I liked TSandM's post. Anyone can take pictures on a dive. But getting quality images, video or stills, requires many skills pertaining to the photo taking, and concentrating on them requires what TSandM's lecturer called "transparent diving," that is, the ability to be in control of, or rather command of buoyancy, breathing, body position, and equipment. The same is true if you are a commercial diver involved in tasks like boat maintenance, or even being a divemaster leading other divers. Accordingly, in the spirit of the thread title, here are my tips on buoyancy, body and position control:
1. be properly weighted
2. be in good physical condition so that movement and exertion don't cause "heavy breathing"
3. add and subtract air from the bc in very very small amounts.
4. trim buoyancy often
5. don't move any more than necessary
6. be aware of depth changes - be aware of everything
7. be an active diver- dive dive and dive some more.
Most divers in such control of their buoyancy, movement and position have done quite a bit of diving, but there are some with a talent for it, and some who will struggle forever with it. All of us had a first dive, when we were less proficient (hopefully) than we were on our last dive. Motivation (I want to take nice pictures) is a factor, but we should all be motivated on every dive to be environmentally responsible and a safe diver. So be active as a diver, practice and improve those skills, and they will become second nature- like breathing.
DivemasterDennis
1. be properly weighted
2. be in good physical condition so that movement and exertion don't cause "heavy breathing"
3. add and subtract air from the bc in very very small amounts.
4. trim buoyancy often
5. don't move any more than necessary
6. be aware of depth changes - be aware of everything
7. be an active diver- dive dive and dive some more.
Most divers in such control of their buoyancy, movement and position have done quite a bit of diving, but there are some with a talent for it, and some who will struggle forever with it. All of us had a first dive, when we were less proficient (hopefully) than we were on our last dive. Motivation (I want to take nice pictures) is a factor, but we should all be motivated on every dive to be environmentally responsible and a safe diver. So be active as a diver, practice and improve those skills, and they will become second nature- like breathing.
DivemasterDennis