Digital Photo Gallery
Images from Wakatobi, Indonesia,
and the Olympus 3040 Digital Camera
After shooting film cameras underwater for 25 years, the images in this gallery are the result of my first efforts at digital u/w photography. These pictures were accomplished at Wakatobi Resort, for the most part right off the beach in front of the resort. In this effort, I was greatly aided by professional photographer James Watt, who kindly supplied access to two different housing systems; and to Fred Dion of Underwater Photo Tech who aided me in obtaining the Olympus 3040 camera. Thanks Gentlemen!
The links below will lead you to the photos. Also included is a link to my written report, an introductory primer to shooting underwater with a digital photo system. I hope you find the images and information of value. Please note that this entire Web Site, and all photos and text contained within, are copyrighted. Please do not use any of these images or text without prior written permission.
Copyright © Ken Knezick - Island Dreams
Check out the photos below; then read Ken's: Digital Photography Report
- Tetra housing for the Olympus Digital Camera
Produced by Light & Motion, this is the top of line housing currently on the market. Finely machined of aluminum, it is rated to 120 feet. Camera is shown with the flat port, but a wide angle and a macro lens are also available.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Olympus PT-700 housing for the Olympus Digital Camera
Though deceptively simple in design and appearance, the Olympus housing allowed for very fine results. Priced in the range of $250, it is also remarkably inexpensive as u/w photo equipment goes.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
Equipment Note: The first series of underwater images, as displayed below, were produced with the Olympus 3040 camera, contained in the simple, plastic Olympus PT-007 housing. Later in this series, you will see images produced with Light & Motion's aluminum Tetra Housing. A note below will indicate the equipment change. KDK
- First Attempt
This is, quite literally, the first underwater photo I made with the new system. As I progressed along the learning curve, I was able to improve my exposures and better balance for ambient light. It is immensely helpful to be able to view the result immediately after taking the shot.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Clown Fish Family
Only 20 meters from the entrance to the house reef is a family of clown fish I've visited for four years now. Friendly subjects in shallow water, provided a great place to practice with this camera.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Clown Fish Portrait
The one-second delay between pressing the shutter and the camera's actually firing made it challenging to shoot moving animals like this. But over time, and repeated tries, I was able to capture some pleasing compositions.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Cuttlefish Close-Up
On my first dive with the 3040 digital system, I was fortunate to find this cuttlefish waiting in front of the resort. Moving slowly and non-aggressively, I was able to spend a full 30 minutes with this individual, eventually making photos from a distance of only 12 to 18 inches. A bit farther along in the learning curve, I could have also balanced for ambient light.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Spine-cheeked Anemone Fish
This striking animal is another of my favorite subjects. Over the years, I've learned that with this species of fish, it's often advantageous of overexpose a bit. That's what brings out the lovely red color.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Fish Face
Here's a portrait that shows the clarity of image the digital camera is able to capture and reproduce.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Bigeye - Clarity Demo
This full frame shot of a bigeye shows great clarity. You will also note that I am beginning to get a feel for balancing ambient light of the background with the flash exposure on the primary subject.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Bigeye Close-Up
Working the same individual, I moved in for a close-up.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Blenny Guarding Eggs - Macro Demo
This image begins to show the macro capabilities of this system. This was shot a maximum zoom with the flat port (IE. no macro attachment), pretty much defining maximum magnification. Keep in mind that the camera's closest focus eight inches. Get the lens any closer to your subject, and your shot will be out of focus.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Nudibranch and Lizardfish - Focus Demo
This image is included to show the limitation of close focus. The nudibranch in the foreground is inside the minimum focus of the system, while the juvenile lizard fish behind it is in fine focus. Presumably, the supplemental macro lens would have enabled a better shot. (Note: Wise photographers bury their mistakes!)
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Crocodile Fish
This heavily camouflaged crocodile fish is a good subject to depicts the range of contrast captured by the digital system.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Stalking the Hawk Fish
The hawk fish is a great subject upon which to practice your stalking technique. They sit in one place, but if you approach too close, or too quickly, they will quickly dive for cover or a more distant perch.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Leaf Fish
The beauty of returning to a destination, especially one with the superb shore-diving of Wakatobi, is the ability to return to a specific dive site. I was fortunate to come upon this lovely leaf fish exactly in the spot I expected to find it.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Scorpion Fish
This shot was taken at maximum close focus, employing the zoom to crop for impact. It reveals a finely bearded face...that only a mother could love!
