Wakatobi... here I come!!

[Andrew]

Just thought I would set up a new thread as I am waiting at the airport for my flight to Singapore.

We have 3 days planned in Singapore (for some business), then off to Wakatobi for 17 days of diving with a private guide everyday between my wife and myself! Will have to try to limit myself to only 3 dives a day to spend time with my 2 year old son who is also with us.

I have just read an article in a dive magazine on Fluo diving they are doing there with ultra violet lights... http://www.wakatobi.com/fishID/fluodiving.html looks kinda cool but a bit strange. No sure how to take photos like this but will give it a go!

Hotel has wifi so will keep posting while enjoying the sunshine, cold beer and good food... between dives in hopefully crystal clear water... :D

Andrew


PS. Just read a travel magazine and opened the cover to find a page advert with David Doubilet advertising for Rolex! :cool:

[sorvju-f]

Just thought I would set up a new thread as I am waiting at the airport for my flight to Singapore.

We have 3 days planned in Singapore (for some business), then off to Wakatobi for 17 days of diving with a private guide everyday between my wife and myself! Will have to try to limit myself to only 3 dives a day to spend time with my 2 year old son who is also with us.

I have just read an article in a dive magazine on Fluo diving they are doing there with ultra violet lights... http://www.wakatobi.com/fishID/fluodiving.html looks kinda cool but a bit strange. No sure how to take photos like this but will give it a go!

Hotel has wifi so will keep posting while enjoying the sunshine, cold beer and good food... between dives in hopefully crystal clear water... :D

Andrew


PS. Just read a travel magazine and opened the cover to find a page advert with David Doubilet advertising for Rolex! :cool:

I ask you to enjoy 100%:D

You will be our leading reporter/pic poster during coming month and I also hope that your photo gears are working fully as well I hope no new vulcano make problems to your traveling:p

Rolex...I have seen them sold with 20 USD?

Jukka

[Andrew]

Thanks Jukka, will report when I get there to give you an idea of the place. Tested camera and all kit last night as first outing with the 7d underwater so fingers crossed will still work... Have lots of spares just incase. No volcanic ash today but wouldn't mind in a few weeks time so that I would be forced to have to stay ;-)

Do you think his rolex was from the far east? ;) When will we see JB promoting a watch in a glossy magazine... and which brand?

Andrew

[Jonathan Bird]

Andrew have a great time and take lots of pics to post, especially of the resort. I have always wanted to go there! You are the official UWPhotoChat representative on assignment! We pay the same as all the other dive sites. ;)




When will we see JB promoting a watch in a glossy magazine... and which brand?


Thomas Gref

http://www.thomasgref.com/dive%20watch.htm
:D

Jonathan

[tarczy]

Thomas Gref

http://www.thomasgref.com/dive%20watch.htm
:D

Jonathan


Shill!! :rolleyes:

[Jonathan Bird]

I couldn't resist, he set it up for me. :D

[Andrew]

Thanks Jonathan for your generous offer... no worries will take lots of pics and report back. Just lucky I had not jacked in my job before leaving ;)

Just sat in the airport at the moment after a hectic few days in Singapore and a panic earlier after losing my phone and then racing to the airport so as not to miss the flight... only now to find it again in with my sons toys!

Tonight Bali then a short flight tomorrow morning to the island. Hopefully getting wet tomorrow afternoon! Will try not to enjoy too much :cool:

Andrew

[Andrew]

PS. Must start looking for a watch sponsor if that is the way to go... do you have one in each colour to match your wetsuits? ;)

[Clay Coleman]

Good luck and have fun Andrew. We're looking forward to seeing some new stuff. -Clay

[Andrew]

Hi Everyone!

Just incase you thought I had dropped off the end of the planet, I am here in Wakatobi having a great time. Sorry for not connecting earlier but have had internet problems and still not got them solved... so you will have to wait for pics as the bandwidth does not allow me to upload or email anything without it kicking me out!!!

So anyway, had a great time with some work in Singapore and then it as about a 3 hour jump over to Bali. You have to overnight as the flight is meant to leave first thing the next day, ours left around 11 but still had to be picked up at 9 etc etc. Then a 2.5 hour flight here, 3 mins in a sort of bus (local taxi thing mostly made up of rust) and then about 5 mins on a boat to the resort.

