Photos from Cozumel

Last week I was looking for some advice on using my Olympus 5050 Zoom. This week I'm back from Cozumel with a few good pictures to share.

Cozumel was my second dive trip and first with this camera. I've put some of my favorites on a site at: http://www.theteacherscorner.net/cozumel03/index.htm

I explained my settings on the site and I am looking for any photo adive and a little help with identifying the subjects in a few of my photos.

Jennifer

Hi Jen,

The first shot is indeed a colonial featherduster. For more information check out:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug...2002/invert.htm

The second shot shows a purplish brown coral called Madracis in front of some green algae called Halimeda

I'm pretty sure the coral in the third shot is called Eusimmilia but I can't quite remember.

Notice how your closeup shots look MUCH better than the far away ones? That is because of the flash. The flash really brings out the colors in your photos. Great first pix!

Cheers

James

James,

Thanks for the help in identifying my mystery plants. I have the "Reef Fish" book, but not the "Reef Creatures." After going on this trip, I know it will be one of my next purchases.

On my first dive trip I had rented a digital camera, but didn't use the zoom...the dive shop recommended not to because of the battery drain. You can imagine the color quality of them all. It is really amazing what a few feet will do. I will probably be saying the same thing once I get into using a strobe!

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

just for your information: Featherdusters are - like corals - no plants but animals.

Simon

Simon,

Thanks for correcting me...I have so much to learn.

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, the color very nice in those first few. I really like the first one.

About using zoom, be sure not to substitute zoom for getting close. It's better to use a wide angle setting and get closer than to zoom in and stay too far back. That is precisely how those super-colorful reef scenes are taken, by using a very wide angle lens and getting really close.

IMO you should be taking every shot using macro mode. If you're outside the range for macro mode, you're too far. As always there are exceptions, but they are rare.