the early bird ...
- Grateful Diver
- I've Got Gills
- Posts: 5322
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 7:52 pm
the early bird ...
I've always loved early morning dives. Getting in the water before dawn and watching as the water slowly turns lighter ... and watching the "shifts" change as the nocturnal critters turn in and the water slowly fills with the day creatures clocking in for a hard day of scavenging. I often do these kinds of dives when on vacation, but for some reason don't do them very often at home.
This morning was the exception. I got to Redondo at around 6 AM, parking over in front of the beach just north of Salty's. My destination was the eelgrass beds north of the beach ... in search of lumpsuckers.
It was a perfect morning. The tide was high, and there wasn't a breath of wind or surf. A soft moonlight reflection provided just enough light to make out the shapes of deadheads lying between me and my goal as I suited up and headed down to the water. There was nobody in sight as I put my fins on and slipped below the surface.
Almost immediately I was rewarded for my efforts, as I found a bay pipefish laying in some sea lettuce in less than 10 feet of water ...
Visibility wasn't as good as we've been experiencing lately ... perhaps 25-30 feet ... which is still excellent for lumpie hunting. I hit the eelgrass beds, made my way to the downslope edge, and slowly started kicking into a very mild current. About 5 minutes into the dive I was rewarded with my first sighting ... a fairly good size lumpie (maybe an inch long) sitting on a piece of eelgrass ... just waiting to have his picture taken.
Over the course of the dive I found maybe a dozen or so ... many full-grown and some that were downright tiny. For some reason I was having difficulties with the focus on my camera when attempting to use the macro lens ... but here's a sampling of the best of the many shots I took during the course of a 65-minute dive.
As dawn took over and ambient light got to the point where I could see without use of my light, the sightings decreased dramatically. However, massive schools of shiner perch literally filled the water above me. I ended my dive around 7:45 ... as the classes started gearing up for what promises to be a gorgeous day to be out diving.
It was so nice, I think I'll go back tomorrow morning and do it again ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
This morning was the exception. I got to Redondo at around 6 AM, parking over in front of the beach just north of Salty's. My destination was the eelgrass beds north of the beach ... in search of lumpsuckers.
It was a perfect morning. The tide was high, and there wasn't a breath of wind or surf. A soft moonlight reflection provided just enough light to make out the shapes of deadheads lying between me and my goal as I suited up and headed down to the water. There was nobody in sight as I put my fins on and slipped below the surface.
Almost immediately I was rewarded for my efforts, as I found a bay pipefish laying in some sea lettuce in less than 10 feet of water ...
Visibility wasn't as good as we've been experiencing lately ... perhaps 25-30 feet ... which is still excellent for lumpie hunting. I hit the eelgrass beds, made my way to the downslope edge, and slowly started kicking into a very mild current. About 5 minutes into the dive I was rewarded with my first sighting ... a fairly good size lumpie (maybe an inch long) sitting on a piece of eelgrass ... just waiting to have his picture taken.
Over the course of the dive I found maybe a dozen or so ... many full-grown and some that were downright tiny. For some reason I was having difficulties with the focus on my camera when attempting to use the macro lens ... but here's a sampling of the best of the many shots I took during the course of a 65-minute dive.
As dawn took over and ambient light got to the point where I could see without use of my light, the sightings decreased dramatically. However, massive schools of shiner perch literally filled the water above me. I ended my dive around 7:45 ... as the classes started gearing up for what promises to be a gorgeous day to be out diving.
It was so nice, I think I'll go back tomorrow morning and do it again ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
Threats and ultimatums are never the best answer. Public humiliation via Photoshop is always better - airsix
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Re: the early bird ...
If you don't mind, I'd like to meet you there so I can get my suit zipped.
My brand new Big Blue focus light flooded on me Thursday night but I'll make do.
My brand new Big Blue focus light flooded on me Thursday night but I'll make do.
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
Re: the early bird ...
I was thinking about coming up early, maybe 7:00 but could be earlier. What time are you thinking?cardiver wrote:If you don't mind, I'd like to meet you there so I can get my suit zipped.
My brand new Big Blue focus light flooded on me Thursday night but I'll make do.
"Well as much as this pains me I am gonna have to pull out" - pogiguy05
Re: the early bird ...
How about 630?gutholmj wrote:I was thinking about coming up early, maybe 7:00 but could be earlier. What time are you thinking?cardiver wrote:If you don't mind, I'd like to meet you there so I can get my suit zipped.
My brand new Big Blue focus light flooded on me Thursday night but I'll make do.
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
Re: the early bird ...
See you then.cardiver wrote:How about 630?gutholmj wrote:I was thinking about coming up early, maybe 7:00 but could be earlier. What time are you thinking?cardiver wrote:If you don't mind, I'd like to meet you there so I can get my suit zipped.
