Amazon.com
When David Doubilet was a child, he photographed swimmers in the waters off of New Jersey. Water Light Time is a collection of images that capture the underwater magnificence that seized the photographer's imagination in childhood and spurred a lifelong fascination. Underwater plant life floating like snakes, bright blue water filled with schools of silver fish, a diver immersed in a throng of bubbling yellow jellyfish, a close-up of pink and white sea anemones looking all the world like a floating bouquet of flowers--each image in this book is exquisitely photographed with preternaturally clear colors, full of detail and depth. Some images toy with perspective, creating surreal tableaux as a crustacean leg pokes out of the yellow-green water to appear almost as large as a nearby tree.
With a career that started as a National Geographic photographer in 1972, Doubilet has a lifetime of experience from which to make such a marvelous meditation on this otherworld that is vaguely familiar to most readers only through pictures and visits to aquariums. Doubilet captures what must surely be his own awe at the uniqueness of being a human in this nonhuman environment, and the reader can marvel at both the lushness of life in the water and at the beauty of the photographs themselves, which dominate almost all of the book's 240 pages. --Jennifer Cohen
Book Description
David Doubilet is widely acclaimed as the world's leading underwater photographer. His award-winning book Water Light Time showcases over twenty-five years' of his work under the oceans and seas of all parts of the globe. Sharks and shipwrecks, rare and unusual species, exotic vegetation, startling and vivid colours, Doubilet's pictures inspire awe at both the wonder of the undersea world and the extraordinary skill of the photographer. A selection of beautiful images from this magical, and sometimes dangerous, submarine world is now available in a set of 45 postcards, with three each of 15 stunning images.
Customer Reviews:
Absolutely amazing!.......2007-03-22
Not only the pictures are artistically and beautifully photographed, but one cannot not wonder how Mr. Doubilet could be right there at the moment, with the right lights and the right angles to capture such incredible photos. If you appreciate nature's beauty and photography, this book is a must.
Incredible photography!.......2007-02-03
I couldn't imagine a more beautiful photography book! If you are fascinated with the underwater world, this is for you! The quality of the photographs are unmatched. Looking through the book is a magical experience.
beauty out of the water.......2007-01-17
great gift for ocean lovers. amazing photography. an enjoyable book for those that love the water, but don't want to get wet.
Absolutely breathtaking!.......2007-01-11
David Doubilet's photographs are simply beautiful...this book really blew me away. I could literally stare at the images for hours as they are that captivating. It's almost as if you're diving with Mr. Doubilet and seeing these creatures up close. The way he uses two separate views (i.e. shooting the ray underwater while also shooting the sky above the water) is amazing. While exhibiting his photography prowess, Mr. Doubilet also shows the viewer the strong connection of all the earth's elements. He also seems to have a strong relationship with the ocean life- the stunning photo of the seal peeping over the bed of kelp truly captures the seal's beauty without compromising its playful nature.
This book is a treasure!
Excellent pictures, nice commentary.......2006-07-31
Great underwater photographs. I wish there was a book with Doubilet's pictures taken in the Okavango Delta...
Book Description
From camera selection to enhanced exposure, everything necessary to capture underwater digital images is available in this handy reference. Photographers will learn how to select, test, and use digital cameras for technically perfect images, adapt traditional photo techniques to underwater conditions, confidently shoot and light underwater images for great exposure, and remedy common problems that plague underwater photographers. Helpful hints on maintaining, cleaning, transporting, and insuring a digital camera are included. With full-color images that both instruct and inspire, this handbook provides information on every conceivable aspect of creating the right conditions for beautiful underwater photographs.
Customer Reviews:
Husband Loves It.......2007-09-08
I bought this for my scuba diving photographer husband as a present. He said it is an excellent book as he leafed through it. Then he sat down to read it immediately. That's quite a positive reaction for him.
Denise
good intro.......2007-06-14
good basic intro to digital underwater photos and equipment
Underwater photography guide for beginner intermediate.......2007-02-19
Found this book very helpful. Have some experience with underwater digital photography but found the explainations and examples very helpful. Took it to Palau...and left it with the captain who kept picking it up to read. So am ordering my replacement!
Underwater photography book.......2007-01-10
Very disappointing. I was hoping for a more informative book. This was pretty basic photography. The previous reviews were misleading for me. This was a waste of money.
