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I have never been so scared in my life as I was when I learned to scuba dive. I was so scared, I took up underwater photography as a way to forget I was, well, underwater.
I distinctly remember how the timing of taking a photograph underwater differs from that on land. On land you tend to hold your breath as you take the photo, you can’t do that underwater!
I wrote about the whole story of how I came to learn to dive and some of my experiences at that time in my blog. But what prompted the memories was the discovery of an old folder with the photographs I took at that time. Thirty years ago in fact, before digital cameras and I was relatively new to the art of photography as well. Since then I have learned quite a bit about my craft.
The photos were grainy as the camera picks up the particles in the water but also these were old and gray photos, printed in Indonesia on not very high quality paper. They were past their best it is fair to say. But I could see that I could do something with them. So I scanned each photo into my computer and worked on them to produce a series of photoart images. I also produced a YouTube video showing the full series.
Given the terrible destruction of coral reefs throughout the world, I wonder how this one has fared in the 30 years since I was there?
More info: dorothyberryloundart.com
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Underwater Photography Remembered and Reinterpreted
A video of a series of images of underwater scenes featuring tropical fish and coral reef. PhotoArt by Dorothy Berry-Lound based on her original photographs.
Illuminated Coral
Light shining down from the surface illuminating part of a coral reef in Indonesia. PhotoArt by Dorothy Berry-Lound based on her original photograph.
Bat Fish Dreams
A bat fish moving along a coral reef in Indonesia. PhotoArt by Dorothy Berry-Lound based on her original photograph.
Fish And Coral Cluster
Tropic fish and coral in Indonesia. PhotoArt by Dorothy Berry-Lound based on her original photograph.
Fish And Coral Cluster 3
Tropical fish and coral in Indonesia. PhotoArt by Dorothy Berry-Lound based on her original photograph.
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What do you think ?
Moira Risen 6 years ago
Very interesting experiment, I really like what you did with the natural texture of the coral on the 4. one.
Dorothy Berry-Lound (Post author) 6 years ago
Thanks Moira. I wasn't sure initially the photos were good enough to even try to work with but actually the final images came out really well.
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Steve Henderson 6 years ago
Beautiful images, Dorothy, and I love your story. I especially like the illuminated coral photo, the first one in your series. Isn't it fascinating how light finds its way everywhere, and makes such a difference where it shines?
Dorothy Berry-Lound (Post author) 6 years ago
I never overcame my fear of diving but I always remember diving off Sipadan island in Borneo and looking up to the light rays coming down from the surface and the fish all swimming in circles above me. That was a magical moment. Also the way the colours appear and disappear depending on how deep you dive. Near the surface you have all the colours, or indeed if you shine a light onto the coral. In natural light the colours disappear as you go deeper.
Load More Replies... Moira Risen 6 years ago
Very interesting experiment, I really like what you did with the natural texture of the coral on the 4. one.
Dorothy Berry-Lound (Post author) 6 years ago
Thanks Moira. I wasn't sure initially the photos were good enough to even try to work with but actually the final images came out really well.
Load More Replies... Steve Henderson 6 years ago
Beautiful images, Dorothy, and I love your story. I especially like the illuminated coral photo, the first one in your series. Isn't it fascinating how light finds its way everywhere, and makes such a difference where it shines?
Dorothy Berry-Lound (Post author) 6 years ago
I never overcame my fear of diving but I always remember diving off Sipadan island in Borneo and looking up to the light rays coming down from the surface and the fish all swimming in circles above me. That was a magical moment. Also the way the colours appear and disappear depending on how deep you dive. Near the surface you have all the colours, or indeed if you shine a light onto the coral. In natural light the colours disappear as you go deeper.
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