Face off with a Predator

[chrisk]

this is freakin awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxa6P73Awcg

[surenj]

What is more amazing is that he might be using a three light set up with on axis fill? [check out 1:29]

Any ideas as to how he is doing it? PW's work under water??

[petermmc]

Inspiring. Thanks for finding that one.

I also like the way that in such a short clip you get great photos and a short docco to boot. I now think 'Happy Feet' has a lot to answer for maligning the leopard seal. Mind you it was from the angle of the penguins...but we at least know their motives were good.

Peter Mc

[colin_12]

Yeah that is pretty cool.

[ATJ]

That would be a fabulous experience. I have seen/read of other underwater photographers having similar experiences. I think there was one in the "Making of..." for one of the David Attenborough" documentaries. If I remember correctly, the experience was almost identical where the leopard seal brought the photographer presents.

Any ideas as to how he is doing it? PW's work under water??

What are "PW's"?

[surenj]

What are "PW's"?

Pocketwizards.

[ATJ]

Pocketwizards.

Ah...

Typically you wouldn't need something like that underwater. For most shots you go for a wider angle lens than you might consider for a similar shot on the surface. This gets you closer to the subject (to reduce the amount of water between the subject and the lens). It is very easy to mount multiple flashes to the housing and these can be on arms that might be quite long. The rig is not all that heavy underwater, in fact, most are close to neutrally buoyant. Combine the flashes on arms with the closeness of the subject and it is quite easy to be creative with lighting.

Look at 0:24 and you can see his rig. The dome port is in the centre at the bottom. There's a strobe just above it. There are strobes on ether side spaced quite a bit away. They would all be connected with wired cables or possibly optical cables. You can see it again at around 0:40.

[surenj]

Andrew, thanks for that insight! I wouldn't have guessed that. I can see the rig clearly now. I think it makes sense; almost.

Do the lights become softer underwater? The reason I ask is, that at 1:03, the reflection on the seals eye looks large (almost softbox/diffuser like) but this may due to the distance.

[ATJ]

Do the lights become softer underwater?

Not really.

The reason I ask is, that at 1:03, the reflection on the seals eye looks large (almost softbox/diffuser like) but this may due to the distance.

It is hard to tell what the reflection is. It may be a reflection of the ice.