Monday, March 23, 2009

Photos From The Shadows Of Death - Photography Of Rays

Shadows Of Death - Photos Of Deadly Rays

Underwater photography is one of the most dangerous activities.

But the photos that emerge from the dark abyss are the most unique and most breathtaking (literally).


Optimal Ingredients Of Successful Underwater Photo Shoots:

  • marine research vessel
  • great photographer
  • team of marine biologists
  • group of skilled deep sea divers
  • professional deep sea diving equipment
  • remote controlled submarine or a navy NR-1 submarine
  • extensive professional underwater lighting equipment
  • voluptuous Brazilian thong bikini models for the “deadly mermaids side project”
  • generous funding from National Geographic
  • life insurance, travel insurance, health insurance, bikini model and any other insurance possible

My Preparations For The Shadows Of Death Photo Shoot

  • I went to a shopping mall where I found an aquarium
  • I really had to keep one eye on some over-excited kids so they would not kick my camera bag
  • sorry that’s it … nothing more exciting

The mall with the 2 story aquarium is in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. When I arrived around 4PM the light conditions were absolutely horrible.
The sun was shining directly through the window and water so basically the background was the sun and the subjects were black rays.
I could have shot the pictures another time when the light was softer but I loved the out of control contrast and drama.
An added bonus was that the water distorted the street scene, the buildings and palm trees in the background.

Zoos and aquariums are sadistic displays of imprisoned animals and for this reason I never go to zoos. This shoot was an exception but I almost wish I never took these pictures. Try to enjoy these snapshots!

The point of this post is to prove that the worse the lighting conditions the better chance the photographer can end up with something unique.
Quite possibly not a single pixel of any these pictures is correctly exposed. And I love all of them!

black and white underwater photo of ray
hawaii black and white underwater ray photo
black and white hawaiian underwater photography of rays
hawaii underwater black and white ray photos
black and white ocean photography with rays
black and white photo of rays shadow
underwater black and white photo of ray belly

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