Very limited information for D-SLR cameras.......2007-01-08
This book is fine for point and shoot, and non-D-SLR cameras. It does have some inaccurate information - at least, information that most underwater photo pros disagree with. It has very limited information for those who are using D-SLR cameras.
Product Description
This colorful photographic field guide describes about 1,200 species of common invertebrates, fishes, reptiles and mammals that occur on and around the world's coral reefs and mangroves. 6-1/2" x 7", 478 pages, 1,300 color photos.
Customer Reviews:
A Diver's Guide to Reef Life.......2007-09-17
A Diver's Guide to Reef Life
Comment by Stephen Wong, Marine Wildlife Photojournalist
I used to believe that biologists (or people who knew much of science) did not make the prettiest images, while dedicated photographers were merely trying to paint aesthetic pictures but didn't know a lot about the scientific part of their subjects. I am sure the biologists could shoot extremely well but they just didn't have the time to create the pretty photos, as their time spent would be doing much research in lab and field. At the same time, wildlife photographers could be stellar ecologist but simply lack the proper background training to discuss seriously the scientific side, or the photographers could know in-depth biology on only a few subjects but not many. Gee, am I wrong! "A Diver's Guide to Reef Life" by Andrea & Antonella Ferrari has changed my steretypic perception.
This 480-page 16cm X 18cm book delivers a wealth of scientific knowledge plus a full load of exquisite images. There must be at least 828 species (I counted) of the more encountered and diver-interested marine creatures' discussed and over 1,200 species of animals deftly composed in the book. Not only the general distribution and sizing of the subjects are talked about, the animals' individual habitats and their intrigue life habits are discussed. The ID shots for the `science' section are more than adequate as the pictures clearly show the species' colors, shapes and unique features so that viewers can immediately locate and relate to. The life habits section and the galleries (many beautiful images) are my most favorite. I am learning a lot from these two areas, plus from the underwater photo-tips that the Ferraris stated in each family introduction.
Besides the more popular diver-quested subjects, such as sharks to the jeweled pygmy seahorses, the book also covers subjects that may be of less interest to most divers, like the corals, sponges and sea squirts. Though these are not talked in-depth, the authors have used ample images to let the readers compare to what they see in their dives - a criteria for a good guide book. The Ferraris also have dedicated a small section on the dangers that the ecosystem now faces and suggested a list of `Don'ts' for everyone to help to preserve the fragile reef.
"A Diver's Guide to Reef Life" is a book that makes nature lovers learn more about the denizens of the seas and the relationships with each other. With interesting marine science balances eye-savvy images, be the book placed on the shelf for educational purposes or bringing it on dive locations for reference, I highly recommend the book for everyone and all resorts.
If you need ONE book, this is the one!.......2007-06-27
This book is the most used book in the library at Raja Ampat's Sorido Bay. It seemed that whatever we were looking for, was in this book. Now I have to resolve the spelling quirk for Thysanozoon. Who is correct? The Ferrari's or the others? Also, a big plus for this book...it stays open wherever you put it, while you are researching all your finds. The construction is ingenious.
Top Guide.......2007-06-18
ANDREA AND ANTONELLA FERRARI have spent years amassing the photographs and information contained in A Diver's Guide to Reef Life, and it shows.
With 1200 tropical species, ranging from coral polyps, gorgonians, sea squirts, sponges, nudibranchs and all of the main fish groups, this is a truly comprehensive work, and probably the only reef guide most divers will need to take with them on a trip.
Covering the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific and many Caribbean species, the book comes in a handy, almost square format with just three species per page, allowing good-sized images of high quality.
The authors describe each species carefully, and where possible give information on behaviour to assist with identification. For example, the reader learns that the orangeband surgeonfish (Acanthurus olivaceus) "can switch its main body colour from dark olive to tan to dark blue in seconds" and that there are 40 different species of triggerfish. One section shows juvenile specimens of some of the commonest fish, demonstrating how unlike their adult forms they can be.
Photographically, Reef Life is excellent, with every shot a genuinely representative view of the animal or fish described. The book also contains a good general introduction to coral-reef ecology, and titbits of information are spread throughout the text: "94 million tonnes of fish are now taken globally each year, compared to 19 million tonnes in 1950."
The Ferraris also produced the Macrolife Guide to Underwater Malaysia, in my opinion the best of its kind. Now they have created an indispensable companion volume that will serve every diver well.
