Eye of Blue Groper

These images are referred to as Detail Images; they can be very artistic, even abstract! They are also a great solution when large marine animals turn up while you have your macro lens fitted! Such images have their use in science, art, photo competitions or just general interest. A famous American underwater photographer, Christopher Newbert, pioneered this genre in his beautiful book, `Within a Rainbow Sea’ revealing great abstracts of scales, fins & eyes. I would encourage all photographers to seek out striking examples of marine life that suit this genre.

Photo Data: Location: Fly Point, Nelson Bay, NSW, Australia. Genre: Macro Detail. Photography Data: Nikon D200, Nikkor 60mm lens, Seacam Housing, Dual Seacam Strobes, Manual Exposure Mode. ISO 100 Exposure f16 @ 1/60th second. Image by Kevin Deacon

Photo Hints: Look at your subjects though new eyes. You are looking for the abstract detail in eyes, skin & fins. Use macro lenses with a narrow field of view to isolate this detail from the overall appearance of the creature. Your compositions should leave the viewer guessing the identity.

Interesting Facts: Blue Gropers (Achoerodus viridis) are not a Grouper at all; they are a member of the Wrasse Family. Unique to southern Australian waters they are the largest species of southern wrasses in these waters and have been a protected species for many decades. I have found most species of wrasse very quick to adopt divers when food is offered.

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