Deepest, darkest Africa

I've been a Wetpixel member for quite a while now, but have not really posted many pics. The reason for this should be immediately obvious.... As an amateur I've been totally intimidated by the quality of the pictures posted by other Wetpixel members! The bar is set very high in this forum...

Having said that, I figure that most posts are from beautiful, tropical, warm water, calm seas, liveaboard and cocktail at noon areas. Also there is usually a definite trend towards more macro shots. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I thought maybe it's time for something different.

I live in Cape Town, and while it is a beautiful city (a totally unbiased opinion of course!!!) it does present certain challenges for underwater photography. The water is on average 8 (Atlantic Ocean) - 16 (Indian Ocean) degrees celcius, 0 - 20m visibility (mostly around 8m), with seas that can get very ugly very quickly. Not for nothing is the place named "The Cape of Storms".

Mention the words Cape Town and most forum members would immediately say "Great White"! Hordes of tourists come to see the sharks but do no other diving whilst here, which is a pity because there is a huge amount on offer.

Use the following URL: Cape Town Gallery

to see a gallery of shots from the "Mother City" and surrounds. Any comments appreciated.

Regards

Jean.

Hi Jean,

Just checked out your gallery, you've got some great stuff, no reason to be intimidated! My favourite is the b+w seal, good job!

Luiz

I haven't even opened your link yet but i know that you guys have allll the sharks i could ever want!!!!

I wanna go there!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good stuff Jean, in particular your land shots. The photo of Hout Bay brings back nice memories of hearty meals at Dick's Tavern

The shot with the diver and porthole is an interesting idea too...

Nice series of shots, both topside and underwater.....I thought the difference of water color was very interesting in this shot

Karl

Thanks for you comments Luiz and Mattdiver.

Karl, that shot was taken late afternoon with the sun fairly low. The actual water colour was the murky green seen in the bottom half of the pic. The vertical view through the water column seems clearer or not tainted by the green water. Perhaps the gurus can explain the scientific reasons for this. I have a whole series of similiar shots...

Mike, you obviously enjoy sharks so you might enjoy this: Last Tuesday I had a rare privilege... I went diving in 14m of water with great whites, NO CAGE! When the sharks had been spotted on the surface we bailed over the side, had a fairly tense and rapid descent, found a rock to hide behind on the bottom and spent a magical 40 mins watching the show. The only really tense moment was ascending and getting into the boat, as once near the surface you become part of the food chain and these critters are excellent at sneaking up behind you!

Jean.

Jean,

Some really good stuff in your gallery. I especially like #16 - the jellyfish! Very dramatic!

Hey Jean

I'll be in Jeffreys Baai in May. Then off to the run. Will give you a holla when I get to capetown in July.

Jean great story!!!!

And good on ya for jumpin in with Whitey!! i'd like to dive with you!

I love that boat shot and the white jeffyfish. Very interesting images. Good job.

Joe