I've got some photos to share today from my trip to the Similan Islands off Thailand's western coast.
First, a couple of different types of sea slug and a Damsel fish, or jokingly referred to by my instructor as the "composition fish" since they always seem to get in the photo when you least expect it--but make everything perfect. Oh, I mentioned my instructor because I did the Advanced Open Water Diver certification during my trip. It was only ~$90 additional, which was worth it alone to have a new diving card with a photo that is 18-years more recent.
All dive boats stop at this island to pay the park fees. The Similan Islands are a protected reserve--way to go Thailand! See the people up there on that rock? I climbed up there, barefoot (ouch), and took some photos too.
Here's one view from the top of that rock mentioned above.
I've never experienced a great sunset in Thailand. I guess it's like Seoul in that we get just a few outstanding sunsets a ever year. Anyway, I just liked the look of these rocks from the boat as the sky slightly changed color with the setting sun.
Sorry about my blog apathy, I've got a lot here to share but perhaps felt overwhelmed with all of the photos I've got to post. I know, just put up one or two every couple of days and then it will be done. I've got a lot of underwater shots too. They're not perfect, but for my first time shooting underwater I'm happy. Plus, I was shooting with cheap gear, worth about 1/10 what the pros and serious guys go down with. Though, if I ever have $3000 burning a hole in my pocket I might just go get the underwater case for my DSLR and a couple of strobes to match.
Also, I'm looking for photographers in Seoul that want to hang out. Yet another friend is moving away. Of course if you're not a photographer that's fine too. Drop a note in the comments.
Great photos, Max....lookig forward to more....
Mom :)
Great to finally see activity on your Blog, Max. Your photographs are so lifelike.
Dad
I love your pictures man. Really really good stuff.
After complaining to my friend that I'd be in Thailand right now if I had the money, rather than waiting around in Seoul for my job to start, then having another friend mention going there next month and now seeing your blog, all in a span of about 20 minutes, I now feel obligated (destined? haha) to comment.
Your pictures are vibrantly wonderful, and remind me of three things:
1)the beauty of Thailand
2)those rocks look like beached whales.
3)there are still lots of old fat white men, one of which I'm sure I will be at some point in this life.
Thanks for sharing those pics!
That's a wicked underwater pic, cheap gear or not. Was it with a flash or were you shooting close to the surface?
This weekend is the annual Fire Festival down here, so there should be some good opportunities for some shots.
G- Used a Fuji Finepix F30 in the Fuji underwater housing with the built-in flash. This photo did use flash, but since the water was so clear there isn't any "backscatter". There was a lot of ambient light too as the sky and the water were both clear. I recall the depth of this shot to have been no more than 10 meters.