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Tridacna Clam
The magnificent color of this tridacna was not visible in ambient light. The simple onboard strobe of the Olympus 3040 brought out this sparkling color. As you can see, the diffuser on the PT-007 housing seems to produce a pleasing, well-balance light.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Juvenile Sweet Lips
This juvenile sweet lips is a relatively shy photo subject. I believe that the diminutive size of the PT-007 housing, and the absence of overhanging strobe, arm and cord, enabled me to be less obtrusive when approaching shy animals.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
Change of Equipment: The following images were produced with the Olympus 3030 camera, in the Light & Motion Tetra Housing. As wide-angle was the concept, the Tetra's wide-angle port was fitted. Due to the fact that the lens on my 3040 is slightly longer than that of the 3030, my camera would not work in the 3030 housing with the wide-angle port. Thus I used Jim Watt's 3030 camera to make the following wide-angle images. Should you decide to purchase a housing, be aware of this compatibility issue.
- Wide Angle Tableau - Vertical
The Tetra's wide-angle port enables an image equivalent to a 24 mm lens. It did not prove quite wide enough to fully cover a large sea fan like this one. Perhaps I should have tried a horizontal composition, and/or moved farther from the subject.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Wide Angle Tableau - Horizontal
The Tetra's wide angle aspect proved just right for this combination of sponge and sea fan.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Karen Contemplates Wakatobi
One of Wakatobi's finest assets is the opportunity to make great wide-angle shots while shore diving right off the beach. Here new diver, Karen Jacobs, enjoys the diversity of Wakatobi's colorful fringing reef.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Cuttlefish Wide-Angle Horizontal
Here is a wide-angle cuttlefish, with a better balance of ambient light.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Cuttlefish Wide-Angle Vertical
Note the depth of field evident in this colorful photo.
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
- Schooling Jacks - Au Revoir Wakatobi!
Hopefully you have found this gallery, and its descriptive images of value. I'll conclude with a shot of Wakatobi's resident school of jacks. This shot was accomplished in eight feet of water, within shouting distance of the bar. Enjoy!
Photo by: Ken Knezick -- Island Dreams
I hope you have found this information to be of value, and the images entertaining. Here's wishing you great diving...and a world of adventure! Best regards, Ken Knezick - President, Island Dreams Tours & Travel
Read Ken Knezick's comprehensive: Digital U/W Photography Report
Check out Island Dreams' Schedule of Group Conducted Tours
Learn more about: Wakatobi and Indonesia
More info: Photographer Ken Knezick is owner of Island Dreams, specializing in scuba diving travel and tours. You are invited to call or e-mail for additional information, advice, or assistance with bookings and airfares.
In addition to this Digital Photo Gallery, and Island Dreams' general Photo Gallery, we are continually developing new destination-specific photo areas. Once you have perused these Irian Jaya images, following is a selection of other photo areas provided for your pleasure and information.
Irian Jaya Photo Portfolio - Also known as West Papua, Irian Jaya is the western, Indonesia-administered, portion of the huge island of New Guinea. The diving there is remote, virtually unexplored, and VERY fishy!
Wakatobi Photo Gallery - Do not miss these photos from Wakatobi, Indonesia, possibly the most beautiful and pristine reef diving, and what is roundly known to be the best house reef in the world!
Komodo Park Photo Gallery - Komodo Dragons, reports, reviews, and the superb phographs of Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock (Secret Sea Visions), await you at Island Dreams' extensive Komodo Park web resources.
Lembeh Strait Photo Gallery - Muck diving is NOT a dirty word! Enjoy these unusual images from the Lembeh Strait, Kungkungan Bay Resort, Hotel Santika, Thalassa Divers and Bunaken Marine Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Galapagos Islands Photo Gallery - These images were captured in the remote Galapagos Islands, located 600 miles off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Inspiration to Charles Darwin, Galapagos represents a truly unique and unparalled paradise for topside and underwater wildlife photography.
Maldives Photo Gallery - Visit the reefs of these remote atolls in the southern Indian Ocean via Island Dreams' specialized Maldives web area.
Bahama Banks Photo Portfolio - Do you dream of diving with Dolphins? Take an Island Dreams web journey to swim with the Dolphins of the Little Bahama Banks.
Digital Photo Gallery - Digital cameras are revolutionizing the world of underwater photography. Island Dreams' digital gallery includes many descriptive photos, plus a complete report identifying some of your digital options and opportunities.
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