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Do you solo dive as a photographer?
Last Update: 08 August 2007 09:23 AM
3 comment(s)
Author: Matt Segal ( segal3 )
Related Link: Solo diving
When you set yourself behind the lens and focus on a subject, does the rest of the underwater world become a distant afterthought? Contrary to the training of most certification agencies, many underwater photographers and videographers learn, or even prefer, to become self-sufficient and dive under the “same ocean” buddy rule.
Wetpixel member Gary (ce4jesus) has started a discussion questioning the practice of diving solo while recognizing the benefit of pacing the dive yourself and spending as much (or little) time with a photo opportunity as is necessary. Join in and share your decision on whether to solo dive or not…
Many solo divers seem to be avoiding risks by carrying a pony tank or some other extra equipment. Well, I think the greatest risk factor is your own body: you can have a stroke, heart attack, cramp in your leg, problem with a sinus when you ascend.
If you have a serious health issue during a dive, then a buddy could save you. If you fall in the breakers while returning to the shore, even then a buddy might save you.
Once while solo diving I was nearly attacked by a crazy barracuda (I was told later that the same one had bitten a diver before). If the barracuda had bitten my leg and the teeth had hit an arteria or an important nerve, would I have been able to swim back to shore without anyone´s help?
After hundreds of solo dives my message is: in most cases it´s not an extra tank or regulator which would save you if something goes wrong. It´s the respect of the sea and the respect of your own body: Eat healthy food, don´t get fat and exercise regularily. And go through the threats of a specific dive site in advance - be prepared. Dive solo only if you really have to get the pictures and there is no buddy available.
I have enjoyed my solo dives, the contact with nature has had a certain magic because of being alone with my camera in the water. But I still wish that a wise, understanding and photogenic buddy would be there with me when I take pictures underwater.Posted by Eric S on 08/01 at 11:22 AMIf you’re going to get special shots, you have to do it. There’s no real discussion.
Tim Rock, Guam
Posted by timrock on 08/08 at 04:54 AMI have been diving as a commecial diver, photographer and biologist for over twenty years and have often found myself diving while solo. There are risks to be sure but, having seen real crisis in the water and the inevitable cluster**** that results from too many well-intentioned dive-safety-course divers clustering around some poor sod with a cramp, I generally feel safer diving on my own—clearly aware of my own limitations . . .
Posted by loligo on 08/08 at 11:23 AM