by Kat Ramage | May 31, 2017 | Kat Ramage Photos, Menjangan Island
First shot of the dive–(decent composition, good exposure) sometimes I surprise myself
Dive guide Edy was tasked today with finding interesting subjects for 2 underwater photographers (Dave from London, and the photo wench) at Menjangan. Our first dive was at Box Reef, and the current was strong–both Dave & I tucked in our cameras and drifted along. Eventually, the current lessened and strobes started firing. I took the opportunity to frame both of them against the lovely wall for a couple of portrait shots.
Here’s Edy working on his modeling skills.
Here’s brethren Dave posing for the camera
After a surface interval including drinks and lunch, our second dive was at Mangrove. This was a much more relaxed dive with little current, great visibility and lots to see. I spent much of the dive trying to get a shot of a lone bumphead parrotfish who would have nothing to do with me–camera-shy I guess. So, after fighting with a subject that’s so uncooperative, it’s always nice to find a lovely anemone filled with false clownfish–always a crowd-pleaser and a great way to end a 73-minute dive.
There was lots of activity at this purple anemone.
by Kat Ramage | May 10, 2017 | Kat Ramage Photos, Menjangan Island
3-D Nudibranch face
Menjangan Island isn’t just about dramatic walls–there are lots of other small critters to see there if you look (or stay close to the observant dive guides). All of these photos were shot on the same day. The Sea Rovers crew along with guide Edy took us to Eel Garden first, followed by Dreamland. Long dives (60+ minutes) at both sites offered many photographic subjects–here are some of the best shots.
A trio of Nemo’s
Is that a baby bump on this pygmy?
Giant frogfish waits patiently for dinner to swim by
A striped triple-fin gobie perched on an orange sponge
A pair of pink anemonefish above their purple-tipped anemone
by Kat Ramage | May 5, 2017 | Kat Ramage Photos, Menjangan Island
It’s better than Christmas and my birthday put together
With my new Olympus OM-D E5 Mark II system assembled, the first objective was to try some wide angle shots. The dramatic walls of Menjangan (sites Dreamland and Pos II Belok Kiri) would be the camera’s baptism, and the trusty pirate crew at Sea Rovers eyed this new camera with much skepticism–not sure they had seen a system this large (and heavy) in awhile. But as always, they smiled and provided their trademark great service as they carried the massive load onto the boat.
Shooting wide angle is really challenging for me. My previous system didn’t have a true wide angle lens and therefore didn’t take great scenic shots. Now I had to dig into the recesses of my memory to remember wide angle basics–find a specific subject within the lushness of the reef, balance the strobe light with the sunlight, and shoot upward. Can’t say I did a great job, but I can no longer blame the camera for any less-than-stellar results.
In the next post, I’ll share the first macro and supermacro images taken with the new camera.
This was the first subject I tried to shoot.
Red whip coral always makes a stunning subject.
There were orange sponges everywhere on Pos II Belok Kiri
I loved the beautiful red underside of this anemone and the clouds overhead
by Kat Ramage | May 1, 2017 | Initiates Into the Brethren
Initiates into the Brethren Stanislav & Tatiana from Russia
All is OK with Tatiana on Coral Bommie
Stanislav explores the artificial reef at Coral Bommie
Stanislav and Tatiana were initiated into the Brethren this week. They enjoyed both Pemuteran and Menjangan during their 3 days of diving with us. Come back soon guys!
by Kat Ramage | Apr 24, 2017 | The Brethrens Photos
Caryn, Ivan and Wade, from Club Nomad in Malaysia, enjoyed 3 days of diving with Sea Rovers this week. They explored Menjangan, Temple Garden, Coral Bommie, Close Encounters, Napoleon Reef and Mucky Pirate Bay during their holiday. Wade was tortured as he completed his skills for Rescue Diver throughout their visit. Hope to see you guys (and other members of Club Nomad) for another trip soon.
Caryn, Ivan & Wade on their last dive in Pemuteran
Caryn is ready for her close-up at Coral Bommie
Ivan living long and prospering at Coral Bommie
Wade with Darth Vader floating overhead posing for the camera at Napoleon Reef
Caryn, Ivan & Wade wishing us all to live long and prosper
