The image was captured underwater at a depth of 45 feet off San Carlos Beach in Monterey Bay, California. The water temperature was 52 degrees, which requires a full exposure suit and of course, air tanks. The camera is an OM Systems (Olympus) OM-D E-M Mark IV. This is a micro mirrorless 4/3 camera (full frame DLSRs are a bit large and unwieldy for divers). The camera is housed inside an Aoi underwater housing. For this shot I used a 60 mm Zuiko macro lens. Divers most often use autofocus because of the “surge” or moving water we are in. We need a snappy autofocus! Often I am literally holding on to a rock with one hand, shooting with the other. The settings were F22 1/125. The strobe (or flash out of the water) is mounted on a “tray” with adjustable arms to adjust the direction of the strobe. For macro photography (a go-to for divers when the visibility or “vis” is less than great) I use an optical snoot to focus the light. The strobe has a focus light so I can get within inches of the subject, focus the beam and snap the shot.
The image was processed using Lightroom Classic, with only minimal editing required. The tendrils of the anemone are naturally luminescent underwater in any sunlight to the strobe really makes the creature glow. I do often have to adjust the color red, and the deeper underwater I go the less red is naturally visible.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 11 comments posted
Judith Lesnaw
Fascinating creature. This is certainly a unique image that very few photographers could get. What is the size of this anemone? Did the water have that green cast? Posted: 03/11/2025 12:48:12
Chris Howes
Thanks Judith- a Tube Anemone is about four inches tall and 1-2 inches across at the tendrils. Yes, the water does have a green cast at that depth. As I descend, the colors red and blue REALLY change. I can typically correct this in LR however I thought it looked interesting this way. Posted: 03/11/2025 15:38:19
Judith Lesnaw
It DOES look interesting that way! Posted: 03/11/2025 16:21:09
Karl Leck
Hi Chris, Often simple images require the most effort. The luminous quality of the image creates an otherworldly effect. Indeed, it is another world to us landlubbers. The green areas are OK when counterpointed by the red/magenta background. Very well done. Karl Posted: 03/12/2025 09:55:16
Chris Howes
Thanks Karl! Posted: 03/12/2025 11:26:59
Lauren Heerschap
Very impressive underwater shot. I'm not sure why the original looks sharper than the processed? Posted: 03/12/2025 14:27:01
Chris Howes
Neither am I :). In all honesty, I am just learning Lightroom Classic so may have included the wrong image as the "original". I'll get it! Posted: 03/12/2025 18:58:02
Peter Newman
The tubes are round and translucent. Therefore, When processed properly they will not be sharp. My diving days ended just about when cameras started becoming electronic. I used a Nikkormat with a 35mm f2.8 Nikon lens. One roll of Ektachrome film per dive, and happy if I got two decent shots per roll. CC judges had little or no understanding of UW work. My diving days ended when I had a defibulator installed and my wife saw me planning a shallow dive. Posted: 03/14/2025 17:03:30
Chris Howes
Peter- I love this. Since I jumped in to the "formal" photography world I have found VERY few who understand the UW environment and that most of the rules either bend or do not apply. I appreciate your understanding! I simply want to bring that world to those who cannot or will not go to that world :) Posted: 03/15/2025 11:06:24
Hanoch Peri
Chris, I really like the shape of the sea anemone in that shot - it's quite striking. I have to say, it's impressive that you're able to capture such images at that depth and temperature. (Personally, below 30 feet, I'm usually so fascinated by the marine life that I just observe and can't focus on shooting). The image is great, you might consider increasing the clarity by 5 to 10 and perhaps adding a touch of texture to enhance the image Posted: 03/15/2025 09:48:09