Tim Ecott, author Neutral Buoyancy: Adventures in a Liquid World
One of the better guides to marine life.......2007-06-06
As a marine biologist as well as an author and photographer of marine life books, I am very selective in my choice of those that end up on my shelf. I am particularly critical of books with a global scope as these invariably include only a small fraction of what lives in any particular area. These books usually include only what the photographer happens to have good photographs of rather than what is important. This book is an exception as the authors have included many excellent photographs taken by others. In doing so the authors have managed to pull together 1200 of the most important and interesting species, all with concise information on distribution, habitat and behavior. No book of this kind is immune from misidentification, but this one has fewer than most. It's a keeper. For those in the w. Pacific who want to dig deeper, please also check the following: Micronesian Reef Fishes: A Field Guide for Divers and Aquarists
Wonderful photo guide to reef life.......2007-06-04
I have A DIVER'S GUIDE TO UNDERWATER MALAYSIA MACROLIFE and was pleased to see this additional book by the Andrea & Antonella Ferrari. I find this book just beautiful and well researched. This book is superior to some other field guides seem slapped together without much substance. I see this as a great addition to my library. You may also be interested in the following book: Coral Reef Guide Red Sea (Coral Reef)
Book Description
A superb hand-on manual containing a wealth of underwater tips, hints and advice - all beautifully illustrated with brand new, full colour images.
Martin Edge, a leading authority on underwater photography, will help you capture stunning effects using his popular 'think and consider' system - offering a heightened awareness and understanding of the subject matter, lighting and environment to take the perfect picture. Practical examples take you step-by-step through the basic techniaques from photographing shipwrecks, divers, marine life and abstract images to taking photographs at night and 'dual lighting'.
In 1999 the late Jim Church, guru of underwater photography, said: 'As a member of the new generation of underwater photography writers, [Martin has] set a standard that will only be surpassed when [he writes] a third edition.' Here it is, we hope you enjoy it.
* Learn 'how that shot was taken' with practical case studies
* Beautifully illustrated throughout with inspirational full colour underwater images
* Covers the highly respected philosophy of the 'Think & Consider' System
Customer Reviews:
The definitive underwater photography book goes digital.........2006-11-06
Martin Edge's 2nd Edition was the definitive book on underwater photography. The new, completely rewritten, 3rd Edition, now thorougly covers underwater digital photography, without neglecting film photography or general considerations. It is what you will want to read, whether you are new to underwater photography or you are an experienced photographer who wants to improve digital or underwater skills.
Mr. Edge provides specific, detailed, practical, advice, based upon his considerable experience. He demonstrates technique with photographic examples.
If I were teachng a course on underwater photography, this would be the required text.
The best there is........2006-06-12
The third edition of this masterful book on creating underwater images has expanded to incorporate the burgeoning world of digital photography.
Martin takes the student beyond the mechanistic approach of F stops and shutter speeds to pare image making down to its essentials. His TC system enables the photographer to hone their ability to recognise good photographic opportunities underwater and to more fully exploit the potential they offer.
If you want to improve your images, this is the book for you.
Third Edition.......2006-05-19
This book is great. All the information is very accessible and the advice is practical, comprehensive, very up-to-date and to the point - no padding - I wish more books were written like this. Apart from being a great "how to" photography book that will travel the world with us, it sets a new standard for ease of use and clarity. Would have given it six stars had I been able to!
Needs better focus.......2005-06-10
I was disappointed by this book. The photography is excellent and very inspiring, but the main text is often vague and inarticulate. The book does not keep its main promise of teaching us the author's special system for taking good photographs. The system is mentioned a lot but it remains tantalisingly obscure. I hope there will be another edition of this book with some input from a publisher's editor or a professional educator.
This is where the journey begins........2005-02-25
It is the many photographs I have seen taken by this man which make me realise I still have a long way to go as far as mastering the art of underwater photography is concerned.
Time was when every newly trained scuba diver would talk about the diving facility they are going to open now that they have learned to dive. Not so any more. Today, they are more conscious of the underwater environment and are keen to progress on to underwater photography. Well this is where that journey towards taking successful pictures begins. Martin Edge has mastered the art of underwater photography and has that indefinable knack of being able to teach others what he knows - and very successfully indeed.
So, if you are contemplating buying your first underwater camera - or if you have already done so, then get a copy of this book and do 2 things. Firstly, read it. Then wait a week and read it again! My own photographs were first published in 1974 and my first underwater pictures in 1979. Right now, my work has appeared every single month for the past 7 years. Yet I have still learned a lot from this book.
