

I am working for the week off a NPS research vessel inventorying know shipwrecks and scouting locations for an upcoming 3D HD shoot with the Advance Imaging and Visualization Lab at Woods Hole. Its is great to be back at Channel Islands. Diving in the kelp forest have always satisfied a boyhood dream of flying through the forests and a weightless world.

Other items on the agenda are to test out some new camera equipment and work with a photographer colleague. Its Good to be back in the cold waters of California. Looking forward to spending the week evaluating these new full frame Nikon's and swimming with some sea lions. More later.