Thursday, April 29, 2010

PHOTO TIPS FOR DIVING PALAU

TEXT and PHOTOS by Kevin Davidson 
(Kevin operated KD PHOTO at Sam's Tours from 1998 - 2008, before joining the super yacht BLUE STAR)

This post below was written some time ago by professional photographer Kevin Davidson. I picked it up as it is still timely and good advice for photographers diving Palau, courtesy and rights of our good friend Bonnie Pelnar at WWW.UNDERWATERCOLOURS.COM

Anyone who's investigated before deciding on a trip to Palau has probably heard the stories of how strong the currents can be, "It almost took my mask off! " or " It was making my regulator purge by itself! " Although the current can be that strong at times, in a one week trip to Palau chances are you may experience that kind of current maybe once, if at all. These kind of currents happen only at certain times of the month and for brief periods of time. Let's also remember that when you actually feel these strong currents is when you are hanging on to the reef and watching the fish action. We will address the "hanging on to the reef" topic later. Link to Dive Site Map

Throughout the day the tides and currents are doing their usual thing, going high or going low, and in palau there are generally four tidal exchanges in a day and diving plans are made around these tides. Other islands in this area of the Pacific have only one high and one low tide in a twenty four hour period. In as much as we all would prefer to dive with no current, it is believed that the reason palau has so much diversity in marine life is because of the exceptional amount of tidal exchange. When the current is stronger the fish life is more abundant and active. Something else to remember about Palau is that at half moon, reef areas that form a corner will have stronger currents, a good time to get shark photos at Blue Corner. At full or new moon the channels will have the stronger currents, the perfect time to go for a ride through the classic Ulong Channel.

Being a working photographer / diveguide in palau for 15+ years the one statement that I tell people frequently is expect the unexpected. Some people act like this is a cop out but what they haven't seen is tides that are sometimes up to an hour early or late or not at all. A dive you would expect to have poor visibility maybe crystal clear or vise-versa or you expect a strong current and it's not. Fear not photographers...there are plenty of dives that are very placid and still have wonderful photo opportunities. Following is what I hope to be good advice to the photographer visiting palau.

1. During a day of diving the boats travel out to the dive sites which is approximately a thirty to forty minute boat ride. Store your gear with some sort of padding under it...don't leave gear on the hard deck of the boat. Vibration can occur and when you jump in at the dive site a critical screw might have come loose and the chance of something going over the wall is possible. Check connections and screws before entering the water. Generally a moderate current carries you down the reef and can actually be quite fun until you want to stop and take a picture. Of course then starts the struggle to get there. As you gaze down to check your equipment you look up and that beautiful scene is gone, now you see it, now you don't!

2. Look ahead of you always and get close to your subject well before you get there. Always be aware of your buoyancy. You are about to interact with the reef, home to countless types of marine life big and small. You want to leave the area the way you found it. Preserving the reef for others to enjoy and saving nature should be important to all of us.

3. As you approach your subject use a light touch and with one or two fingers position yourself. It is not difficult to use your good judgement to find something to stabilize yourself with. Bare rocks and low profile objects that are not brittle is what you are looking for. Don't wear gloves and you will be much more careful and keep your fins up. It's not hard to practice good buoyancy techniques. The better you are at this and the more you are aware of what your body is doing underwater, the better the photographer you will be.

 The Reef Hook (Current Hook for the P.C.) 
From the Photographers Point of View

4. A nice little invention used by divers in Palau is "the hook", as in the reef hook. It is nothing more than a large fishing hook with the tip ground off and a long piece of nylon line secured to your BCD. As you approach the area where you want to stop for a bit, take your hook and place it on a bare low profile piece of rock...somewhere secure and safe. Inflate your vest a little and you'll stay in one place safely without using your hands to clamor around the reef. You will not have to touch or sit on anything.

In addition, your hands are free to operate photo equipment. Non-photographers use it to relax more during the dive, save air, and comfortably check guages. Of course paying attention to where your fins are and always keeping in mind low impact and no stress to the reef should just be habit.

There are those who believe that the reef hook should not be used and pictures should be taken without any underwater aids as you pass by the reef. All I can tell you is that on a day when the current is fairly strong you will fly by the reef and your dive will only last about five minutes. You will be out in the blue water (planet blue) before you know it. When you are a diver traveling long distances to this beautiful dive location you want to maximize your dive time and get the most out of each dive. So why not use somthing that is far gentler on the reef. Remember that the reef hook is for those times when the current is up and the fish action is active in a certain area. It is not used on every dive. Most of the currents in Palau are very manageable when it comes to getting photos as long as you know what you are getting in to ahead of time. Some may like it some may not, but the hook is just another tool to keep you from damaging the coral.


5. Make a dive without your camera once and make sure that you feel comfortable in the water. The better your buoyancy skills are the better your photos will be...they will be a reflection of your diving skills. Without your camera practice approaching subjects underwater and see if you can control bouyancy around the reef. Even when approaching skittish reef fish this skill is invaluable to capture those fish portraits. You can have the best camera system in the world but you wont get the shot if you scare away the subjects. Know at all times where your fish and fins are!
 