NM
Book Description
Using the digital darkroom to perfect underwater images, this guide is loaded with tips on how to finesse, fine-tune, retouch, and enhance underwater film scans and digital images with Adobe Photoshop. This comprehensive look at the required setup for a digital darkroom outlines the necessary hardware, monitor calibration, and room lighting, in addition to providing a survey of the top editing tools and descriptions of the most tried-and-true correction techniques. Step-by-step instructions explain how to group underwater images for editing; approach corrections for images that require a multi-step enhancement process; and choose the right output options for printed images, video, slide shows, and Web viewing.
Customer Reviews:
Great for Underwater Photographers.......2007-09-28
This book is real helpful. Has some great tips with a number of nice shortcuts
5-Star Worthy.......2007-09-12
I write this review with one purpose in mind: to affirm the 5-star rating this book has (so far).
As an experienced but not professional Photoshop user, I already had a good set of skills under my belt prior to color correcting underwater shots. I'd also done my internet homework and found plenty of good material out there. (YouTube, for example, has some great tutorials.)
I am cynical about most Photoshop books. Too often the same-old same-old just gets repackaged.
This said, I feel AP4UWP was excellent and well worth the price. In particular, AP4UWP helped me with those shots that really needed help but were worth preserving.
I've already recommended this book to every UW photographer I know.
Dr. Kirtland C Peterson
Good Buy, Even for a Professional.......2007-07-13
I purchased this book thinking that there might not be much information I could use, but boy was I wrong! I use photoshop professionally, and thought I knew the program-- but I am by no means a program guru--this book contains good grounding information about tools to use, and then has some great step by step examples to help people solve some pretty big image issues. If you know how to use Photoshop, but just can't seem to tweak your photos the way you want... IMHO Buy This Book.
Basic but complete.......2007-02-08
This book is targeted for beginner and intermediate photographers. It is clear and easy to understand. It has something for everyone from camera basics to tips for interemediate users.
greater pictures.......2007-01-04
Using this book, I was able to create better and more beautifull images. The subjects are easy to use, and really dedicated to underwater pictures. Great book.
Book Description
This book holds appeal for divers, laymen, romantic, and dolphin lovers alike, regarding man's spiritual connection to the sea.
Customer Reviews:
Water World.......2004-09-10
I first heard of the late Jacques Mayol from the now classic cult movie "The Big Blue". Judging by this encyclopedic work, the real Jacques Mayol was a more interesting character than his celluloid image. "Homo Delphinus" is clearly a work of love and a beautiful book. It is published in a large glossy format with stunning photos. It is difficult to classify the book as it is a combination of science, semi-science, ecology, philosophy and mysticism. Mr. Mayol is successful in producing a touching work that summarizes his life long romance with the aquatic world and his hopes and visions for the future.
As I said, the book is encyclopedic - Mr. Mayol covers a wide range of topics- and this is also one of the weaknesses of the book. At times I felt that the author was rambling a bit. Perhaps a good editor would have helped Mayol be more focused.
The translation is not always smooth. From the book itself it is unclear if the translation was done from the original French, the Italian version or both.
I was very interested to read that Mayol did not take kindly to the fact that freediving has become a type of extreme sport. He feels that this is dangerous and misconstrues the real spirit of apnea diving.
I would recommend this book to anybody interested in the oceans, marine mammals or diving.
If I could, I would have rated the book 4 1/2 stars.
Disappointing.......2002-03-22
I am a great admirer of Mr. Mayol. Since a child I felt always impressed about his contributions to science and conservationism. However, I just felt so disappointed when I read Homo Delphinus. Through it, he tries to cover many topics, but in such a superficial way that it made me anxious for not getting into any point at all. And his theory about the "homo delphinus" is only a collection of cliches and general thoughts.
With respect to the book itself, it lacks the quality of modern books and the photography has been poorly incorporated.
I am sure many people will love this book, but I expected far more from such a remarkable man as Jacques Mayol.
A MUST.......2002-01-01
Being a diver and a fan of the sea, having met Jacques Mayol the guru of breath-hold dives in Oct 2001 in Elba and upon learning that this famous book was now available in English, the next day I procured one from this site. Having since learnt of Jacques's passing on the 22nd of Dec 2001 I feel that anyone who dives or simply loves the sea and its creatures should get hold of this very remarkable book - before it goes out of production.
