Corals Against All Odds in Paradise

Earlier this year, I spent 10 days in Papua New Guinea (PNG) diving on board the MV Febrina and met Ed and Gabrielle Snijders from Amsterdam.  Meeting new people is one of the highlights of traveling for me and we all hit if off great.  Ed is an award winning underwater 3D videographer and Gabrielle a fantastic dive model and PNG was the perfect backdrop.  Shortly after returning home, Ed asked if I would like to work with him and provide images from our trip for an article he was writing and I jumped at the opportunity.  The result is "Corals Against All Odds" that is in the latest Paradise magazine which is the in-flight magazine for Air Niugini (PNG National airline). I think you will like Ed's article focusing on the conservation and rich biodiversity of the PNG waters and my attempt to capture the beauty.

LINK: "Corals Against All Odds"

YELLOW

Yellow was the theme for the April Bluewater Photography contest and my yellow ribbon eel image taken in Alor Indonesia at Maumere Pier placed second.  For more images from that trip, visit the Scubarews website gallery for Alor, Indonesia.

"A Boy and his Dolphins"

I woke up this past Thursday to a nice surprise from Dive Photo Guide. They selected my image "A boy and his dolphins" for third place in their Marine Mammals Monthly contest. This photograph was taken on a trip in the Bahamas aboard James Abernethy's Shear Water. We had many opportunities to free dive with the wild dolphins. The dolphins were were very curious and loved to play with us. The only limiting factor was how long you could hold your breath and how fast you could swim. This was by far my best dolphin experience and would love to return soon.

Check out the first and second images at http://uwpho.to/KBGRx7. What a great moment captured on Film by Phil Davison and those whales photographed by Brandi Mueller make me even more excited about my Sea of Cortez trip in August to dive with the local whales.

Celebrate Memorial Day in the Pool with All Wet Portraits

The All Wet Portraits underwater photography photo session at SWIMkids USA has sold out, but they decided to add more time for the day so call now (480-820-9109) to book one of the few remaining spots. The shoot is on May 28th from 9-1, but there are only a few spots left in the afternoon. Click on their link to find out more and contact them today to reserve your spot.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Get-an-Underwater-Photo-of-Your-Swimmer-.html?soid=1103352564881&aid=nJGjd7Qur3M

In April, I took a wonderful trip to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and spent 10 days on the MV Febrina diving and doing underwater photography.  It was my first time to PNG and also first time shooting super macro.  Underwater Photogreaphy Guide just published my latest article "Learning Super Macro Photography in Papua New Guinea." In this story I explain how my first attempt with super macro went, lessons learned and share some of the images of subjects less than an inch long. I hope you enjoy the story and look for another to be pubished soon about the PNG trip
http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/learning-super-macro-photography-png

Ricky Lee Potts Interview with Ron Watkins

Recently, I was interviewed by Ricky Lee Potts for his popular blog.  Ricky describes himself as an opinionated realist and conducts his interviews as such.  On his blog (a voice of rhythm, reason and reality) he covers lifestyle topics ranging from golf, beer, wine, travel, photography, and other great topics of interest. He is also an avid diver and traveler so he asked a lot of great questions about how I got started, my underwater photography, travels around the water and a few tough to answer questions. This resulted in the most detailed interview I have ever given and a great way for you to learn more about the man behind the camera.  Visit his site today and have read of his blog entry titled:

SCUBAREWS: Ron Watkins Underwater Photographer 

Underwater Pool Photography Article

Interested in how I got started in underwater pool photographies and some of the techniques I use?  Read my latest article published on Underwater Photography Guide website and have a look.
http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/underwater-pool-photography 

My Long Over Due Return to Southern California

When I was a teenager, my dad would take us over to California to dive at Catalina and we would also do beach dives up and down the coast.  Then later in my late 20's after I took up underwater photography, I went on a 3 day live-aboard to the Channel Islands and had a good time, but remember it being a bit chilly.  Then over the years, I was fortunate enough to dive and photograph in the warm waters of SE Asia, the Caribbean, Micronesia and Mexico.  These temperate waters and their 3/2 wetsuits had me spoiled and I turned my back on the closest diving to me in AZ.  So when I hear about the first annual SoCal Underwater Photography Shootout hosted by my friends at Bluewater Photo, I thought it was a great excuse to get back in that cold water wetsuit and see what is under the surface to photograph.  Today nearly everyone diving the SoCal waters wears a dry suit, but the wetsuits are a lot more comfortable now than they were in the 90's.