6. No matter what type of camera system you own, whether it be a camera and housing system or an underwater disposable type, be familiar with what your camera can and cannot do. Every time you change a lens you change the cameras purpose. Get to know the coverage of your strobe or strobes. You don't have to turn it into exact degrees or measurments, just have a good feel for your camera system. As you look at the shots you have taken, learn from them. I know you are saying "I only do it once a year!" if you are at a dive location that has photo services, take advantage of the local photo pro. Spend a little extra for some photo tune up courses if the photo pro is good, its worth the extra time and money. I know if you come visit me in Palau you wont be sorry we met! 
IMAGE: Shark image courtesy Christoph Hoppe, Tourism Unlimited

UPDATE: Kevin is presently cruising the world onboard the superyacht BLUE STAR, a former Sam's Tours and KD Photo client during their several cruises to Palau! Kevin's stock images are for sale at UWCstock.com

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Scuba Diving Palau in The World's First Shark Sanctuary

DIVING PALAU ISLAND, Micronesia:

“Will we be diving with sharks?” is a question asked all too often by people new to diving in Palau. The truth is that while many divers have never seen a shark while diving they have indeed been diving with sharks all along. In many locations around the world you may be lucky to catch even a glimpse of these awesome creatures. Sharks are truly an honor and privilege to observe and in often allow themselves to be seen only when they want to. Surely you have heard before that you are more likely to be struck by lightning than to be bitten by a shark. Of course our mind seems to tell us differently each time we enter the water. When you dive Palau, plan on diving with sharks and be assured you too will be hooked on the incredible experience.

Palau diving is unique, a rare place in the world where divers come to observe the magnificent shark in a natural environment. Around the globe there are various opportunities to dive with sharks, whether it is cage diving with great whites or a shark feed in the Bahamas, but Palau is different. In most cases organized viewing of sharks requires a “baiting” mechanism of some sort. Whether it is a chum slick or fish from a feeder tube most shark dive operators need something to bring the sharks to their customers. This is what makes diving with sharks in Palau special; No “BAITING” is needed. Palau has done a remarkable job in conserving the marine environment and keeping it as natural as possible. Shark feeding, handling of sharks or chumming are not allowed as that would change the sharks natural behavior. For shark divers from novice to expert, Palau offers a natural experience few can match.


The nutrient rich waters and the currents along the outer walls of the barrier reef allow for large congregations of sharks. At many sites gray reef sharks and whitetips are abundant. Large pelagic species also can be seen including whale sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, oceanic white tips, silver sharks, bull and silky sharks. Some spots there are too many to count. Palau offers the opportunity to see any shark on any dive without baiting. Of course natural predation happens frequently and this amazing hunt is often witnessed by divers. Sharks are wild animals, while beautiful and amazing they must be respected. By allowing them to act naturally it helps to provide a safer environment to those diving with the sharks of Palau!

REEF HOOK

While diving in Palau you will have the unique experience of using a reef hook. The reef hook was developed to assist divers where strong currents made it difficult to stay in one place (it's a Palauan invention allegedly invented by a photographer and which many now seems to claim credit for). Virtually all shark diving in Palau is on the outer walls of the barrier reef where currents can be strong, for example like Blue Corner. These stronger currents provide the nutrients and prey sources necessary to attract large numbers of sharks. The reef hook made it possible and much easier to stay put when “hanging” over a drop off or at the edge of the wall where the currents provide a better experience for observing sharks and other pelagic species. It is a very simple design that is far more environmentally friendly and safer than having divers try to hold onto the reef. At the “hook” end there is a stainless steel hook. It looks much like a giant fish hook without the sharp edge. A line is attached through an eyelet and extends about 3-4 feet up to a handle or clasp. Dive sites where reef hooks are used have specific areas used for “hooking in”. These are rocky areas or rubble patches as we do not want to hook into live coral concentrations. Proper and safe use is explained by the dive master during the pre-dive briefing.

When approaching the “hook in” point the dive master will signal it is time to hook in. It is at that point that the reef hook can be removed from the BC pocket and undone. Upon reaching the “hook in” point the hook is secured in the rocky area. The awesome feeling of “stationary flying” allows for an unbelievable visual experience you will talk about for years! When it's time to unhook from the sharks you simply join the rest of the fish and fin gently across the reef and off to your safety stop out in planet blue!


Some Popular Shark Diving Locationshttp://www.samstours.com/divemaps.html
Blue Corner
Ulong Channel
Shark City
German Channel
Peleliu Express
Peleliu Cut
New Drop Off


Friday, April 23, 2010

Sam’s Tours 20th Anniversary Bash!