My brand new Big Blue focus light flooded on me Thursday night but I'll make do.
"Well as much as this pains me I am gonna have to pull out" - pogiguy05
Re: the early bird ...
Excellent!gutholmj wrote:See you then.cardiver wrote:How about 630?gutholmj wrote:I was thinking about coming up early, maybe 7:00 but could be earlier. What time are you thinking?cardiver wrote:If you don't mind, I'd like to meet you there so I can get my suit zipped.
My brand new Big Blue focus light flooded on me Thursday night but I'll make do.
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
- Grateful Diver
- I've Got Gills
- Posts: 5322
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 7:52 pm
Re: the early bird ...
If you guys want to see the lumpies you should be in the water by 6:30 ... once it starts getting daylight they disappeared.
I'll be down there at 6.
Ron, if you want to borrow a focus light, I can loan you my spare.
... Bob
I'll be down there at 6.
Ron, if you want to borrow a focus light, I can loan you my spare.
... Bob
Threats and ultimatums are never the best answer. Public humiliation via Photoshop is always better - airsix
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Re: the early bird ...
Thanks, Bob! I have to ship mine to Hong Kong on Monday. It really ticks me off that B & H won't handle the warranty issue for me.....Grateful Diver wrote:If you guys want to see the lumpies you should be in the water by 6:30 ... once it starts getting daylight they disappeared.
I'll be down there at 6.
Ron, if you want to borrow a focus light, I can loan you my spare.
... Bob
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
Re: the early bird ...
Some really cute shots in there Bob! so glad to hear the little guys have returned and in good numbers!
So tempting but getting up at 4am
So tempting but getting up at 4am
http://dustys-lights.com/, An awesome light at an unbelievably low price
Dusty's Lights on facebook
http://underthesound.smugmug.com/
Dusty's Lights on facebook
http://underthesound.smugmug.com/
- Grateful Diver
- I've Got Gills
- Posts: 5322
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 7:52 pm
Re: the early bird ...
Didn't you say it's Big Blue? If so, forget B&H ... deal directly with Tim Ratcliffe. He's in Clearwater, FL. I can give you his contact info (phone & email) if you like.cardiver wrote: Thanks, Bob! I have to ship mine to Hong Kong on Monday. It really ticks me off that B & H won't handle the warranty issue for me.....
I'll be there tomorrow at 6 AM ...
... Bob (GratefuL Diver)
Threats and ultimatums are never the best answer. Public humiliation via Photoshop is always better - airsix
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Re: the early bird ...
I was going to say the same. Their contact info is on their web site. Bigblue's customer service is first rate. B&H also has a good customer service reputation so it's disappointing to hear that they are not being more helpful.Grateful Diver wrote:Didn't you say it's Big Blue? If so, forget B&H ... deal directly with Tim Ratcliffe. He's in Clearwater, FL. I can give you his contact info (phone & email) if you like.cardiver wrote: Thanks, Bob! I have to ship mine to Hong Kong on Monday. It really ticks me off that B & H won't handle the warranty issue for me.....
I'll be there tomorrow at 6 AM ...
... Bob (GratefuL Diver)
"Well as much as this pains me I am gonna have to pull out" - pogiguy05
Re: the early bird ...
I found the info and sent Tim an e mail.gutholmj wrote:I was going to say the same. Their contact info is on their web site. Bigblue's customer service is first rate. B&H also has a good customer service reputation so it's disappointing to hear that they are not being more helpful.Grateful Diver wrote:Didn't you say it's Big Blue? If so, forget B&H ... deal directly with Tim Ratcliffe. He's in Clearwater, FL. I can give you his contact info (phone & email) if you like.cardiver wrote: Thanks, Bob! I have to ship mine to Hong Kong on Monday. It really ticks me off that B & H won't handle the warranty issue for me.....
I'll be there tomorrow at 6 AM ...
... Bob (GratefuL Diver)
See you guys at 0600! I guess I better set my alarm for 0430 now.......
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
Re: the early bird ...
cardiver wrote:I found the info and sent Tim an e mail.gutholmj wrote:I was going to say the same. Their contact info is on their web site. Bigblue's customer service is first rate. B&H also has a good customer service reputation so it's disappointing to hear that they are not being more helpful.Grateful Diver wrote:Didn't you say it's Big Blue? If so, forget B&H ... deal directly with Tim Ratcliffe. He's in Clearwater, FL. I can give you his contact info (phone & email) if you like.cardiver wrote: Thanks, Bob! I have to ship mine to Hong Kong on Monday. It really ticks me off that B & H won't handle the warranty issue for me.....
I'll be there tomorrow at 6 AM ...
... Bob (GratefuL Diver)
See you guys at 0600! I guess I better set my alarm for 0430 now.......
It's 0600 now? Ok, I'll be there by 6.
Now what was this thread about?
Nice pics Bob.