I must say it was handled very well, guy to take us overnight to the hotel, pick up in the morning, get us through all customs without having to queue, etc.

The resort is great and the staff are super friendly... they all know your name, great English speaking and very knowledgeable on the diving. Food... if you like buffets then it is your thing.

I have lost count how many dives we have done so far... probably 25+ and we have another 12 days to go, so plenty of diving. They organise 2 boat dives in the morning and one in the afternoon as well as 2 night dives a week. On top of this, there is a great house reef (goes a couple of miles so I am told), you can either jump in around the quay or they run a taxi service which drops you off anywhere you want along it and picks you up!! Everything is very professional from the nitrox testing station (testing, logging and tagging of tanks), a great camera room (with 110v and 240v plugs, dry towels and loads of space per person), the boat crew who do everything for you and the logging of each dive and site.

We also have a private dive guide whose name is Dollar (extra cost but worth it), we say what we want to see and he tries his best... so far he is doing a good job ;) well apart from the blue ringed octo...

OK... what is the actual diving like! well the water is very warm 28 degrees or so, visability a mix between fantastic and good. The coral formations are really wonderful here, probably the best I have ever seen (not put a wide angle on yet though), but the best I think is macro, so teaming up with my new underwater friend (100mm Canon) we are having some fun!

What have we seen... well it is a very long list, but highlights are of course the pygmy seahorses, loads of nudis, leaf scorpionfish, hairy squat lobsters, loads of different shrimps etc and all the norms... stone fish, scorpion fish, lionfish, puffers, etc, etc.

Pics will follow when I can get uploading...

Andrew

PS. Spa is pretty good too and if you come with children, the childcare is 100%, you don't even have to see them if you don't want to :D

[Clay Coleman]

Thanks for the update, Andrew. I've never been to Wakatobi, but I've heard from Chuck Nicklin that the staff is protective of their reef to the point that they discourage some macro photography. Have they let you get close to the reef for the really small shots?

[Andrew]

Hi Clay,

To be honest have had no problems so far and they let you get as close in as you want. Of course they want you to look after the reef and not be destructive, but if you are showing the normal concern and not snapping off bits of coral you are fine! :D

On the pigmies they have asked that you only take about 5 picture per Pigmy... you just have to take you time and make sure you take good ones... its a little flexible if you want to take 6 or 7 for example and have a good guide (sorry here they call it dive experience manager...) ;)

I cannot fault the guides one bit (well ours!), they let you get in if you need to and even help push things away or hold onto the wall so you can in turn hold onto them and use them as a human tripod...

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Hi Clay,

To be honest have had no problems so far and they let you get as close in as you want. Of course they want you to look after the reef and not be destructive, but if you are showing the normal concern and not snapping off bits of coral you are fine! :D

On the pigmies they have asked that you only take about 5 picture per Pigmy... you just have to take you time and make sure you take good ones... its a little flexible if you want to take 6 or 7 for example and have a good guide (sorry here they call it dive experience manager...) ;)

I cannot fault the guides one bit (well ours!), they let you get in if you need to and even help push things away or hold onto the wall so you can in turn hold onto them and use them as a human tripod...

Andrew

Hi Andrew!

Sounds like dream place. 25 dives and 12 days to go...means that we have rest of the year picture poster nominated:p

I hope rest of the trip will continue under the good stars!

Jukka

[Andrew]

WAKATOBI UPDATE

OK gang, still here and having a good time. The weather has been terrible the last week with torrential rain every day, but has not stopped us diving! It is meant to be the dry season and last year they did not have a drop of rain after March until August!

Have seen everything on the list apart from Frogfish, Mandarin Fish and a blue ringed Octo. All are very rare here apparently... but still looking! Also trying to find a pygmy pipefish, but not much success on that either.

What have we seen... everything else you can possibley think of... even 3 different types of pygmies which is a bonus, so plenty of pictures to post up when I am on my way back at the weekend! Got a few ready to go and as per Jukka, will try and keep them coming rather than just blasting you with a full trip straight off.

Off for another dive now... not sure how many I have done, maybe 60+ and am actually feeling quite tired from getting up at 6.30 every morning!!

Andrew

[Andrew]

I am finally home after 4 flights, lost baggage and an almost missed connection in Singapore. It was a great trip but I now need a holiday as we were up at 6.30 every morning diving and then throughout the day.