I dove on the Peace Boat that Scott Geitler had organized for the shootout as one of the boats. It was a great boat and the staff took good care of us and the food was delicious.  Diving and photographing in Southern CA can be challenging because of the cold water temperature, strong currents and low visibility, but well worth the effort. There is an abundance of marine-life to photograph and the kelp forests make a perfect backdrop for wide angle.  Sea Lions would swim up to the boat when we were anchoring and anxiously wait for their new playmates to enter the water.  They would follow you, sneak up on you, grab on your fin, speed right at your face and turn at the last minute.  There was also a group of them that was playing with a sponge and playing keep away.  What really surprised me was the amount of colorful nudibranhes to photograph and other macro opportunities.   I dove off of Santa Barbara Island and Anacapa Island.  I not only enjoyed the diving, but the photographers on the boat were terrific.  California divers are definitely more hardcore than the occasional warm water diver that I usually encounter, but what a great group of divers.  I made lots of new friends and will definitely be back soon.

I was very excited to learn that one of my photos took second place and another got an honorable mention in the SoCal Shootout. If you would like to see more images from my SoCal diving, check out my website at http://www.scubarews.com/Underwater/Southern-California

Here are a few of the pics from the trip, but there are many more on the website.

Bluewater Photo September Photo Contest: Patterns

I was pleasantly surprised to see that my macro photograph of coral just won the Bluewater Photo September Contest. Thanks Kevin for the detail feedback on the images. This shot was taken in Raja Ampat, Indonesia on a recent trip. To see more images from that trip and others, check out my website at http://www.scubarews.com/Underwater/Raja-Ampat-Indonesia

September Theme Contest Winners - Patterns

Judged by Kevin Lee (www.diverkevin.com) Judges comments: 1st. Ron has well focused, exposed, and composed this great image. The opposing colors, shadows and unique textures captivate the eye, especially with the "canyons" set at a diagonal. Well done. 2nd. Tracy has skillfully illustrated the beauty of these pelagic inverts as they drift silently in open water. Not an easy image to capture, especially as well as Tracy has done. 3rd. Todd has cropped this relatively common angel fish down to the essential elements and composed it very well to achieve an uncommon perspective.

By: Bluewater Photo

Lembeh Strait, Indonesia Underwater Photos now on www.scubarews.com

After the pre-dive jitters that accompany the first dive of the big trip after a few months out of the water, I splashed down into murky warm 81 degree water and was handed my camera which was outfitted for macro. rig, my attention was drawn to a tubular shaped jellyfish with a narrow tip at one end that I thought might be a new species. On second glance I concluded it must be an empty squid egg sack. As my eyes focused on this newly discovered drifting creature it became apparent it wasn’t a jellyfish or any other rare sea creature, but an old discarded condom in the current of discarded waste. WELCOME to the most famous muck diving in the world, Lembeh Strait!

I last went diving in Lembeh in 2009, but I am amazed at all of the new species they continue to find there.  A friend pointed out that I had never uploaded my Lembeh images, so now I have.  Don’t let the rubbish, sometimes low visibility and remoteness of this diving destination scare you away. If you are an underwater photographer or just a diver that likes seeing the strangest and rarest creatures in the underwater world, then Lembeh is a must dive location.  You will see more new types of marine life on your first dive than many will see in years of diving.  It is referred to as muck diving because of the often poor visibility and garbage in the water that primarily comes from the major port city of Bitung. But the many species of frog fish, seahorses, scorpionfish, leaf fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, nudibrachs and pipefish have adapted in very unique ways to this environment and use it as an advantage.  The most important key to a successful Lembeh diving trip is to have an experienced dive guide with a very keen eye because camouflage is the method of choice for most of the marine life.

