NikonGear'23

Travelogues => Travel Diaries => Topic started by: Jakov Minić on February 23, 2020, 20:38:46

Title: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 23, 2020, 20:38:46
As an inhabitant of the dark and dreary north, it is no secret that I thoroughly enjoy accumulating vitamin D in the winter months.
The Red Sea has a special place in my heart for many reasons. Warm, clear, full of corals and fish of all colors.
The AW-1 was put to the test again :)
I have not found Nemo yet, but I shall not abandon hope!
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Akira on February 23, 2020, 20:45:08
Beautiful images, Jakov!  Sorry to know you couldn't find the Nautilus, but the Stingray, maybe?  :)
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 23, 2020, 20:51:49
Thank you, Akira! I wouldn't know what a Stingray looks like even if it stung me...
Funny, I was just thinking of you when processing these images because I am listening to Ajate. Does Akira know them and has he ever interviewed these eccentrics :)

Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 23, 2020, 22:18:04
All of them are super nice, Jakov. Almost feeling the warm ocean habitat. Good to hear your AW1 is still working its best to deliver.

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: John Geerts on February 23, 2020, 22:25:13
Very nice results with the AW1, Jakov.  And colourful too.  Enjoy your stay !!
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: golunvolo on February 23, 2020, 23:43:42
Love underwater images. Thanks for sharing this.

  Have fun Mr. Jakov!
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Akira on February 24, 2020, 03:55:48
Thank you, Akira! I wouldn't know what a Stingray looks like even if it stung me...
Funny, I was just thinking of you when processing these images because I am listening to Ajate. Does Akira know them and has he ever interviewed these eccentrics :)

Jakov, unfortunately, I didn't know Ajate.  I just watched their performance on YouTube that was shot by a French medium when they toured to France last year.  Their music sounds like a nice combination of Japanese music for some traditional local festivals and the African grooves.  The fretless guitar made of bamboo looks interesting!
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Fons Baerken on February 24, 2020, 08:09:36
Beautiful!
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Ann on February 24, 2020, 09:00:03
Jakov:

Thank you so much for sharing those beautiful photographs from that magical under-sea world.
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: PeterN on February 24, 2020, 10:17:34
You are not only a master in above-water photography but also in underwater photography!
Enjoy your time there. It is windy and rainy here.
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Erik Lund on February 24, 2020, 10:29:52
Very fishy  ;D Enjoy your trip  8)
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Øivind Tøien on February 24, 2020, 11:30:35

I can feel the warmth of the water. These were captured with the standard zoom?
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 24, 2020, 17:06:44
When I was processing these images and seeing all these rich and diverse skin tones, i could not but ponder how fish live in a multicultural environment void of skin colour fears.

Thank you for your kind words, Birna. The AW-1 is certainly delivering in these warm waters.

Thank you for your kind words, John. Enjoying my stay dearly!

Thank you for your kind words, Paco, Paco, Paco!

Akira, do you know that the guy makes bamboo speakers  :o  They have become very dear to me. I bought all their records via bandcamp, and I can hardly wait to see them live once they embark on a journey to Europe again to promote their latest album Alo.

Thank you for your kind words, Fons.

Thank you for your kind words, Ann. The Red Sea is truly magical.

Thank you for your kind words, PeterN! I am  far from being a master in anything, but thanks! :)

Thank you for your kind words, Erik!  I also managed to acquire some funny stuff, you know like in SA  8)

Thank you for your kind words, Øivind. I bet these waters are more comfortable than in your part of the world :)
Yes, I used the standard zoom, all at 11mm. I would immediately buy an AW-2 and I would treat myself to something wider for the occasion...

p.s. I do not post that much on NG as I used to, but it overwhelms to read your comments, love Jakov
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Thomas Stellwag on February 24, 2020, 17:43:35
it is big fun to see those beautiful pictures
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: PeterN on February 24, 2020, 19:58:00
Jakov, may I ask something? Could you try shooting a few photos with the cloudy WB setting? Apparently that works well underwster, especially with flash (heard it from an underwater photographer).
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 24, 2020, 23:16:56
Thomas Stelwag, it's always big fun to see you, too :)

Hi PeterN, unfortunately that's it for this year, flying back tomorrow.
I started using flash years ago, but the flash isn't that powerful on the AW-1, a joke in fact, and the refresh rate was so long. And on top of all that it had a lag when pressing the shutter, so I could never get anything right. It's enough that I aim blindly at the subjects underwater...
So I tried, 5fps and without flash and I do not see any difference in image quality. Hence, my success rate skyrocketed. Since I shoot RAW, white balance is not really a concern, but I have to admit the AW-1 does a good job on its own.
But, thanks for the tip, perhaps somebody on the forum will have an opportunity to try it out :)

We also had some fun in the pool...
I do not use the AW-1 that often, but it sure is loads of fun when i do!
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Øivind Tøien on February 25, 2020, 04:22:35
Thank you for your kind words, Øivind. I bet these waters are more comfortable than in your part of the world :)
Yes, I used the standard zoom, all at 11mm. I would immediately buy an AW-2 and I would treat myself to something wider for the occasion...

Thanks for clarifying. Water here in Alaska at this time of the year is called ice ;D - temperatures -25 to -40°C for the last two months with barely any breaks.

Obvisously the AW2 is not going to happen, but treat yourself anyway to a AW1 10mm + Olympus fisheye converter, a synergistic combination. Details and links in the AW1 review thread. Also look here for inspiration: https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=7907.msg128232#msg128232 (https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=7907.msg128232#msg128232)
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Erik Lund on February 25, 2020, 07:57:53
Amazing pool images as well, as always a great joy to see  8)
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: PeterN on February 25, 2020, 10:54:02
Have a safe trip home! Great pool images!
Ølvind: thanks for the link. I enjoyed the photos and wish I had known before. My son and I visited Iceland a few months ago and we would have love to take the snorkelling trip!
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 25, 2020, 12:43:47
Thanks for clarifying. Water here in Alaska at this time of the year is called ice ;D - temperatures -25 to -40°C for the last two months with barely any breaks.

Obvisously the AW2 is not going to happen, but treat yourself anyway to a AW1 10mm + Olympus fisheye converter, a synergistic combination. Details and links in the AW1 review thread. Also look here for inspiration: https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=7907.msg128232#msg128232 (https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=7907.msg128232#msg128232)

Øivind, I remember that wonderful thread of yours and the fish-eye images. I believe that Birna uses the same combination. Don't destroy my dreams, please, I want an AW-2 :)
Title: Re: Marsa Alam, Egypt, 2020
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 25, 2020, 12:44:57
Thank you Erik and PeterN, pool images have also become a tradition. My kids still indulge me :)