Anyway, I have just copied all the files across to my desktop to start to have a sort through. Here are a few from the first couple of days which are in no particular order they are just ones that I had sorted through while there and not necessarily my best of the trip but will give you an idea while I sort through the rest and put them in some sensible order...

on of my favourites of the trip taken on the second day...



Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Wellcome back to have a "holiday":p

First set is great!

Crocodile fish have a depth of field I have not seen earlier..cropping perfect...

Most I like hairy crab...maybe crop some more death space away.

Sharp false clownfish face is beautiful.

Scrimp needs little bit different cropping.

Good work Andrew and thanks for sharing ( maybe see some more later :rolleyes: )

Jukka

[Andrew]

Thanks Jukka for your comments as it is useful having input. There are many more to follow :cool:

I think the same on the shrimp (if it is the one in the anemone you are talking about?) as it is a bit lost and small in the middle. This is the uncropped picture, maybe it would be better landscape to cut out the bottom part? I have loads of these pictures in different anemones so sure have better to come with no real cropping needed :D

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Jukka for your comments as it is useful having input. There are many more to follow :cool:

I think the same on the shrimp (if it is the one in the anemone you are talking about?) as it is a bit lost and small in the middle. This is the uncropped picture, maybe it would be better landscape to cut out the bottom part? I have loads of these pictures in different anemones so sure have better to come with no real cropping needed :D

Andrew

I feel 7d have double the amount of pixels I have so there is room for cropping if needed.

Yes Andrew, that the shrimp and that would be my plan.

Just wait to see more, but do it with "Jukka"-style:)

Jukka

[Andrew]

There is a fair number of pixels on the 7d and need to look at my images more closely to see where they would improve with some cropping and also do a lot of work on getting around Photoshop.

On the last night of the trip we were all asked to submit 6 pictures for a slideshow and one was voted the best of the trip which was this picture of mine! :eek:

http://www.cig.canon-europe.com/ph/OPA/aig/I1IjMbxnKrCq0cac1o03ks3kskXL010101923kskXLz2JrCIDg .jpg

I was quite surprised as there were some great photographers on the trip (as well as Wakatobi's liveaboard, Pelagian) and even though I really like this picture, I do not think it was my best of the 6 I submitted (and the judges were also split between the 2)

[sorvju-f]

There is a fair number of pixels on the 7d and need to look at my images more closely to see where they would improve with some cropping and also do a lot of work on getting around Photoshop.

On the last night of the trip we were all asked to submit 6 pictures for a slideshow and one was voted the best of the trip which was this picture of mine! :eek:

I was quite surprised as there were some great photographers on the trip (as well as Wakatobi's liveaboard, Pelagian) and even though I really like this picture, I do not think it was my best of the 6 I submitted (and the judges were also split between the 2)

One vote from Finland also:D

Jukka

[Andrew]

Thanks Jukka. How about 3 different type of Pygmy...

http://www.cig.canon-europe.com/ph/OPA/aig/LkLDfaSEJ47sCNBM3603ks3kskXL010101913kskXLQ0oo0pna .jpg

http://www.cig.canon-europe.com/ph/OPA/aig/2loDYaSEJ47sCNBM3603ks3kskXL010101493kskXLQ0oo0pna .jpg

http://www.cig.canon-europe.com/ph/OPA/aig/4mvhYaSEJ47sCNBM3603ks3kskXL010101973kskXLQ0oo0pna .jpg

[Jonathan Bird]

Where'd the pics on page 2 go?

[Andrew]

I can see them on my desktop and laptop... Can you see the ones I have just posted?

How was Australia?

Andrew

[Jonathan Bird]

Yesterday I could see the pygmies, now they are gone. Weird.

[Andrew]

Maybe it is my host which stops you linking the pictures and changes the links every few days? Will look into it!

[tkelly]

Where are the pictures? I don't see that you posted a link?

[Andrew]

OK... lets try again through a different host...