Here are a few images, but check out the website at www.scubarews.com for the complete trip portfolio.

"Midnight Dolphin" Series on Display at Village Coffee Roastery

The "Midnight Dolphin" Series is currently on display in Scottsdale. Stop by Village Coffee Roastery www.villagecoffee.com and enjoy your favorite drink and see the underwater images. I photographed the spotted and bottlenose dolphins at night while on a week long dive trip in the Bahamas. They were feeding on schooling squid and made the perfect black&white subjects.  You can view the entire dolphin series on my website at www.scubarews.com.  Say Hi to Lisa, the owner, when you stop in.

PIoneer Village Desert Light Photography Photo Walk

I participated in the Desert Light Photography Photo Walk on the morning of Superbowl Sunday.   About 25 people met at Roadrunner Cafe in New River and enjoyed a good breakfast and conversation.  We then headed down 1-17 and back to the 19th century in historic Pioneer Village.  We all entered together but within minutes the photogs were off in every direction composing their favorite shots in the authentic Pioneer Village.  Thanks to Alan Lowy for organizing the annual event.  Here are a few of my favorite pics.

Ron Watkins Underwater Photography Solo Exhibit - Cave Creek

Please come out to the Desert Foothills Library and join me for the celebration of the Cave Creek Film and Arts Festival winning artists on Friday, January 14^th from 5:00 – 6:30.  The Desert Foothills Library is located at 38443 N. School House Road in Cave Creek, Arizona.   This reception with wine, cheese and music kicks off the winning artist solo exhibits which will be on display until March 11, 2011.  My solo exhibit which features 20 underwater images is a result of my first place finish in the adult photography category of the 2010 Cave Creek Film and Arts Festival.  I was also honored with the people’s choice award for best artist of the festival.  My winning photograph, titled “Paddles Up”, will be featured in the exhibit.  The underwater image is of the children of Pura Island, Indonesia free diving with their dugout canoe in the background.  The exhibit will also include underwater marine life photography as well as underwater portraits of children from the All Wet Portraits collection.  I look forward to seeing you at the reception.

Underwater Portraits from Recent All Wet Portrait Sessions

The October All Wet Portrait photo sessions at Aqua-tots in Chandler and SWIMkids USA in Mesa were a lot of fun and the photos are truly breathtaking.  We had mermaids, nemo, superman, angels and lots of cute kids.  We had children from 8 months old to 12 years in age and all were really good in the water which is a testament to the great job these swim centers do.  Thank you to Brit, Lana and Steve for hosting these photo sessions.  If you are in need of swim lessons, I highly recommend these two centers.  Have a look at these images and if you are interested in scheduling a photo session, go to www.allwetportraits.com to book your session.

ALL WET PORTRAITS PHOTO SESSION IN CHANDLER!

ALL WET PORTRAITS PHOTO SESSION IN CHANDLER! AQUA-TOTS in Chandler (4040 S. Arizona Ave., Suite #1 - Southwest Corner of Ocotillo and Arizona Ave) will be hosting All Wet Portraits on Saturday, October 2, 2010. This is a perfect time to get a breathtaking underwater portrait of your child or the whole family. These images make truly unique holiday cards. This session is open to the public, but there are a limited number of spaces available so sign up today by visiting the AQUA-TOTS in Chandler or call 480-726-5264 for more information. Sample photos can be viewed at http://www.allwetportraits.com/. 

ALL WET PORTRAITS PHOTO SESSION IN MESA!

ALL WET PORTRAITS PHOTO SESSION IN MESA! SWIMkids USA (2725 West Guadalupe Road @ Loop 101) will be hosting All Wet Portraits on Saturday, September 25, 2010. This is a perfect time to get a breathtaking underwater portrait of your child or the whole family. These images make truly unique holiday cards. This session is open to the public, but there are a limited number of spaces available so sign up today by visiting the SWIMkids USA or call 480-820-9109 for more information. Sample photos can be viewed at http://www.allwetportraits.com/.

