My brother-in-law, Doug Closson performs his original song “Blue Lights” to video of his Manta Ray Night Dive in Garden Eel Cove, Kona, Hawaii. More of Doug’s music and performance schedule can be found at www.macawmusicdawnagain.com

Doug is a very passionate diver, musician & singer. Please watch and be prepared to be inspired.

A big mahalo Doug for this wonderful footage & music. Very inspirational.

Aloha

Glenn

Here it is, an HD attempt. Actually one of several attempts over the last six months. I am struggling with what is offered on the market in terms of software. Nothing in my opinion, offers anything suitable for marketable material with regards to the finished product.

This image was made with two bracketed images, one at +1 and the other at 0. Nice overall, as long as you don’t blow the image up too large.

Hmmm?? I have used several products. The latest product, Photomatrix Pro seems to be one of the better products on the market, however the finished product is limited in use. The finished image passes for editorial/ magazine work but certainly lacks in the ability to provide a marketable finished product in terms of fine art.

What’s your opinion and what has been your experience(s).

Mahalo

-Glenn

For all you technical buffs out there I must open with an apology… this article is not about gadgets, dive tables, safety measures or other aspects of diving. This article is more to do with the art of the underwater world off the shores of the Hawaiian Islands.

While most enjoy living in Hawaii because of the beauty above the sea, I prefer mostly, the beauty that lies below.  There is nothing in this world, in my opinion that beats exploring the underwater world. It is after all, the last frontier. There is so much that we have yet to discover with regards to life below the ocean surface. How could you not be fascinated and filled with curiosity.

I have been fortunate enough to spend the last decade exploring our coastal reefs of Hawaii and getting to know the creatures that inhabit it.  Over time you begin to realize and witness the symbiotic relationship among the various species and within the same species a hierarchy that is constantly being challenged.

Upon closer examination, one can’t help but become fascinated by the wide variety of intricate shapes, sizes and color of these incredible inhabitants of our ocean. Some species change completely in shape and color as they morph from juveniles to adults.

In witnessing all of this wonderful strangeness and beauty, you can’t help but want to share your experiences with others. For me initially, it was a simple desire to share with my kids, images of what I was experiencing each time I dove.

As a result, I soon began shooting pictures just for fun… than it became somewhat of an obsession. I could not wait to get back into the water to capture glimpses of the underwater world on my camera. Over the years I have been able to acquire a fairly large collection of marine life. One of my favorite subjects of course is the “Honu”, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. How could it not be?

Learning both scuba diving and underwater photography was almost a rebirth for me. I began seeing and experiencing things below the ocean surface that stirred emotions that I had not felt since I was a kid. It was a journey of discovery, seeing the artful beauty of nature in a vast cool bath of liquid heaven.

“I think most of us that share a passion for the ocean here on the islands feel a sort of rejuvenation, cleansing and a sense of self while in the water. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity over the years to share with others my visions of the islands both above and below the surface”.

Living in Hawaii gives us so many things. It provides us, among many things, with experiences that few ever get to enjoy. Yes, we do get caught up in the daily routine of life, however it is important to stop, take time out and enjoy what we have just beyond our front doors and offer ourselves up to a higher power without reservation… now that’s living.

Enjoy life, live with respect for the land and sea and help your neighbor… A hui hou!

Article by Glenn T. Poulain