My first post...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs018.snc4/34257_412602999783_846444783_4263862_6562396_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs159.snc4/37310_412603259783_846444783_4263883_1417590_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs122.snc4/36444_412602844783_846444783_4263859_5057226_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs062.ash2/36444_412602849783_846444783_4263860_404962_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs142.snc4/36444_412602854783_846444783_4263861_1536922_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs018.ash2/34257_412603004783_846444783_4263863_4322858_n.jpg

[Andrew]

Second post... judged best picture...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs139.snc4/37310_412603219783_846444783_4263875_5663102_n.jpg

[Andrew]

Pigmies (3rd post) :D

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs122.snc4/36444_412602819783_846444783_4263854_8190035_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs142.snc4/36444_412602809783_846444783_4263852_4228397_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs142.snc4/36444_412602814783_846444783_4263853_8377805_n.jpg

[Clay Coleman]

I couldn't see the pics until I posted a reply (complaining that I couldn't see the pics), and then they magically appeared. Anyway, great stuff, Andrew. Did you shoot any wide angle?

[Andrew]

Hi Clay,

Thanks. I did take wide-angle on a couple of dives on the second week which I still have now downloaded onto my computer yet, but will do so over the weekend when my new hard drive arrives! Unfortunately where the first week was brilliant sunshine and great Vis, the second week was very heavy rain and overcast nearly everyday so not great for the light... :mad:

Andrew

[Andrew]

Some more first week shots....

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs018.ash2/34257_412603034783_846444783_4263869_7548753_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs038.snc4/34257_412603039783_846444783_4263870_6216844_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs018.snc4/34257_412603044783_846444783_4263871_7754335_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs079.ash2/37310_412603214783_846444783_4263874_6709027_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs139.snc4/37310_412603224783_846444783_4263876_5372725_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs079.ash2/37310_412603234783_846444783_4263878_5302982_n.jpg

[Jonathan Bird]

Can't see the pics!

[Andrew]

I don't know what is happening.... I changed the location of the pictures and it worked... now I have no idea!! :confused:

[sorvju-f]

I don't know what is happening.... I changed the location of the pictures and it worked... now I have no idea!! :confused:

Hi Andrew!

I have had holiday with my wife in my summer place with limited connection and not been able to post any comments.. I got USB-connection stick from my daughter and it seems to work rather well.

Yes I saw the pictures the day you loaded them, but now they have disappeared.

I can see from the link that you are using Canon free loading site/server.

If the picture disappear and server is working there have to be change in URL-address caused by you or site naming policy.

If you change something like folder name or picture name your URL-address is not working here any more and you have to reload corrected URL ( through editing command...delete old and reload ). There might also be changes done by canon-site, which is changing URL-address.

To check: go to this canon-site and look the URL of one loaded picture and compare it to URL you have loaded to UWPC.

Hope this helps.

Jukka

[Andrew]

Hi Jukka,

Good to hear from you, hows the holiday and where are you in the world?

I think it is everytime I add a picture into the library, it changes the link! Anyway, reposted them and will start a new folder for week 2.

Here are some more...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs159.snc4/37310_412603239783_846444783_4263879_7385085_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs139.snc4/37310_412603244783_846444783_4263880_7934483_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs142.snc4/36444_412602829783_846444783_4263856_3317666_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs018.snc4/34257_412603029783_846444783_4263868_6685952_n.jpg

[sorvju-f]

Andrew,

we have great summers here in Finland and I don't want to travel away that period. My secret summer place is located in one island close to open see ,south coast=finnish gulf ( if you remember some of my videos have opener where I take picture during sunset...that is my summer place ). Most I like here 300 years old sauna....what a great relaxing feeling there.

Anyhow I can see now your pictures and just love them. My favorite one is that hairy crab and also this skunk anemon fish with shrimp.

If this cig.canon continue to make problem to you it is really worth of thinking to change that...they are free or costing nothing....I pay my web pages 24 EUR annually.

Jukka

[Andrew]

Thanks Jukka. I remember the place you are talking about... are you diving where you are there or taking it easy with the family? Is the weather hot and sunny like we are getting in the rest of Europe?

Here is my favourite of the trip (maybe my favourite of all time)...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs018.snc4/34257_412603024783_846444783_4263867_4633080_n.jpg

[sorvju-f]

Thats UW-art Andrew!

Jukka

[sorvju-f]

I still can see the pics you posted yesterday!

Jukka

[Andrew]

Thanks Jukka, was just checking they were still there! I am really pleased with that last picture, it was taken with my new friend (Canon 100mm macro), I took only one shot and as I pressed the shutter I knew it was a good one (well and prayed!)

