Nature creates the coolest critters.

In nature, animals that have bright markings, loud colors, hide in plain sight, or use anemones as boxing gloves are letting others know that danger exists. This is a boxer crab and is smaller than a nickel and is carrying an anemone in its claws as protection. Some fish develop ornate disguises that enable them…

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Red Forest – Image of The Week

This portrait was created in Feb of 2022, not long after Fiji re-opened its borders. An 8 mm lens was used in order to create this unique perspective. Purchase this portrait on Metal this week and receive a free upgrade to next bigger size. Contact me for details douglashoffman007@gmial.com. If interested in a underwater photography…

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Lens Choice Controls Perspective

The reef by itself is beautiful. Using a 8 mm lens that shows the reef as a circle is unique. People rarely see an image with this perspective so it ads interest. The same reef shown below is with a 15 mm lens. Notice the different feel and look. If you want to learn how…

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Using a Vignette as a foreground element

This post is about one technique photographers use to draw the viewers eye into the portrait. When composing macro images, sometimes the photographer chooses to include an out of focus element in the foreground. This is called a vignette. Notice how the purple coral is out of focus and how that pulls the eye into…

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Bligh Water of Fiji is my favorite area to dive in Fiji

I am very fortunate to have traveled to Fiji to scuba dive over a dozen times. There are a few reasons why I keep returning. The first, is world class diving, and an abundance of soft coral. Second, is the friendly people. Over a span of 20 years the local people I have interacted with…

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Color Beneath The Sea – Image of the Week

This portrait celebrates color and was created in the Bligh waters of Fiji. Printed on aluminum, the portrait has incredible luminosity. It is 30 x 45 inches and comes framed. Gallery price is $2,995 but this week it is on special for $1,995 and includes shipping in the US. Take advantage of the deal before…

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Top Five Dive sites in the Bligh Water of Fiji

My favorite 5 sites in the Bligh Water. E6 Due to marketing this is one of Fiji’s most famous sites.  Starting just three feet from the surface this large pinnacle drops to over 2700 feet.   The site is well known for a cathedral-like overhang adorned with gorgonian fans. Along the pinnacle, the wall has…

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So you want to learn underwater photography

Being a good underwater photographer by its nature requires one to be good diver. The fact is buoyancy is the most important factor. All too often I see experienced divers get lost in the moment when they have a camera in their hand. One minute they are swimming along looking for a subject, and the…

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Dive Travel connects like minded people and forges lasting friendships

Being with like minded people who share a passion for scuba diving is one of the best things about dive travel. When 60 feet deep and looking at colorful soft coral it does not matter if you vote red or blue, eat meat or tofu, watch football or the Voice. What matters is the love…

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Underwater Photographers Dream Trip

I am excited to announce a special week of scuba diving in the Vatu I Ra Passage, of Fiji, taking place May 19-26th, 2024. Also known as the Bligh Water, this area is famous for colorful soft coral, tropical fish, and current. The first time I dived in these waters was with the Naia live-aboard.…

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