 Sam’s Tours 20th Anniversary Bash!
Oct 2 – 8, 2010

Hard to believe it's been almost 20 years since Sam launched Sam's Tours. If only he knew what he was really getting himself in to! But sure enough, the 20th anniversary is just around the corner. Naturally, we’re planning the party of the year in Palau:


Family, friends, long time guests, and members of the Sam’s Tours "alumni" around the world are heading this way to join the fun!
In true Sam’s Tours spirit, everyone is invited and will be warmly welcomed for a week of fun in the sun!
Register with reservations@samstours.com to be included in upcoming announcements on our Anniversary Bash Special Package and for complete details on our Trip of a Life to Palau GRAND PRIZE drawing.

TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO PALAU
Grand Prize

includes
Roundtrip Tickets to Palau for Two on Continental Airlines
All the Dives & Tours You Can Handle
7 Nights Luxury Accommodations Lots of Extras!
* Some Restrictions May Apply
For more information contact:
reservations@samstours.com

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Gunther Deichmann - GD PHOTOWORK SHOP - Palau 2010

GD PHOTO WORKSHOP PALAU, MICRONESIA
June 18 - 25, 2010

GD Photo Workshops are conducted by Gunther Deichmann, one of Austral-Asia's most accomplished photographers. Join Gunther on a fantastic Journey through Color & Time as he guides you through a week of photography and learning second to none. Improve your photography as you study side by side with Gunther. Click Here for Testimonials.

Digital photography has changed the way photographers create images, both in terms of the actual work with the camera, and the possibilities that exist in the digital darkroom. Instead of waiting a day or more for film to be processed, the photographer can now relate to the image while still at the location. This presents possibilities for improved exposure and composition, as well as new visual discoveries and insights that arise from seeing the image immediately after it has been exposed. In the digital darkroom, precision adjustments for color and tonal balance, contrast, and sharpness allow for unparalleled creative and technical control.


We're taking a big break from diving here  ..... a surface interval so to speak! This workshop is targeted at photographers...... not divers or underwater photographers, but those photographers who wish to explore Palau's topside secrets with a master of lens and light, Gunther Deichmann. Gunther has just returned from a whirlwind of exotic travel that included Cambodia, Tibet and India where he conducted his highly acclaimed workshops. While Gunther has been to Palau and other islands of Micronesia many times...this will be the first workshop he's conducted here since launching the program more than three years ago.


If you're a photographer with a little time on your hands, a desire to improve your shooting and are up for some fun too....then you really need to look in to this program and contact Gunther now for more details!

ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT

E-MAIL:  gdeichmann@mac.com
 



 

Monday, March 1, 2010

DIVE PALAU: A PADI Diving Society Event - September 2010

Join Us. See Life. In Palau.
15 - 24 September, 2010
Image Copyright GUNTHER DEICHMANN


Sam's Tours, a PADI 5 Star National Geographic Dive Center and member of the Quality Divers Network, is pleased to announce that we have been selected to host the prestigious PADI Diving Society Event in Palau, September 2010. Join us for nine adventurous days and eight magical nights in Palau at the wonderful Palau Royal Resort including five days of 3-tank diving with Sam's Tours award winning staff.


Enjoy some of the world's best diving and lots of fun parties, contests, prizes and special guests including Ty Sawyer of Sport Diver Magazine. Visits to the stunning Rock Islands and amazing Jellyfish Lake included!


Packages start at U.S. $2,250 (some restrictions may apply). 

Reserve your space by contacting PADI TRAVEL NETWORK at:
+ 1 800-729-7234 (USA and CANADA) or
+ 1 949-848-7234 ext. 2555
E-mail: ptn1@padi.com

Other Sponsors Include:

Friday, January 1, 2010

KIDS SEA CAMP PALAU 2010

Celebrate Thanksgiving 2010 with Your Family in Palau.


KIDS FLY FREE!

We are very pleased to announce that by popular demand Kids Sea Camp is coming back to Palau in November 2010 and space is filling fast! Join Kids Sea Camp, Sport Diver Magazine and PADI Diving Society for another amazing and unforgettable Thanksgiving family vacation in Palau hosted by Sam's Tours PADI 5 Star National Geographic Dive Center and Palau Royal Resort. Everyone flies together from LAX to Palau on Continental Airlines, a member of Star Alliance and official sponsor of Kids Sea Camp Palau. Stay at the beautiful Palau Royal Resort  & Spa for 7 nights and enjoy 6 days of amazing diving and excursions with Sams Tours.

Palau is a divers dream! A true “one stop shop” when it comes to diving! From sheltered coral gardens filled with colorful reef fishes and lots of turtles to current swept plateaus Palau offers a wide and wonderful range of diving for divers of every interest and skill level. Healthy reefs, stunning walls, beautiful hard corals and soft corals, lots of sharks, huge mantas, turtles on every dive and huge schools of fish, tiny seahorses, elusive mandarin fish and lots and lots of tiny critters, all topped off with an amazing collection of WWII wrecks!  Whatever your diving pleasure, level of interest or experience level, Palau diving is sure to please!   

There's a limited number of blocked seats at $1750 + tax for adults and KIDS FLY FREE on CONTINENTAL AIRLINES - (pay taxes only). 

Call Margo at Kids Sea Camp now to book your space 1 800-934-3483.
Click here for full package information and rates

See You in Palau!