I have not added anymore to the album so maybe that was it. Waiting for my 2TB drive to arrive as am out of disk space!

Andrew

PS. Don't understand what happened on your last message?

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Jukka, was just checking they were still there! I am really pleased with that last picture, it was taken with my new friend (Canon 100mm macro), I took only one shot and as I pressed the shutter I knew it was a good one (well and prayed!)

I have not added anymore to the album so maybe that was it. Waiting for my 2TB drive to arrive as am out of disk space!

Andrew

PS. Don't understand what happened on your last message?

Corrected!

There is spme small fish figure right side...maybe photoshop...the hunting of that only and one 101 % perfect picture continues:p

Jukka

2 TB:p Think that you have 100 hours of HD-video:p

[Andrew]

Small fish on right hand side... where?? Don't forget I am a real novice at Photoshop....

Staying away from HD video... think it would be expensive to get interested... not only for the cost of the equipment but also in excess baggage charges!!!

Andrew

[Andrew]

I think the 2 TB might be full when I have downloaded your Antartica video... :D

[sorvju-f]

not only for the cost of the equipment but also in excess baggage charges!!!


I was happily sleeping well as forgotten this...nightmares are coming back:rolleyes:

Jukka

[sorvju-f]

I don't know if it is good or bad but pictures have disappeared.

Why it can be good...24 hours time too see pictures will learn everybody to visit site more often.

I think this site is giving some time stamp to picture...after 24 hours new time stamp to URL and it disappears from here.

Andrew, think seriously to change your service provider.

Jukka

[Andrew]

:mad: Will find an alternative solution...


OK.... lets see if this works....

[dascubanut]

Works for me, beautiful shots. I've been wanting to go to Wakatobi for a couple of years, and this just makes it all the harder. I hope this economy picks back up so I can get there someday. Again, thanks for posting these wonderful photos.

Doug

[sorvju-f]

:mad: Will find an alternative solution...


OK.... lets see if this works....

Seems to be that you changed service provider...latest pics are staying...

Jukka

[Andrew]

Yep... we have success! Now having trouble with my computer with the new drive and trying to sort out the rest of my pics...

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Yep... we have success! Now having trouble with my computer with the new drive and trying to sort out the rest of my pics...

Andrew

I hope that you have not lost something?

Jukka

[Andrew]

no they are still on my laptop, it was just my working files on this 2tb drive... I have started a re-run of it... so will know in 10 hours!

Andrew

[scubagirl]

Great photos so far, Andrew (now that I can see them, LOL)!

Did they have a time limit on the boat dives, or can you stay down as long as you have air? Also, based on your experience, would you go back again, and was it worth the cost? What kind of food did they have at the buffet, local or international?

[Andrew]

Thanks Nathalie. They recommend that dives are 70 minutes, but we did 77 minutes on one dive so I guess this is flexible. If you want to do longer then you are good on air consumption!! There is always the house reef where they drop you off by water taxi and pick you up, you can stay under for as long as you want and there is miles of reef to cover.

My only real gripe was the buffet really, but after speaking to the management at a feedback meeting we were invited to this is apparently being addressed. Once a week they do a fresh stir fry evening where you pick all your raw ingredients and the type of sauce and they cook it for you there and then... it was one of the only piping hot meals we had! I don't mind buffets especially as they had a good mix of international... but it was just sat there for a long time (we would take my son to eat at 6ish and they were already laying it out!) so not nice and hot, we were also staying for a long time so saw the rotation of it. We also wanted Indonesia food, but they were trying to make it too international so nothing had spices or heat in it! Most of these places do a BBQ once a week as well which they hadn't thought of! When we left they were putting a work station in where they would cook fresh every night which is certainly a step in the right direction!

Our other comment was that they have all this lovely space outside with the beach and some area by the side of the restaurant... why not sometimes move outside for a change of scenery (after 17 nights at the same table it was a bit much!) which they said they had already thought of doing.

Would I go again... hmm not sure as there are so many other places to visit. Would I recommend it to people, definitely for the diving and if you are a photographer keen on macro. What we did miss was the big stuff like mantas, sharks and even whalesharks that you get in other areas. The ideal (without child in tow) would be to do their liveaboard for a week, then on land for a week. The people who we met who did this said it was great.

Worth the cost... well we had a great break... loads of good diving and photographs... treatments in the spa... nice weather (for a week)... warm water... yes I think it was!

