Sample Newsletter Article

Preparation for a Photo Dive Trip

by Andy Martinez

After numerous dives and photos in local waters, many divers decide to take a trip to a more exotic location. We all have great expectations of a vacation but the small expectation is that we want everything to go well so we can bring home some great photos to show friends. This article will provide some basic tips on how to prepare your equipment and yourself for a successful dive/photo vacation experience.

Photo Gear

Thoroughly examine your camera and equipment before you pack. This is easily the most important thing you will do before your trip. The more careful you are in cleaning and preparation the less likely you'll encounter problems on your trip. Check your photo equipment in the following ways:

1. "TTL" (Through The Lens) Test - This test should be completed to be certain the camera and strobe combination is performing as it should. This test will show whether your strobe is providing a full or a partial output according to each situation. Your camera manual or any good underwater photography book will describe how this is done. I do a TTL test each morning of the trip so that I am sure that the strobe is working the way I expect it to work.

2. O-rings - First, carefully remove an o-ring. As you remove it, take the time and care not to damage it. Examine the o-ring carefully to make sure there are no nicks or cuts. Wipe the o-ring with a clean, lint free cloth. Then clean the o-ring groove thoroughly. Apply a thin coat of silicone to where the o-ring is covered, but not too much (refer to your manual). Then reseat the o-ring in the groove. Do the same to all the other o-rings in the strobe and strobe cable that should be maintained (refer to your manual). After the cables are cleaned and lubricated put them in a clean zip lock bag to keep them lint free while they are in your luggage. Do the same with your camera if it is small enough. Now you will not have to repeat the cleaning process when you reach your destination.

3. Lens - Check lenses for smudges, dirt particles or fingerprints. Always wipe your lens with a piece of lens paper (not paper towel or tissue) and a few drops of cleaning fluid made specifically for lenses.

4. Batteries - If possible, use rechargeable (Ni Cad, nickel metal hydride) batteries. Sometimes it can be a bit of a hassle changing batteries (each dive). If you bring at least two to three sets of batteries (one set on the charger and the other in the camera) you will always have a fresh set ready and you are doing a nice thing for the environment. This way your island paradise does not have to deal with all the traveler's alkaline batteries. Be sure to buy fast battery chargers. It makes life easier. If you are going to use alkaline batteries bring plenty of them, as they may not be available or may be costly. Some people prefer Lithium batteries because of their long life.

5. Film - Bring lots of film: some locations may not have the film you prefer. Many people take their film in lead lined bags as a safety precaution from x-rays. If you are shooting digital, bring an extra flash card. In addition, a laptop or small portable hard drive with a viewing screen is helpful. On my last trip I used a small 80-gig drive and each evening I downloaded the day's shooting.

6. Equipment layout - Before you pack your equipment, lay it all out and assemble it to make sure you don't forget anything. Then disassemble it and pack. Forgetting just one little part can ruin a vacation!

7. Add these to your list to bring:

1. Manuals - camera and strobe
2. Extra strobe cord
3. Extra lens cap
4. Extra O-rings for everything
5. Lens cleaning tissues
6. Q-tips
7. Small set of tools:pliers, screwdrivers (slot and Philips)
8. Small adjustable wrench
9. Small pocket knife (not for carry on!)
10. Duct tape: the universal repair item
11. Extra towel as a surface of which you can work

8. Photo Equipment Checklist - Before you enter the water on each dive, review your personal equipment checklist. The list should fit your needs. Make it specific and follow it. Airplane pilots do it before every flight. Your list may include: Film in the camera, batteries in place, lens cap off, set the ISO (film speed), camera or housing properly closed and sealed, strobe batteries in place, and battery compartment closed. Sound simple? It is. Now, be sure to do it before each dive. It might help to write it on a card.

9. A few more pre-trip tips to help your photography:

Look at previous trip's photos. What were you doing wrong? How could you improve your photos? By remembering what you have done incorrectly or what you were not pleased with, you will be less likely to repeat it.

Take a class. If you are new to photography or have just bought some new equipment, you may want to consider taking a class that will shorten your learning curve and make the photography more fun.

In camera preparation, diving, looking for subjects, and shooting remember: patience, patience, patience. It has been said many times that patience is the most important part of underwater photography. Relax! You are on vacation.

Dive Gear

Packing for a dive/photo vacation is always a balancing act between traveling light and bringing what you need. It would be so nice to have two or three old trunks to fill and someone to carry them! But most of us don't have that so we have to plan carefully before we depart.

• 1. Consider servicing your regulator before you travel. Then you know it will be working well.
• 2. Check all straps - mask, fins, and other items with straps or belts. Have extras on hand.
• 3. Replace the battery in your computer.
• 4. An extra mask is helpful (mine broke on my last trip and it was comforting to know I had a back up). For any piece of equipment that can break, having a replacement insures you do not have to miss a dive.
• 5. Gear Layout - Lay out all the gear as if you were going to put it on. Then pack it. In your carry-on luggage, as a precaution, pack your mask (especially if you have prescription lenses), dive computer, bathing suit, medicines, and toiletries.

Pre-Trip Checklist

1. Documents - Passport, immunization card, tickets, travel vouchers, credit card, bank debit card (better than traveler's checks and you get a good exchange rate), dive certification card, dive and medical insurance cards, and log book. Make photo copies of all your important documents, bring a copy and leave a copy with someone you can call in an emergency. Many travelers use a money belt or pouch to secure documents.
2. Money - Before you depart, obtain some local currency to use for tips. If that is not possible, make sure you have plenty of small US bills to tip the airport and transfer porters.
3. Insurances - Update your dive insurance such as DAN, trip insurance, camera insurance.
4. Miscellaneous - Flashlight (a dive light works), small day pack, insect repellent, hat for the strong sun, small sewing kit, sandals or beach shoes (for wet landings), sweatshirt, sunscreen, sunglasses, first aid kit, battery operated alarm clock (so you don't miss the dive, boat, or plane!)
5. Prescription information for medications in case you need a refill. 6. Bring a book or two - It makes waiting in the airport more tolerable. Find some literature about your destination. Information on culture, geography or history will help you appreciate your visit.

It is wonderful to see new countries and dive in exciting locations around the world. Take the time to plan ahead and make your trip a success. I wish you the best of luck and a great vacation.

Bio:
Andy Martinez has been diving and photographing around the world for more than 35 years. His work has been published in most nature, travel and dive magazines in the US and many other countries. He has led marine biology and travel groups to the Galapagos Islands, Cayman Islands, and the Bay Islands of Honduras. He teaches underwater photography at Undersea Divers in Beverly, MA. See more of Andy's work at: www.AndrewJMartinez.com