Behind-the-Scenes Tale: The Making of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
In the vibrant underwater world of Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines, a remarkable photograph has emerged as the winner of the Compact Camera Macro category in the Ocean Art 2022 Competition. The captivating image, taken by underwater photography enthusiast Eun-hee Cho, showcases a shrimp nestled within a sea squirt at a depth of 18 meters.
Eun-hee Cho, a qualified SDI TDI instructor with a background in marine biology from Silliman University, has been capturing the beauty of the ocean since her move to Dumaguete-Dauin in 2017. Her passion for marine conservation is evident in her work, as she recommends underwater photography as a means to share the sea's beauty and promote its preservation.
Photographing shrimp inside sea squirts is a unique and challenging task in underwater macro photography. To capture such images, Cho advises the use of a macro lens, controlled lighting, patience, and observation. Framing the shrimp to emphasise its environment, maintaining stable shooting conditions, and using natural hiding spots are also essential tips. Cho stresses the importance of respecting the environment and handling the habitat gently to preserve the natural behaviour and health of the ecosystem.
The winning photograph was taken using a compact camera, a choice that Cho prefers for its versatility and ease of use. The photographer's experience in filming shrimp in sea squirts allowed for quick control of the sea squirt and effective lighting, resulting in a well-lit, detailed image.
Cho hopes to continue her underwater photography journey, with aspirations to participate in the Ocean Art Competition with her students next year. She can be found on Facebook and Instagram, sharing her experiences and encouraging others to appreciate the wonders of the ocean.
For those interested in underwater photography, Cho recommends exploring sea squirts and sponge corals, which she finds more thrilling than cave diving. While these habitats may have a less than 50% chance of harbouring life, the challenge of filming in a short time without strengthening the light adds an exhilarating element to the experience.
In addition to the winning photograph, there are several "Story Behind the Shot" articles available for Octopus Mother, Melibe Nudibranchs, and Hatching Octopus, as well as a Dive Destination Guide for underwater photographers. These resources provide valuable insights and tips for capturing stunning underwater images.
[1] These guidelines are derived from general underwater macro photography and shrimp natural history, notably pistol shrimp that inhabit sponges and coral hideouts.
- Eun-hee Cho, a SDI TDI-certified instructor with a marine biology degree from Silliman University, has been sharing the allure of the ocean through underwater photography since her 2017 move to Dumaguete-Dauin.
- Photographing shrimp within sea squirts requires the use of a macro lens, controlled lighting, patience, and careful observation, according to Cho.
- The vibrant image of a shrimp nestled in a sea squirt, which won the Compact Camera Macro category in the Ocean Art 2022 Competition, was taken by Cho using a compact camera for its versatility and ease of use.
- Cho advocates for underwater photography as a means to embrace the beauty of the ocean and promote its preservation, reflecting her passion for marine conservation.
- Cho continues to build on her underwater photography prowess, planning to participate in the Ocean Art Competition alongside her students next year.
- For those enthralled by underwater photography, Cho suggests exploring sea squirts and sponge corals, offering a thrilling challenge in capturing life within these habitats in a short span of time.
- In addition to the winning photograph, informative resources like "Story Behind the Shot" articles on Octopus Mother, Melibe Nudibranchs, and Hatching Octopus, as well as a Dive Destination Guide for underwater photographers, are available online.
- These resources offer valuable insights and tips for capturing captivating underwater images, contributing to the lifestyle and home-and-garden scene that appreciates the colorful world hidden beneath the waves.