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

I would like to ask you Andrew...is there a place you really would like to visit again?

Jukka

[Andrew]

Jukka,

Its a difficult question, I wouldn't mind visiting the place again and do a week of their live-aboard and a week in the villas as I think you get to see much more.

However, the problem we have is that by taking a young one along is that the live-aboard is out of the question plus I think there are so many other places to visit in Indonesia with equally stunning diving its a shame not to visit them and try new locations with new dive sites.

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Jukka,

Its a difficult question, I wouldn't mind visiting the place again and do a week of their live-aboard and a week in the villas as I think you get to see much more.

However, the problem we have is that by taking a young one along is that the live-aboard is out of the question plus I think there are so many other places to visit in Indonesia with equally stunning diving its a shame not to visit them and try new locations with new dive sites.

Andrew

I was thinking more about other places you have already visited.

My list ( would like to visit again ): Lembeh, Galapagos, Seychelles

Jukka

[Andrew]

Sorry Jukka... I misread you message.

The places I would 100% go back to are the Maldives (2011?) and Galapagos.... I also want to do others parts of Indonesia..

Andrew

[Clay Coleman]

Glad to finally see the rest of the pix, Andrew. Great stuff!

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Andrew! I can finally see the pics and what fabulous pics! The shot of the cleaner wrasse in the gills of the puffer is amazing! Great work man!!!

Jonathan

[Andrew]

All very quiet around here... is everyone out diving?? I have now looked through about half of my pictures, so here are a few more... tell me if you are getting bored!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs268.snc4/39740_421753484783_846444783_4478931_5058748_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs170.snc4/37816_421753724783_846444783_4478932_3684075_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs170.snc4/37816_421753729783_846444783_4478933_5229340_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs190.snc4/37816_421753739783_846444783_4478935_7436923_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs190.snc4/37816_421753749783_846444783_4478937_4220734_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs090.ash2/37816_421753754783_846444783_4478938_8241143_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs208.snc4/38738_421754784783_846444783_4478983_6685687_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs108.ash2/38738_421754779783_846444783_4478982_3422782_n.jpg

[Andrew]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs170.snc4/37816_421753734783_846444783_4478934_6913525_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs190.snc4/37816_421753764783_846444783_4478940_8153647_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs108.ash2/38738_421754789783_846444783_4478984_2454414_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs190.snc4/37816_421753769783_846444783_4478941_5751254_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs101.ash2/38364_421754644783_846444783_4478976_2489237_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs228.snc4/38738_421754799783_846444783_4478986_7603584_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs228.snc4/38738_421754804783_846444783_4478987_7601917_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs190.snc4/37837_421755454783_846444783_4479012_3203347_n.jpg

[Andrew]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs090.ash2/37837_421755459783_846444783_4479013_5905936_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs090.ash2/37837_421755469783_846444783_4479015_7596490_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs238.snc4/39255_421755824783_846444783_4479033_4547081_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs190.snc4/37837_421755479783_846444783_4479017_3724406_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs190.snc4/37837_421755484783_846444783_4479018_5719326_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs249.snc4/39773_421755529783_846444783_4479022_6757999_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs218.snc4/39255_421755829783_846444783_4479034_5772227_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs238.snc4/39255_421755849783_846444783_4479038_5746124_n.jpg

[Andrew]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs108.ash2/38738_421754814783_846444783_4478989_2903229_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs218.snc4/39255_421755819783_846444783_4479032_8077732_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs238.snc4/39255_421755834783_846444783_4479035_8177128_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs229.snc4/38812_421755964783_846444783_4479042_1041131_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs109.ash2/38812_421755974783_846444783_4479044_580275_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs229.snc4/38812_421755984783_846444783_4479046_1593410_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs115.ash2/39071_421756224783_846444783_4479059_6494564_n.jpg

[Jonathan Bird]

Damn Andrew, you got some great shots there! I especially like the anemonefish against the white anemone and the purple chromodoris on the pink gorgonian.

[sorvju-f]

Andrew, I have no words just impressed....:eek:

Only comment...not at all Jukka style publishing:D

I feel soon it is crowded in Wakatobi.

Jukka

[Andrew]

Thanks Jonathan and Jukka for your compliments which means a lot from true professionals as you guys.