A fantastic book with lots of beautiful photographs that takes the reader through Jacques' early life, his reactions in the form of questions and answers to the movie "The Big Blue" and his techniques on apnea, his travels and inventions and his views on the purity of the ocean and man's endeavour to demolish anything remotely beautiful. A fantastic book to have and to keep for future generations of a man who seems to much prefer living with the creatures of the sea than with homo sapiens on land.
interaction between one man and the sea.......2000-04-19
Jacques Mayol launches first book in the United States
Idelson-Gnocchi Publishing is pleased to announce the release of Jacques Mayol's first book published in the United States, "Homo Delphinus - The Dolphin within Man". This large format, gorgeously photographed volume, is the culmination of a lifetime of personal oceanic experiences by Jacques Mayol, easily one of the most accomplished free divers of his or any other generation.
Jacques Mayol, holder of a dozen world breathhold diving records, was the first man to descend to 100 meters (330 feet), a feat he accomplished in 1976. He followed this with yet another record breaking drop to 105 meters (346 feet) at the age of 56. A Frenchman born in China, Jacques Mayol now splits his time between homes on the island of Elba in Italy, the island of South Caicos in the Turks & Caicos and a full life in Japan. He is a practitioner of Yoga, Zen and other Oriental life philosophies, essential disciplines he incorporates into his free diving practices.
Homo Delphinus demonstrates an exceptional personal vision of the interaction between one man and the sea. It also provides a superb explanation of how the separate disciplines of science and philosophy come together to allow these extraordinary free diving explorations of the ocean. This theme goes hand in hand with Jacques' deep abiding love for the ocean and it's inhabitants, particularly dolphins. He spends much of the book exploring both the affection and the similarities existing between man and dolphin, a heartfelt search for "the dolphin dormant in all of us".
The adventures in Jacques' life were chronicled in the landmark Luc Bresson film 'The Big Blue'. He has been the subject of numerous national and international broadcast interviews and print features. Jacques is also one of the world's leading authorities on 'apnea', a phenomenal physical discipline which reduces heart rate and respiratory functions, thus
allowing him to perform his remarkable diving feats. Free diving aficionados worldwide recognize and thank him for his insight, his developments of the sport and for his accomplishments. At 72 years of age, Jacques still revels in the ocean, swimming and diving virtually every available day.
Idelson-Gnocchi Publishing is based in Napoli, Italy where it has been publishing specialized Scientific Publications since 1908. The company now has offices in both Italy as well as in Florida.
Exciting........2000-04-19
"how exciting it was to read about how it felt to come up from a dive, to have his own experience written down on the page, just the way he experienced".
Average customer rating:
- From a man who understands Photography like no other.
- It`s A WORK OF ART!
- The sea in a page
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Light in the Sea
David Doubilet
Manufacturer: Legacy Words
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Lakes & Ponds
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Natural History
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Similar Items:
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Water Light Time
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Great Barrier Reef (National Geographic Insight)
ASIN: 0934738548 |
Customer Reviews:
From a man who understands Photography like no other........2002-01-31
It is very easy to mention David Doubilet in the same breath as National Geographic as though that says it all. Of course his work has appeared in that illustrious magazine for many years and, well, perhaps it does.
Light in the Sea is a large coffee-table book measuring 12in x 12in and is packed with a collection of photographs taken in, on, around, above and, of course, below the surface of the sea. It is, however, far more than just another collection of photographs of fish, corals and other sea creatures - this is an complete exercise in what to aim for when taking similar photographs.
I am studiously avoiding such words as "Outstanding" or "Excellent" when describing the pictures contained in this book. This is because there are many outstanding and excellent photographers out there - but David Doubilet is a cut above the rest and in a class of his own. His photographs need no such description.
There is far more to Underwater Photography than taking good photographs underwater and, having studied the many images in this book, I would suggest "Light in the Sea" is the template on which any aspiring underwater photographer should model their own abilities.
Sea Creatures are photographed from every position - with wide-angle lens and with macro-lens, from above the surface, from below the surface - and even from half in and half out of the water. Islands are shown with rows of coconut trees along the shores in the background and rows of corals underwater in the foreground - and all in a single photograph. Even that well-known rocky promontory in Egypt called Ras Mohammed is photographed from a new and exciting angle.
