Shooting squid

[Clay Coleman]

Caribbean reef squid are interesting subjects, but they're hard to properly expose. They seem to require more light than expected, and their reflective eye dishes can easily blow out. I use the "shotgun technique" with them--shoot, shoot, shoot and hope for the best. Anybody have a more efficient approach? Here's one from Bonaire:
http://claycoleman.tripod.com/a77bcd20.jpg
Clay

[docrobina]

Very nice squid shot.

I have a lot of trouble shooting squid. First off (as I am still in the film stage, can't afford the DSLR of my dreams yet), I usually find the little lovelies at the end of my film or end of my dive, so get only a few shots. Then when it is night, I can lure them in with my light, but the strobe usually scares them off.

Do you have any tricks to get them to stick around??

Robin

[Clay Coleman]

I'm still shooting film, too, Robin, and that shot was with film. Reef squid are usually encountered in shallow water, often at the boundary between reef and sand, and it's true that they're often encountered at the end of a dive. Look for them at the beginning of the dive as you approach the reef. If I find them at the end of a dive, I dedicate the next dive to shooting them. I've found them to be curious enough to get close--sometimes too close to shoot with a 105mm lens. Make a very slow approach until they line up and start backing off, then turn your body sideways to them and hang as still as you can. There's usually at least one bold character that will come check you out. While most wildlife seem to be spooked by direct eye contact, squids seem to accept it. They'll hover right in front of your face and turn their bodies to look right at you. Maybe they're seeing their own reflection in the lens port, but I always get the feeling that they're interested in what you are. They'll make a short dash when a photo is made, but they usually come right back. The roll of film goes quickly, and my percentage of keepers is usually pretty low. My focusing light seems to be too bright for them and night, and I've never had much luck at night. I love 'em and I'm always on the lookout for them. -Clay

[tarczy]

Caribbean reef squid are interesting subjects, but they're hard to properly expose. They seem to require more light than expected, and their reflective eye dishes can easily blow out. I use the "shotgun technique" with them--shoot, shoot, shoot and hope for the best. Anybody have a more efficient approach? Here's one from Bonaire:

Clay

No real thoughts on better ways to shoot squid. If it gives you any comfort, I use the same "shotgun" approach.

I liked this one of the squid eating a fish.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/mongo255/Belize/CuttleFishAngle.jpg

[Clay Coleman]

I liked this one of the squid eating a fish.

Very nice behavioral shot! -Clay

[Jonathan Bird]

I have had my best luck shooting them during the day, but they are harder to find that way!

Jonathan

[chris bangs]

I just stumbled across this image.

Shot with a 60mm and Velvia. I was shooting macro and ran across it during my ascent.

http://dpforums.com/dpgallery/data/511/Untitled-4.jpg

[allison finch]

I don't care if the eye blows out a bit. I kinda like it. Sometimes the light gets right.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2633232817_0d0fff1fd3_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2653565393_9e5f3cb021.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2654230690_85e6ec35d7_o.jpg

[Clay Coleman]

Nice shots on this page! -Clay

[seafan]

I really like that middle squid shot Allison!!

This pic isn't great but as I while I was just cruising and enjoying the end of the dive my buddy kept making these strange signals to me... then I realized that she was trying to get me to look below me :rolleyes:

One of these days I'll actually site then at the right time to get off some good shots!!

[Salty]

Last weekend sighting... Happen to see this little guy in very dark 30 feet of water. I'd like to think my eyes were that good because it was hard to focus on something that blends in so well with the background, but I just got lucky.

http://www.pbase.com/uhear/image/127778018/original.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/uhear/image/127778018/original)
http://www.pbase.com/uhear/image/127300337/original.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/uhear/image/127300337/original)
http://www.pbase.com/uhear/image/127305009/original.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/uhear/image/127305009/original)
http://www.pbase.com/uhear/image/127307458/original.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/uhear/image/127307458/original)

[sorvju-f]

Last weekend sighting... Happen to see this little guy in very dark 30 feet of water. I'd like to think my eyes were that good because it was hard to focus on something that blends in so well with the background, but I just got lucky.


I have sometimes followed these creatures so heavily that tank empty in 20 minutes:p

Nice shots Salty

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

That looks like the species we have here in New England in summer. Where'd you shoot that?

[Salty]

Thanks Jukka... :)


And yes Jonathan they were shot In New England... Newport R.I. kings beach

Diving wet, water temp around 68 at depth