Pomacentridae

Wait what!? You can directly charge the battery with a USB-C cable? I feel like I have been living under a rock. One reason I did not like batteries was the need for a bulky charging cable. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into this light. The UI not sure if I can like it. But you've given me a search term that will widen my potential net of focus lights i.e. the USB-C charging 21700.

I've been a light and motion fan for the longest time for my dive and focus lights, mainly because they are self-contained and no fuss. You just dry them and charge (no need to open them up, no battery changes, no need to take care of o-rings, etc.). I love the simple operation as well with the intuitive magnetic switches and interface. But since L&M have closed down, I am now looking for alternative dive lights and focus lights that are also self-contained and simple to operate. I would greatly appreciate if someone could point me to a similar product or offering. So far, I have not found any other lights or brands that operates with the same self-contained philosophy.

Hi Chris, Thanks for this, I flipped onto that page and inward lighting seems to be exactly the technique I am looking for. Excited to try it out in the pool to see if I can get the results I need. I will try the beam limiters as a secondary option -- as you pointed out it would be difficult for active fish. Thanks P

Thank you I appreciate it. Got and read the book exactly what I am looking for.

Hi there, Is there a guide to light or strobe placement? Asking this question in case someone has a good reference I can read up on -- techniques, styles or tips. My specific question has mostly to do with fish photography. I want to just light up a fish to have darker/black backgrounds, but I always tend to have spill over which lights up either the background or lights up backscatter. The fish I shoot are typically damselfish or wrasses and they hug the reef quite closely with not many opportunities for a clear mid-water shot. So, I am thinking of putting a hood (like a snoot, but not as narrow as a snoot) onto my strobes to reduce the spread or angle of light from my strobes. Are there any thoughts or tips about this? Thanks, P

Maybe stupid question but do you fly with your o-rings in place or not? i usually fly with my o-rings in place. And do notice there is a bit of vacuum in some of my plastic cases when we land due to the pressure change. Not sure if there is potential for fatigue or damage.

@Grm thanks for the photos! Looks awesome

Thanks for this! The shark safari day tour sounds perfect! At least I know what we are shooting. I will touch base with the operator see if I can join. Worried by this caveat they have: "Must have done at least 2 dives with Tec Diving Mauritius previously to assess for diver skill and comfort level." I don't think I'd have the time for that on this trip, but they seem to offer other nice dives. Will also look into Passe St. Jacques, seems to be near my work site -- this might ultimately be my go to.

Hi All! I got a quick 2-week work assignment to Mauritius! That means I have 1 weekend to go diving. But since this is for work I can only pack light. I plan to bring just my camera, mask, diveskin, snorkel and fins (I understand it is tropical so similar to coral triangle?) Then just rent the dive gear when I get there. I can’t bring my whole camera setup so need to pick between wide angle and macro/fish portraits. Anyone have guidance on what subjects are a must to shoot in Mauritius? Also what dive sites or locations are a must dive? And why?

Another one for cuteness. Bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) Female Parrotfish (Scarus sp.)

Here is my entry, my favorite damselfish photo that captures their fiery and beautiful personality. Speckled Damselfish (Pomacentrus bankanensis)

Hey Chris! Thanks for setting this forum up. It feels really fresh!

Hi Kraken de Mabini, When are you visiting? I think we'll be good dive buddies, that typically is my dive profile as well -- 90mins, 10-15m depth 4 dives a day. I normally do the unguided dives as I just prefer to loiter in a spot the whole day. I think it depends on what you want to shoot. If no stairs, the ones I frequent are: Arthur's place (Large snappers, mantis shrimp, rhinopias) Anilao Photo Academy (great macro spot) Dive and Trek (Large schooling fish like jacks and mackerel) Bauan Divers (love the coral garden and anthias and damsel fish) All are on the west side of Anilao and I just shore dive from these locations. On the East side of Anilao, unfortunately the ones I know on the east side like Nap Sack are closed.

Hi All, Aaron here from the Philippines. Happy we have a new forum to discuss our passion. A bit about me, I started off as a young kid snorkeling with a compact camera in 2002. I have always loved the sea and its creatures, and my passion is documenting their life stories -- life stages/transitions, behavior, habitat, etc. As you can tell, I really love damselfish 🐠. Cheers, Pomacentridae