Julian D

Thanks for the input.  I just got back to New Zealand so will apply your suggestions once I get caught up at home. 

Thanks for taking the time to adjust the image Kelpfish - definately an improvement over my attempts.  I got some good close ups but the wider shot was an after thought.  I guess the lesson is to spend a bit more time with composition and DOF and it would have been all the better. 

Julian

Just wanted to update and say thanks to all for the tips on where to go.  Luck must have been with me and I had a great day at Pt Lobos with 40 ft visibility and calm seas.  What a fantastic dive location!  My first time in the sea with my wide angle lens so I didn't do it justice but I put my macro lens on for the second dive to get a few keepers.  It was so nice that at times I just forgot about photography to take it all in.  Have attached a couple of shots.

Thanks again for the advice.  I'll be coming back too Allison so I think the islands or the rigs are next.

Julian

Thanks to both of you for the info.  I've booked in for two guided dives at Point Lobos so I'll be keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed for some good vis!

I come up to california from time to time and would like to get out to one of the oil rigs off LA and maybe out to Catalina some time.  So if anyone can recommend good operators for these or other good spots I'd really like to hear what you think.

Cheers

Thanks for the info Clinton.  Much appreciated. So would you do a couple of shore dives at Pt Lobos over heading out via boat (there are spaces available for pt Lobos).

Also do you prefer any particular boat?

Julian

Likewise wow! Great photos - that looks like wonderful diving.  Always nice to see some temperate water wide angle shots.  I lugged my gear up to California last year and drove over to Monterey from the valley on my day off to find a calm sea and 3ft viz, so I can appreciate how special this was! 

I'll be up again in about 10 days so am looking for some advice on where to go.  Rather than hijack your thread I'll start another one.

Cheers & well done