Do you mind diving with photographers?

[Kim]

We're demanding - we're selfish - what do YOU think?

 

[SDAnderson]

It ain't a perfect world and getting along with divers requires the underwater photographer to develop an understanding of the nature of the divers he must share boat space with. The wise photographer also understands that, in exchange for all of the extra space and special treatment he requires, it's a good idea to be willing to make some concessions to his fellow travellers...

Some simple tips:

1. Divers love cameras.
By definition techno-toy junkies, waggling a camera in front of the average diver is like chumming in shark-filled waters. The only thing you don't know is exactly when they're going to come and how aggressive they're going to be. Be cautious and be prepared. A bangstick is usually a good last defense.

2. Divers don't care about your shot.
You share one common goal with divers: find cool stuff to look at. Before you make that third circle of the incredible coral head while while waving the divers off so that you can find your perfect frame, you should ask yourself this question, "were any of them carrying spearguns?"

3. Divers are children.
They don't think they're models and although they will probably love a print, all they really want to do is goof around and have fun - even with semi-crusty photographers. Just like children, they feel rejected when you won't play with them. Be sociable with them. Bring along an old beat up body with a busted lens (you can probably get away with not loading film in it) and take some pictures of them on the boat, maybe one shot underwater. Then tell them you can't play anymore cause you have some grown-up stuff that you have to do. They will disappear instantly.

4. They think your hobby is really boring.
But, hey, if you really want to just lay there motionless on the bottom for 20 minutes with nobody bothering you while you waste a roll of film on a Lesser Golden Knob Polisher, put a sign on your back that says, "I'm not really taking pictures, I've got terrible kidney stones." Even the sharks will stay away.

5. Expect that the divers will chase the fish.
That's why they came on this dive and they've already made a ton of concessions to you. Don't expect that they will make this one peacefully. No kidding.

6. Photographers aren't capable of being buddies.
Let's face it, most divers only barely qualify as buddies. Photographers don't even try. This leads to all kinds of confusion and hurt feelings. When the DM asks you to buddy up with a diver, punch him in the nose and tell him that you're emotionally handicapped and that under the Americans with Disabilities Act you require a special exemption from the "dive with a buddy" rule. No one will talk to you or come near you for the rest of the dive - perfect!

And remember: if you don't dive often, you can't dive safe.

 

[Kim]

Photographers - love 'em hate 'em?

 

[diverbrian]

It ain't a perfect world and getting along with divers requires the underwater photographer to develop an understanding of the nature of the divers he must share boat space with. The wise photographer also understands that, in exchange for all of the extra space and special treatment he requires, it's a good idea to be willing to make some concessions to his fellow travellers...

Some simple tips:

1. Divers love cameras.
By definition techno-toy junkies, waggling a camera in front of the average diver is like chumming in shark-filled waters. The only thing you don't know is exactly when they're going to come and how aggressive they're going to be. Be cautious and be prepared. A bangstick is usually a good last defense.

2. Divers don't care about your shot.
You share one common goal with divers: find cool stuff to look at. Before you make that third circle of the incredible coral head while while waving the divers off so that you can find your perfect frame, you should ask yourself this question, "were any of them carrying spearguns?"

3. Divers are children.
They don't think they're models and although they will probably love a print, all they really want to do is goof around and have fun - even with semi-crusty photographers. Just like children, they feel rejected when you won't play with them. Be sociable with them. Bring along an old beat up body with a busted lens (you can probably get away with not loading film in it) and take some pictures of them on the boat, maybe one shot underwater. Then tell them you can't play anymore cause you have some grown-up stuff that you have to do. They will disappear instantly.

4. They think your hobby is really boring.
But, hey, if you really want to just lay there motionless on the bottom for 20 minutes with nobody bothering you while you waste a roll of film on a Lesser Golden Knob Polisher, put a sign on your back that says, "I'm not really taking pictures, I've got terrible kidney stones." Even the sharks will stay away.

5. Expect that the divers will chase the fish.
That's why they came on this dive and they've already made a ton of concessions to you. Don't expect that they will make this one peacefully. No kidding.

6. Photographers aren't capable of being buddies.
Let's face it, most divers only barely qualify as buddies. Photographers don't even try. This leads to all kinds of confusion and hurt feelings. When the DM asks you to buddy up with a diver, punch him in the nose and tell him that you're emotionally handicapped and that under the Americans with Disabilities Act you require a special exemption from the "dive with a buddy" rule. No one will talk to you or come near you for the rest of the dive - perfect!

And remember: if you don't dive often, you can't dive safe.

Could we put a copy of this post in scuba humor? I love it!

 

[Snowbear]

Do you mind diving with photographers?

Depends on the attitude of the photographer - above and below the surface.

 

[gfisher4792]

The photogs I've dived with have been very nice, and when I dive with any, even those tagged with the label of "buddy," I know they're concentrating more on finding marine subjects, then checking up on me. That's fine with me, as long as that understanding is communicated before we hit the waves.

 

[mattengstrom]

But I try to avoid it in general, especially for those "randomly-assigned dive boat buddies." I got paired up with someone on a trip last year who was a real yutz. So focused on getting his shots - to the point of reaching under a rock to try to grab the spiny lobster and drag it out - that I don't think he had any clue that I was there.

 

[Scubaguy62]

As a newbie underwater photographer, who is also a buddy to a newbie underwater photographer (my wife and I just bought our 1st UW camera), I can't say I love it, and I can't also say they scare me, so I'll say it's ok.....not if I have to, but just I have to.

Semper Safe

Rick

 

[Scubaguy62]

I'm curious about something though, of the divers who say they'd never dive with a photographer, or those who hate diving with them, how many of you spend time looking at the reef and all the life therein, or peeking through a wreck?

Photographers are no worse than lobster hunters and spearos.

Semper Safe,

Rick

 

[SDAnderson]

Photographers are no worse than lobster hunters and spearos.

Better, probably. Less impulsive, less determined, slower moving and unarmed.