"Well as much as this pains me I am gonna have to pull out" - pogiguy05
Re: the early bird ...
I sent you a text a few hours ago......gutholmj wrote:cardiver wrote:I found the info and sent Tim an e mail.gutholmj wrote:I was going to say the same. Their contact info is on their web site. Bigblue's customer service is first rate. B&H also has a good customer service reputation so it's disappointing to hear that they are not being more helpful.Grateful Diver wrote:Didn't you say it's Big Blue? If so, forget B&H ... deal directly with Tim Ratcliffe. He's in Clearwater, FL. I can give you his contact info (phone & email) if you like.cardiver wrote: Thanks, Bob! I have to ship mine to Hong Kong on Monday. It really ticks me off that B & H won't handle the warranty issue for me.....
I'll be there tomorrow at 6 AM ...
... Bob (GratefuL Diver)
See you guys at 0600! I guess I better set my alarm for 0430 now.......
It's 0600 now? Ok, I'll be there by 6.
Now what was this thread about?
Nice pics Bob.
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
Re: the early bird ...
Sorry for the thread hijack, Bob. Tim has already replied to my e mail and was also curious as to why B & H would direct me to corporate HQ in Hong Kong. He will be sending me an RA in the morning.
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
Re: the early bird ...
I'm not sure there is anything in the water anywhere more winsome and charming than a PSL. Great photos, Bob!
"Sometimes, when your world is going sideways, the second best thing to everything working out right, is knowing you are loved..." ljjames
Re: the early bird ...
Wonder where these little guys go when the sun comes up?
http://dustys-lights.com/, An awesome light at an unbelievably low price
Dusty's Lights on facebook
http://underthesound.smugmug.com/
Dusty's Lights on facebook
http://underthesound.smugmug.com/
- Grateful Diver
- I've Got Gills
- Posts: 5322
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 7:52 pm
Re: the early bird ...
Here's a few more from this morning's dive ... hopefully Ron and James will be along with some of their shots shortly ...
As we were ending the dive, this guy swam by ...
... that's all folks ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
As we were ending the dive, this guy swam by ...
... that's all folks ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
Threats and ultimatums are never the best answer. Public humiliation via Photoshop is always better - airsix
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Re: the early bird ...
I think that they're vampires. They go to bed when the sun comes up and even when they're out and about they are so hard to get a clear picture of!Dusty2 wrote:Wonder where these little guys go when the sun comes up?
I had a horrible time trying to focus this morning......
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
Re: the early bird ...
I could not get my focus to lock on anything, Bob. My strobe was going nuts also. Almost all of my shots are over exposed and I was shooting ttl....Grateful Diver wrote:Here's a few more from this morning's dive ... hopefully Ron and James will be along with some of their shots shortly ...
As we were ending the dive, this guy swam by ...
... that's all folks ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
You got some excellent pics!
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
- Grateful Diver
- I've Got Gills
- Posts: 5322
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 7:52 pm
Re: the early bird ...
Aggravating, Ron ... I had similar issues yesterday. And some today as well ... I took about a dozen shots of those tiny little nudis like you got, and not one of them was in focus ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
Threats and ultimatums are never the best answer. Public humiliation via Photoshop is always better - airsix
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Come visit me at http://www.nwgratefuldiver.com/
Re: the early bird ...
Thanks again for loaning me the light, Bob. When I got home I put four, fully charged Duracells in it and it made a huge difference!Grateful Diver wrote:Aggravating, Ron ... I had similar issues yesterday. And some today as well ... I took about a dozen shots of those tiny little nudis like you got, and not one of them was in focus ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
Re: the early bird ...
It almost looks like a painting, Bob.lundysd wrote:Bob that last shot is EPIC!!!!!
-Ron T.
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
"When I'm 80 I'll take up real diving, which is done in a pub..." Ray Ives.
253-227-0856
My Dive Pics...
https://www.facebook.com/RETOPPPHOTOGRAPHY
Re: the early bird ...
Great shots on the gunnel Bob, The depth of field is awesome.
Isn't it infuriating when you get an opportunity at something awesome and the camera just won't focus on the subject or the strobe keeps blowing out the shot! I've lost some pretty great shots like that. :angry:
First thing to check with the canon for focus problems is the zoom. If it's even slightly off of zero they just won't focus. Also use center spot focus.
Isn't it infuriating when you get an opportunity at something awesome and the camera just won't focus on the subject or the strobe keeps blowing out the shot! I've lost some pretty great shots like that. :angry:
First thing to check with the canon for focus problems is the zoom. If it's even slightly off of zero they just won't focus. Also use center spot focus.
http://dustys-lights.com/, An awesome light at an unbelievably low price
Dusty's Lights on facebook
http://underthesound.smugmug.com/
Dusty's Lights on facebook
http://underthesound.smugmug.com/