This is a book where every photograph is an abject lesson in photography with each one making the statement; "this is what you should aim to achieve when taking a photograph like this." This is a book where the Master has demonstrated his art to the student and I salute the author.
NM
It`s A WORK OF ART!.......2001-03-26
Light in the Sea is a book that revolutionized the techniques of underwater photography. It belongs to the most beautifull books I`ve ever seen. Doubilet is a photographer that has done a pair of other good books and written a lot of articles for National Geographic. His photos looks more like paintings than photos and that`s what`s making the book so good. Among my favourite pics are the Izu Peninsula coral reefs and also the Caribbean which is my favourite underwater area. His ways to capture the animals is unique,although there are other good photographers too,such as Roger Steene and Chris Newbert. But Doubilet is the best. The only thing which made me disappointed is that it is so short,just 160 pages. A 400-page photo book would be better. Fortunatley,I also own his other book that has 240 pages of beautifull photos. But don`t forget this,it is fantastic,I promise you that!
The sea in a page.......2000-01-06
This book was a gift, and one I'm eternally grateful for. David Doubilet takes you on a photographic journey from the cold waters of British Colmbia to dive with giant octopus to the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Palau, the Red Sea and the underwater volcanic sands of the Izu Penninsular, Japan. Amazing shots of Great White sharks and WWII wrecks, the incredible compositions and imagination of his photography will pluck you out of your chair and dunk you in the ocean! The supporting text just adds to the effect and compliments the photos beautifully. It's so real that I use it as a substitute for diving when I can't get out there. This man knows how to use a camera, and has a real feel for the sea. If you find it, grab it!
Customer Reviews:
Very Interesting Overview.......2007-01-10
This book exceeded my expectations. Unlike some other intro / how to books I have consulted on other subjects which seamed to me to be a thinly veiled recycling of stock photos, this book is what it claims. I was impressed by its comprehensiveness, detail, and great pictures. Not being a freediver, I was amazed by the freediving accounts described within. Disclaimer: I am not a freediver. Before ordering the book I hardly knew what freediving was.
The "Bible" for the sport.......2007-01-07
This is a great book if you are a novice, intermediate or advanced spearo. The information on gear is clear and concise, especially in regards to rigging your gun. The chapters on the various types of pelagic fish that are hunted is thorough and informative. Dr. Maas writes not so much as a person that did a lot of research, but more importantly as a person who has experience in the areas he is writing about. His first hand accounts are entertaining and educational.
This book is a must have for anyone in this sport. It will want to make you get in the water.
Truly incredible tales.......2002-01-23
I am an avid scuba diver who likes to hunt for lobster and fish. I was not prepared for what I found in this book. The casual approach to entering the ocean food chain to hunt large tuna and marlin among large great white sharks left me wondering if Terry Maas (the author) has a death wish. Nevertheless, I think I will try this sport on a smaller scale and hopefully venture to south of Cabo to try my hand at large yellowfin. I found this book to be very matter of fact about a not so standard way to kill some time on your vacation. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves diving, extreme adventure, and the ocean.
A comprehensive guide for intermediate and advanced spearos.......1998-09-06
This book contains a plethora of interesting stories,as well as useful information for the aspiring blue water hunter. One learns that not all spearfishermen desire to shoot everything in the sea, but that their involvemnt in the preservation of the ocean's resources is tempered with an attitude of respectful game gathering.
Best book of its kind........1998-07-01
I've only moved "off the shelf" and into the blue this year, having used a sling since childhood. Had I read this book earlier I would have had many more years' experience by now. It covers a range of topics and is well illustrated. A good practical guide to the sport spiced with enough of the sort of chilling (sharks, line tangles, blackout) and inspiring (marlin hunters, jewfish hunted by sound alone, bluefin rocketing by at 50 mph) story-talk to captivate even my nondiving friends. I've read many of these stories out loud to hushed circles of friends. The comments on safety are reasonable and reflect a good respect for those who've lived a life in the water. A good job all round; I look forward to Terry's next.
Book Description
Acclaimed photographer Howard Schatz broke new ground in the 1990s with his books WATER DANCE and POOL LIGHT, two collections of luminous photographs of dancers, some clothed and some nude, all taken underwater. His underwater photography has been called uncanny, lithe and athletic, exquisitely real, and mysterious, and has been widely imitated in art and advertising. The dancers seem to transcend time and space to become floating, ethereal objects. Schatz's new underwater photographs are shot in a state-of-the-art, custom-built pool fitted with studio lights and covered with a giant dome to regulate temperature. The results are stunning. His unique images---at once lyrical, fantastic, and palpably real---express the beauty of inspired movement magically free of the restrictions of gravity.
