Mo2 has brought up some good points...
Mo2vation:
Having dived without, then with, then without, now with a camera again - I am qualified to say diving with a Camera changes so much for me:
2) I know more about the stuff I'm seeing. Its no longer "the blue fishy" or the "funny pink snail"... I have names (well, my names and their real names) for most of the stuff I see now. Its totally improved my knowledge of the fish, plants, animals and stuff I dive with. I now have many, many reference books on this stuff. Never did before I started shooting.
It's almost as much fun learning about WHAT you're shooting. Not only the names of things but when you learn their behaviors, you can anticipate their actions in order to get that next shot. ie: Spotted Drums always swim in a figure 8. If you miss the shot just wait a minute, they'll do it again!
4) Its improved my Buddy's awareness - Whoever my buddy is, they know I'm shooting so they are on the watch. They not only serve as critter spotter, but also know where I am at all times. This isn't unusual, as I dive with a tight circle of divers, but I have noticed that because I stop a lot, they hang closer.
This has been my biggest reason for my change. Yes, my buddies were good 'photo' budddies, finding stuff, waiting patiently for me and keeping track of where I was. But that also meant their dive was 'my' dive, it just wasn't fair to them. Now we take turns taking a camera along, I take my turn at finding stuff, waiting for them and watching over them for their safety.
5) I get to add a whole other task to the multi-tasking that is diving. I love the challenge. First it was just diving. Then it became precision diving. Then adding an HID, then adding a Drysuit, then adding dry gloves, then adding a camera, etc, etc, etc... Maintaining a high level of skill as a diver has been the best part. I'm a diver who photographs. Not a photographer who dives.
I agree, it certainly keeps your skills in top form.
6) As mentioned, its broadened the circle of supporters. Family, friends and others get to know what the heck is going on down there.
True. We have a circle of friends and family who demand slide shows and trip stories every time we go anywhere. They aren't near as interested in local green water!
7) Its given me a greater appreciation for creation. I was pretty grateful and in mouth-agape awe before, but since I started shooting, I'm even more humbled. Its truly remarkable, the diversity of life that is in the oceans that 99% of people will never ever get to see. I am very fortunate. More than fortunate. Blessed.
Amen!
Shooting has changed my diving for the better, as I'm much more engaged with the surroundings and the life I see, and I can savor each dive longer and in much more vivid details by going back over the photos.
This is true, photos allow me to relive those dives. But leaving the camera behind occasionally has increased my enjoyment of the surroundings. With a camera I have a tendancy to keep my face planted in the monitor or tunnel vision looking for the next photo opportunity and not always noticing the 'big picture'. Without it, I can really absorb the majesty and the grandeur of the reefs, not just that little part I see on the camera monitor. Getting away from the reef, hanging in blue water with a vertical wall in front of you will really put you in your place down there and show you just how immense the structures are.
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy my photography and can still get really wrapped up in it. But my priorities have changed which I think is a good thing, for me. As Charlie says, everyone has their own style and developes what works best for them. The main thing is to have fun and be safe.