Sorry Jukka for not giving them Jukka style but I have not had time to go through them, but thought this morning of getting some together, converted and posted on the site! There are still so many images that I have not even started to go through.

The more I see... the more I want to go back!!!

[Andrew]

Now I cannot wait for the RED SEA trip!!!!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs104.ash2/38544_421756314783_846444783_4479070_7070354_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs104.ash2/38544_421756319783_846444783_4479071_6767000_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs215.snc4/39071_421756249783_846444783_4479064_6273913_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs236.snc4/39135_421756644783_846444783_4479102_1299526_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs204.snc4/38544_421756334783_846444783_4479074_4120931_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs223.snc4/38479_421756074783_846444783_4479050_472164_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs235.snc4/39071_421756214783_846444783_4479057_7183260_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs215.snc4/39071_421756229783_846444783_4479060_3126450_n.jpg

[sorvju-f]

Now I cannot wait for the RED SEA trip!!!!


I think I will leave still camera home and you can take care of those and I concentrate to video:p

Absolutely stunning photos!

Jukka

[Andrew]

Not sure about that Jukka... but would save you on some excess baggage!!! :D

Andrew

PS Posting on Red Sea next re trip...

[solisti]

Great shots, excellent detail on those critters! I also like the anemone with white background, it's one of those shots that is more than just the sum of its elements.

[Ken Hawk]

Great pics, keep um coming ;)

[Andrew]

Thanks guys for your nice comments.

Can anyone identify this crab as I can't remember what it was?!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs208.snc4/38738_421754794783_846444783_4478985_4449574_n.jpg

[Andrew]

Few more...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs108.ash2/38738_421754809783_846444783_4478988_195462_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs236.snc4/39135_421756614783_846444783_4479096_3918090_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs224.snc4/38544_421756324783_846444783_4479072_6630034_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs216.snc4/39135_421756634783_846444783_4479100_6069001_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs216.snc4/39135_421756609783_846444783_4479095_2665283_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs236.snc4/39135_421756649783_846444783_4479103_5221461_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs236.snc4/39135_421756654783_846444783_4479104_4394158_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs235.snc4/39071_421756254783_846444783_4479065_3468253_n.jpg

[Jonathan Bird]

Man, that place is macro heaven. Love the crab with corallimorphs on its body!

[scubagirl]

Nice photos again, Andrew! Love those little crabs.

[Andrew]

OK the last few I can be bothered to look at before I store them on my hard drive not to be looked at for at least a year! :D

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs234.snc4/39043_426116069783_846444783_4584311_319965_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs123.ash2/39484_426112189783_846444783_4584186_7733420_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs173.snc4/37974_426115324783_846444783_4584287_3781454_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs302.snc4/40449_426112349783_846444783_4584192_3797784_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs260.snc4/40357_426115599783_846444783_4584302_4617174_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs123.ash2/39484_426112174783_846444783_4584183_5949957_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs114.ash2/39043_426116084783_846444783_4584314_7918432_n.jpg

[Andrew]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs263.snc4/39484_426112179783_846444783_4584184_2129176_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs301.snc4/40377_426115944783_846444783_4584307_6826389_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs142.ash2/40449_426112354783_846444783_4584193_1644547_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs193.snc4/37974_426115359783_846444783_4584293_2438328_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs280.snc4/40357_426115604783_846444783_4584303_152568_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs093.ash2/37974_426115319783_846444783_4584286_4005251_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs114.ash2/39043_426116079783_846444783_4584313_2363165_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs114.ash2/39043_426116064783_846444783_4584310_1676735_n.jpg

[Andrew]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs123.ash2/39484_426112164783_846444783_4584181_6445413_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs193.snc4/37974_426115339783_846444783_4584289_6557775_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs142.ash2/40449_426112359783_846444783_4584194_3187879_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs093.ash2/37974_426115344783_846444783_4584290_4907170_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs123.ash2/39484_426112184783_846444783_4584185_1816748_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs243.snc4/39484_426112199783_846444783_4584188_6953058_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs263.snc4/39484_426112194783_846444783_4584187_5237085_n.jpg

[Andrew]

Last photo taken on the trip... my son Oscar on the boat looking back at the resort on our way to the airport for the long journey home...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs003.ash2/33525_426135949783_846444783_4584894_7727069_n.jpg

[Ken Hawk]

Some great shots, thanks for sharing.

