Flower Gardens Winter Pelagics Trip
March 7th, 2005 by James
After months of waiting, we got the good weather to go to the Flower Gardens on the MV Fling this past weekend. When I arrived at the dock, I was a little worried to find out that about 1/2 the boat had never been to the Flower Gardens before, as these winter trips can go from calm to white squall in about 2 hrs. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised as the dive group on this trip was great! There were about ten other photographers on the trip and most of them were shooting consumer digital cameras. I had a good time sharing my photos on the boat and helping out some of the other folks.
This was my first trip with the Canon 1DmkII and my Seacam housing. Everything worked out really well, but man, that rig is big! I ended up using my big Ikelite strobes as they float in water so they help add buoyancy.
(Photo Jenny “Mac”)
The water temps on this trip were from 65 to 69 degrees and I was using my “ebay” drysuit. I made 6 dives and I learned a lot about drysuit diving and photography. Number one - it’s hard to stay in position for macro shots - there are some attitudes that I can just not hold with this suit. Number two - don’t drink a glass of Gatorade and a cup of coffee before going diving. And Number three - I was never cold in the water, which made it all worth it.
The pelagic action on this trip was pretty good, although we didn’t see schools of hammerheads like I was hoping. Here are a few of my favorite photos. Click on the gallery link if you’d like to see the full album.
These photos were taken with the Sigma 12-24 and/or the 15mm fisheye:
These were taken using the Sigma 150mm or the Canon 100mm:
The link to the full gallery is: Flower Garden Banks - Winter Pelagics Gallery
Posted in Dives, Gallery, General |
March 7th, 2005 at 6:25 pm
Would you care to elaborate ?
March 7th, 2005 at 7:01 pm
I’d imagine he’s referring to the fact he was wearing a drysuit and if you drink too much you have to hold it in. Although I have heard this from James before … do you have bladder problems there James.
Nice shots James .. you’ll be having some fun with that rig in the Bahamas, wanna come to cayman sometime this year and say .. loose it in my house ?
Nice to see you looking clean cut, shaved and haircut … was thinkng you were growing into a furball !
March 8th, 2005 at 10:48 pm
Thank you for making it possible for me to share the beauty of the flower gardens with my husband. You photos are wonderful. Visiting with you on the trip was a delight.
March 9th, 2005 at 10:14 pm
Thanks guys - it was great to get back in the water after a few months. My friend Terry Moore posted his photos (and a few of me) at:
http://homepage.mac.com/fluidimages/FlowerGardens/PhotoAlbum25.html
Cheers
James
March 10th, 2005 at 9:43 am
Wonderful pics James… Thanks for your efforts and I really enjoyed the conversation and information regarding underwater photography. It’s great to meet a real pro that is willing to share his knowledge in such a friendly fashion. I hope our paths cross again.
Thanks again
Clay
March 19th, 2005 at 9:39 am
James,
The photos are beautiful! Hope to see you again diving sometime. Thank you for these memories! Wendy