Book Description
The ultimate guide to the enthralling world of macro diving, this volume describes in full detail 600 different Indo-Pacific marine species, focusing on those found in the South China, Sulu and Sulawesi seas. From colorful nudibranchs to cleaner shrimps and from exceptionally rare cuttlefish to hundreds of spectacular fish species, each card features a complete insight on distribution, habitat, size, life habits and U/W photo tips.
Illustrated with more than 800 extraordinary color photographs and written in a clear, concise, informative style, this book is the field guide of choice for all serious macro divers from the Maldives to Ausralia.
Customer Reviews:
A Diver's Guide to Underwater Malaysia Macrolife.......2007-06-07
It seems biased to write about someone's book, when I have always been a fan of his/her work (in this case, the Ferraris'). This may be unfair to other potential buyers. Yet, I am now looking at my well worn copy of "A Diver's Guide to Underwater Malaysia Macrolife" and realizing how much I have been using this book. The cover is creased, two corners are warped and many pages are wrinkled. A few other pages are nearly separating from the main stem. Though the binding of the pages are holding well, I don't think mine will last too long. It is way overused and is time for me to purchase a new copy.
Being a natural history photojournalist myself, I utilize a number of reference books. This is one that I often make use of. The field guide contains more than 600 species of marine critters, from invertebrates (such as worms, opisthobranchs, echinoderms, crustaceans and cephalopods) to reef fishes found in the Indo-Pacific waters. Each of the species has been provided with pictures, Latin & English identifications, distribution, sizing, habitats and underwater photo-tips to capture the subject on film/pixels. These hands on photographic suggestions are especially valuable for both seasoned and budding photographers. In addition, through the authors' dedicated observations, the content provides additional information on certain animals' symbiotic relationships with other creatures and behavioral aspects. The book is written in a clear and easy-to-understand context. The Ferraris' impressive knowledge on gobies has educated me immensely.
Despite that the book does not contain information on sponge, anemone, coral and shell, the Ferraris have selectively concentrated on the macro faunas that avid divers and photographers deliberately search for in the Indo-Pacific. Many of the critters shown in the book are of rarity, and many photos (over 800) in this almanac do not only depict the subject identification alone but with artistic flares. A difficult feat (and with hundreds of hours underwater), and the Ferraris have done it with roaring success. In a heartbeat, I highly recommend this field guide to anyone (also parents with kids) who enjoys the beautiful and unique macro life of the ocean.
Stephen Wong Marine Wildlife Photojournalist
A standout book on the small things.......2007-06-07
As a marine biologist as well as an author and photographer of marine life books, I tend to purchase only books that have useful information along with decent photography that facilitates easy identification. Books that cover too broad an area or all marine life rather than a particular group tend to fall short. By focusing on the small things in an area of extremely high diversity, the authors have managed to be unusually comprehensive. In my area of expertise, the fishes, I found very few errors (zero is an impossibility given the constant changes as new information comes to light). The photography and printing are excellent. The species descriptions are concise, well-researched and full of information useful to the naturalist as well as photographer. This book belongs on every underwater photographer or naturalist's bookshelf. It is also good enough and compact enough to go in one's luggage in this age of traveling light. For those interested in the Red Sea, I highly recommend the following Coral Reef Guide Red Sea (Coral Reef)
Book Review - A Diver's Guide to Underwater Malaysia Marcolife.......2007-06-05
Whether you're an armchair adventurer, an aquarist, or a diver of any skill level that has already viewed some of the better coral reefs in the world, this is definitely a must-have book for your library. Never has any publication so accurately and colorfully depicted the Indo-Pacific marine species that presently exist in the South China, Sulu and Sulawesi seas.
This book, or possibly more correctly called a `Field Guide' is an outstanding identification guide for the scientist, diver, student, and the hobbyist for those species living in the covered area. It describes over 600 different fish and invertebrate species, including colorful nudibranchs, cleaner shrimps and some exceptionally rare cuttlefish. Each species notes its scientific and common name, distribution, habitat, size, life habits, and many also provide some extremely helpful underwater photography tips. All illustrated with over 800 beautiful color photographs. In fact, it was difficult for me to get past the early part of the book as the scenery photos put me into a dream mode. Honestly, after viewing the first few photos in the Introduction section I was tempted to make airline reservations!
