New Zen 100mm Dome port

Today I was lucky enough to be using the new Zen 100mm dome port today. It is definately softer in the corners than a big dome, but it's small size lets you get real close! Thanks to Alex for all his help with this

I teamed it up with a Tokina 10-17mm lens and a Kenko 1.4 x teleconverter, and could really see the magnification's effect on the subject. Lighting is critical though-my Inon strobes when correctly placed, didn't really leave enough room for my dry gloves!

The ability to get the subject so close is a definate advantage in terms of colour in green water. The subjects are much more vibrant out of the camera than they would be with a bigger dome etc.

While I was shooting, the sun went in, and I found that as I stopped down, the corner sharpness got worse!

Water temp was a cool 4 degrees!

Red Sea-Schooling fish safari

I'm putting together a photography specific liveaboard trip to the Northern Red Sea in July this year.

At this time of year, large schools are forming around Ras Mohamed, which should provide some fantastic opportunities! It is at about this time that the fish move from Fisherman’s bank (off Jackfish Alley) to Shark Reef, Ras Mohamed. It is also when the pelagic blacktip sharks can turn up to add a bit of extra excitement! We have chartered the boat MV Orchid, and are planning for a maximum of 10 people on board. As it is our charter, we will operate on a reactive itinerary, basically going where the action is!

Orchid is re-fitting, and should have camera rinse tanks and camera tables installed by this trip.

The dates are 4th-11th July, 6 nights on board, with the last night in a hotel. The trip is from and to Sharm el Sheikh, which is well served with flights from Europe and further afield.

The trip cost is £(UKP)750, excluding flights. This will include all accommodation, all food and drink (non alcoholic) on board the boat, transfers to and from the airport and all diving. I can also organize flights if people would like me to do so. For those of you in the Northern UK, flights ex Manchester are £399.

If you are interested, would like more information, or to book(!) please let me know.