18 A blue shark takes a
The most common shark
species seen in California’s
waters are blue and shortfin
mako sharks
close look at its reflection
in the camera’s dome
port, Nine Mile Bank,
San Diego
Equipment & settings:
Canon EOS 5D Mark III,
Sea & Sea housing,
16–35mm lens at 16mm,
dual Sea & Sea YS-250
strobes, f/9, 1/250s,
ISO320
19 A sheephead
mugs for the lens in
the Channel Islands
National Park
Equipment & settings:
Canon EOS 5D Mark III,
Sea & Sea housing,
8–15mm lens at 15mm,
dual Sea & Sea YS-250
strobes, f/11, 1/200s,
ISO200
PRO
SHARKS
• California’s blue water shark dives require shooters
to be 30-plus kilometres offshore in a bottomless
environment. Sharks are baited, but since these
are wild animals, they can be unpredictable. In
addition, although the most common species seen
in California’s waters are blue and shortfin mako
sharks, other species, including great white sharks,
can show up. It is imperative that shooters pay
attention to the dive operator’s instructions first –
and their camera second.
• Sharks are fast-moving, especially shortfin mako
sharks – the fastest species of shark. To shoot
makos, use the fastest speed to which your
strobes will sync, and do not deviate (adjust your
ISO before you slow your shutter speed)! Watch
your autofocus carefully: Some cameras may
struggle with focus when faced with such a fast
subject – in a pinch, try to focus on an area of
contrast, such as teeth or gills. Make sure your
dome port is clear of bubbles, and don’t forget
that when using a super-wide lens, your subject is
closer than it appears through the viewfinder. SDOP
STAY/DIVE
SAN DIEGO:
Waterhorse Charters (www.waterhorsecharters.com)
and Lois Ann Dive Charters (www.loisann.com)
BLUE WATER AND SAN DIEGO:
SD Expeditions (www.sdexpeditions.com)
OIL PLATFORMS:
Assante Charters (www.facebook.com/AsanteCharters)
CHANNEL ISLANDS:
Peace Scuba (www.peaceboat.com) or
Truth Aquatics (www.truthaquatics.com)
MONTEREY/CARMEL:
Aquarius Divers (www.aquariusdivers.com)
19
ENTRY
Eligible non-US citizens can visit the USA as part of the
Visa Waiver Program for up to 90 days without obtaining
a visa. Prior to travelling, obtain authorisation via the
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. For details about visas,
visit www.travel.state.gov/content/visas.