A Diver's Guide to Underwater Malaysia Macrolife is basically divided into three sections: Introduction; Invertebrates; and, Fishes. However, there are eight pages prior to the Introduction section that helps put the tone of the overall work into perspective. The first, "Selected Bibliography" is a list of some publication titles that compliment this work. Following that, there is a list of "Recommended Internet Web Sites" that includes dive travel information in Malaysia, and an underwater camera-housing site that can be quite helpful in assembling the right equipment before leaving home. Also mentioned is "Addenda" which contains a list of corrections and updates that came along too near the end of the publication cycle to be incorporated into the finished version. Really a thoughtful and useful touch. There are also maps of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, and Malaysia, Indonesian, and Borneo areas. This is followed by a list of the "Top Ten Dive Sites of Malaysia" and a very well written piece on "How to Use This Book."
The "Introduction" section, which consists of 37 pages, was the most difficult portion for me to get through. As mentioned above it scenery photos were mesmerizing! But when you get past those you'll find this section divided into various mini subjects of interest. To begin, "Why Macrolife" notes that actually shallow water diving is more rewarding than deep diving and it requires no special body fitness or risk. Therefore good dive spots are easy to find, and with good patience and eyesight your experiences will be quite rewarding. Next, "Redressing the Balance" notes that the areas mentioned in this book are without equal, even if visiting the more public and heavily advertised dive sites. Following that, "Where and How" pinpoints Pulau Sipadan in the Sulawesi Sea off Borneo, and the South China Sea atoll of Layang Layang as Malaysia's two majestic dive areas. Next, "The Fine Art of Marcophotography" dispels some of the myths about underwater photography and describes the equipment used by the authors along with some very helpful hints in getting that perfect photo. "Macro Habitats" is next and briefly notes the need for careful and thoughtful observation. Of course the weather you would experience in these areas is of interest and in the next portion of the Introduction the subject of "Climate" is examined. What are the best months to visit these areas and their temperature ranges are discussed. Ending this section "A Matter of Choice" notes what creatures were photographed for this book and why.
The following two portions of the book are massive when compared to the Introduction section. The "Invertebrates" section consists of 166 pages and is divided into five subsections. Over 300 hundred species of flatworms, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, octopi,, squids, shrimps, crabs, lobsters, sea stars, brittle stars, and sea urchins are described. Each containing a high quality color photo accompanied with various levels of information as noted above.
The "Fishes" section consists of 232 pages, and concentrates on bony fishes. The families Blennies, Gobies, Filefishes, Dartfishes, Dragonets, Jawfishes, Anemonefishes, Hawkfishes, Cardinalfishes, Flatheads, Scorpionfishes, Lionfishes, Pipefishes, Seahorses, Frogfishes, and Morays are among the many well depicted. There are also two brief, but interesting subtopics titled "The Host and the Hosted" and "Fish Juveniles." The first provides an insight into the micro-world where some close-ups of various parasites or commensals are shown. The second provides some shots of fish juveniles, and contains an interesting photo of a juvenile dragonet that is only a few millimeters in length. Excellent photography!
This superb work completes with an "Index of Common Names" and "Index of Scientific Names." Also, on the inside back cover there's a little more information about the Authors and their previous books and magazine articles. Both the front and back cover foldout and can be used as a bookmark, which is always very convenient when it comes to `Field Guide' type books.
As a pictorial guide of the fishes and invertebrates found in this part of the world, you'll not find any better! And it's written in a clear and concise style, which truly makes it a must for all divers and students interested in the underwater creatures that inhabit this part of the world. And for those that don't dive, yet keep aquariums, this work serves as a valuable identification source along with some habitat information that might benefit the species in their aquariums.
In conclusion, A Diver's Guide to Underwater Malaysia Macrolife is well written, quite informative, beautifully illustrated, and a priced right quality publication. Get a copy, you'll be happy you did!
MUST HAVE!!!.......2007-05-28
Amazing photography!!! Great ID book on macro reef inhabitants! Always with me on my dive trips... no regrets ;p
Excellent pictorial.......2007-04-09
My husband and I both enjoyed this book - however, it is not as useful as Humann and DeLoach's books for accurate fish identification. More helpful if you are looking for common names of fish encountered around Malaysia.
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