Sierra Club Fund Raiser Presentation - Fossil Creek Through a Fish's Eye

I would like to personally invite you to a presentation I will be giving at a Sierra Club fund raiser on Sunday August 15th from 2-4 at the Fair Trade Café (1020 North First Ave., Phoenix).  The slide show and talk is titled "Fossil Creek through a Fish's Eye" and will highlight my photography project for the creek. I will also include a few of my non-fossil Creek underwater shots from around the world to emphasize the importance of conservation of our reefs and sustainable fishing practices. Sierra Club was one of the organizations that supported the restoration and continue to be stewards of Fossil Creek and other areas throughout AZ. Please see the attached flier for more information on the event and I hope to see you there.

There is a suggested donation of $25. For more information and to RSVP, contact Sandy Bahr at (602) 253-8633 or sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT DETAILS

*** www.scubarews.com NEW WEBSITE ***

I recently rehosted and revamped my scubarews website. Over 200 never before posted images of dolphins, sharks, divers and reefscapes. Have a look at http://www.scubarews.com/ and let me know what you think.

First Place and People’s Choice at Cave Creek Film and Arts Festival

The Cave Creek Film and Arts Festival is a celebration and promotion of the arts in Cave Creek, Arizona. Each year, there are hundreds of entries in categories ranging from film, visual arts, choreography, original song, poetry, short story and photography. Up for grabs, are the coveted Golden Coyote awards and cash prizes in each category. The photography category was juried by Peter Ensenberger, Director of Photography for Arizona Highways magazine and local artist Atalanta Knathbull. Jerry Sieve Chaired the photography category for the second straight year. This year they also introduced a People’s Choice Award to recognize the Community’s favorite artist across all categories.

At the annual gala held on July 17th, I was honored to be awarded first prize and the Golden Coyote award in the Adult Photography category and the 2010 People’s Choice award. The winning image was titled “Paddles Up” and as an added bonus, I will get a solo photography exhibit at the Desert Foothills Library in Cave Creek. Thank you to all who supported me at the photography showcase and voted for “Paddles Up.”

First Place at The 2010 Digital Shootout

Another fun time at The Digital Shootout! This year it was on the quant island of Little Cayman. Lots of first time people at the shootout and a handful of us repeat attendees. One of the best parts of the trip is getting to meet so many talented like minded underwater photographers in one place and swap tips and learn from each. It is always interesting to see what new equipment people have bought or made themselves for use underwater.

At the end of the shootout on Friday night, there is a awards ceremony for the photo competition. As you can imagine, Thursday night the bar was empty as everyone culled through hundreds of images shot throughout the week on about 12 dives. This year, I was awarded First Place in the Wide Angle Traditional (No selective photoshoping, just basic processing) for my image titled “Shooting the Cut”. It features Rusty Sanoian of Backscatter cruising through a cut in the wall on an underwater scooter. He is highlighted by the sun shining through the cut. For my prize, I won a 10 day trip to Papua New Guinea (PNG) on the MV Febrina live-aboard. PNG has always been on the top of my list and I hope to take the trip within the next year.

The Digital Shootout is one of the best places to quickly improve your underwater photography skills because of the very approachable experts onsite and the hands-on time in the water. For more information on the shootout and to view the daily blog postings (including all of the images from the contest), visit www.thedigitalshootout.com.

It is referred to as a working vacation and this is a sample of the daily schedule:
- Eat (the food at Little Cayman Beach Resort was awesome and the staff so friendly)
- 2 tank dive in the morning with some great dive guides)
- Eat
- Workshops on underwater photography techniques, post process and related topics led by Berkley White and Todd Sloss.
- Optional dive instead of the workshop or dusk/night after the workshop
- Eat and hang out at the bar (the main gathering place on the whole island)
- Nightly picture review on the custom built “Big Screen”
- Review, organization and post processing of images from the day
- More time at the bar socializing
- Catch a few hours of sleep and repeat

Anyone interested in improving their photo skills, trying out the latest equipment, making new friends, doing some great diving and having the chance to win some truly spectacular prizes should attend the next Digital shootout which will be held in Bonaire in June 2011. Maybe I will see you there…