Must get myself out there one day :D

[sorvju-f]

Last photo taken on the trip... my son Oscar on the boat looking back at the resort on our way to the airport for the long journey home...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs003.ash2/33525_426135949783_846444783_4584894_7727069_n.jpg

I really like this one...it is the memory which stays...

Jukka

[sorvju-f]

Andrew,

What is that first first+wings+ eye in the body fish....beutiful...I have never seen.

Jukka

[sorvju-f]

Andrew, this looks good thinking Red Sea trip...we might get best picture report
ever inside UWPC. That will be our mission.

It is nice that you got also wide angles, I specially liked:

- Wide angle shot from anemonfish with divers in the background.

- Divers eyes trough the bubbles

- Tradiotional diver ( I think your wife? ) + coral compination.

Also this batfish with parasite has a story

Most I liked this composition/ 2 black eyes fish with "diamonds".

Jukka

[Andrew]

Jukka,

Is it this one?

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs114.ash2/39043_426116064783_846444783_4584310_1676735_n.jpg

Its called a comet fish (Calloplesiops altivelis). It was actually at the back of a very small cave which I had jammed myself into and only got one shot before it darted even deeper out of site! It is not a great photo, but I had not seen one before so included it.

[sorvju-f]

Jukka,

Is it this one?

Its called a comet fish (Calloplesiops altivelis). It was actually at the back of a very small cave which I had jammed myself into and only got one shot before it darted even deeper out of site!

Yes, and I have not seen even the picture of it earlier.

Jukka

[Andrew]

Thanks Jukka. I feel that we are going to have some great pictures on here after our Red Sea adventure... especially of the dugongs... ;)

Yes it is my wife in the coral picture and also jumping in off the boat! Which is the one you say with the diamonds?

I am really pleased with the wide angle shots I took, it is really not my thing when diving on reefs (as opposed to sharks, mantas, etc) and I actually got quite bored taking pictures of the reef when my interest is in macro and the textures.

I am looking forward to the RS trip as I have done very few large wrecks in clear water which hopefully should get some good pictures.

However... I do need to go out and buy a diopter for my lens this week as I noticed the corners are really not very sharp. Also, when shooting up into sunlight, I can often see the white writing on the front of the lens as well as the step rings around the lens, does anyone else suffer with this and have a solution? I could colour in the writing with black marker, but it is a shame on an expensive Canon lens if there is another solution. It could be that a diopter might help with this as well?

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Jukka. I feel that we are going to have some great pictures on here after our Red Sea adventure... especially of the dugongs... ;)

Which is the one you say with the diamonds?

Andrew

Post 77 3rd one.

Jukka

[Clay Coleman]

Great stuff, Andrew!

[Andrew]

Thanks Clay.

Jukka, yes I like that one too... the texture on the background with the transparent goby.

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Jukka. I feel that we are going to have some great pictures on here after our Red Sea adventure... especially of the dugongs... ;)

OK, now you are just being mean. ;)

Hey, what does Wakatobi cost? My wife was looking at it tonight on the web and asked. I said "Expensive" but I don't know how expensive.

Cute picture of Oscar!

Jonathan

[Andrew]

Hey you might have the last laugh on the Red Sea trip depending on what Jukka has organised for us to see...

Its not that cheap... seven nights start from $3k with the airfare (from Bali) , here's the link to their price list:

http://www.wakatobi.com/reservations/pricing_USD.html

I still think it was worth it and especially if they are now concentrating on improving the food which was our only real complaint.

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Hey you might have the last laugh on the Red Sea trip depending on what Jukka has organised for us to see...

Its not that cheap... seven nights start from $3k with the airfare (from Bali) , here's the link to their price list:

http://www.wakatobi.com/reservations/pricing_USD.html

I still think it was worth it and especially if they are now concentrating on improving the food which was our only real complaint.

Andrew

Andrew, if you are playing Jukka style...I think you have some left?

Jukka

[Andrew]

I do Jukka... but I promised no more and they are at my home Mac... maybe to keep the interest after our first posts of the Red Sea trip :D

[sorvju-f]

I do Jukka... but I promised no more and they are at my home Mac... maybe to keep the interest after our first posts of the Red Sea trip :D

Yes Andrew...the fireworks of pictures starts very soon:D

Jukka