The book "The secrets of underwater photography"

Since the publication of our last guide devoted to underwater digital photography in 2007, many changes have occurred.

The underwater photo gear has shifted: cameras, whether compact or SLR cameras have become more sophisticated, with dynamic ranges wider and wider; noise management has also improved considerably. The functions previously only available on SLRs have become common on compact, as well as bridges that have developed since. Today, almost all cameras and have a way of shooting in RAW format which, thanks to a development of computer processing, access to quality unparalleled images. Hybrid devices have also made ??their appearance: they should appeal to all divers looking for excellent crisp images without having to go down with pounds of material in water.

Regarding the light, fiber optic connection is generalized to all cameras; the STTL mode become the standard TTL mode. Finally, many new housing manufacturers appeared; we can now easily find aluminum housing made with professional quality, even for small cameras. Nobody had imagined the consequences of these technological developments: the number of underwater photographers has increased significantly, the amount of photos has multiplied exponentially.

But a lot of images are similar. From underwater photographers to artistic directors, thru the editors of magazines, the need to see other approaches became increasingly pressing. In three years, we have thus found a real change and evolution how beginners and professionals are creating underwater photos. The main rules of aesthetics enrich, change, renew themselves. Whatever their level, photographers must create their world picture and go further, to surprise their audiences.

Although it was written to be progressive in the chapters, if you already own notions of underwater photography you can read this book in a nonlinear way, according to your aspirations and needs. In the first chapter, you will find all the basic elements necessary to the creation of images, in the second, a detailed hardware panoram of the configurations is available. The third chapter is dedicated to all techniques to apply to take underwater pictures (hardware, adjustments), the fourth is just about the creative aspect. Throughout this book, we deal with hardware, shooting or artistic, we have tried to describe a simple, instructional and teaching way to all concepts and practical knowledge for everyone. Beginner or expert, can develop their creativity. We also offer technical and tips for great photos in shallow or very known places. We used to say that photographers will sometimes look far away from what they have in their garden; create a beautiful picture, it is just about to learn to look.

We have learned this experience during the last eight years. We have animated more than fifty photo trips, with hundreds participants. We are familiar with all the issues that photographers novice divers, advanced or expert arise, we wanted them provide here the most detailed and comprehensive answers possible by illustrating very concrete examples, while giving access to the theoretical elements allow them to understand better.

We hope that you will draw in these pages a lot of ideas, know-how and the desire to deepen your technique and underwater photographic vision.

The book written in French is available in all book stores or by order.

It is also possible to order it by internet. Click here to order by Amazon.

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Book Secrets of Underwater Photography. Photographs and Texts by Isabelle and Amar Guillen.

The book "Reflections of Haute-Saintonge"

"In the end, we discover that the extraordinary is always found in the ordinary and simple ways of every day people.” This quote taken from the book, The Pilgrimage, by Paolo Coelho, aptly sums up the story behind our project of the Haute-Saintonge.

In 2012 we had completed our first photographic portfolio of the Charente-Maritime, entitled, The Hidden Treasures Along the Coast of the Charente-Maritime. It consisted of 20 photographs, and we thought that the town of Jonzac was the ideal location from which to exhibit them.

The book "Reflections of Haute-Saintonge"

“In the end, we discover that the extraordinary is always found in the ordinary and simple ways of every day people.” This quote taken from the book, The Pilgrimage, by Paolo Coelho, aptly sums up the story behind our project of the Haute-Saintonge.

In 2012 we had completed our first photographic portfolio of the Charente-Maritime, entitled, The Hidden Treasures Along the Coast of the Charente-Maritime. It consisted of 20 photographs, and we thought that the town of Jonzac was the ideal location from which to exhibit them. We approached Jonzac's mayor, Claude Belot, who readily agreed. Our exhibition took place at “Les Antilles”, in Jonzac, following which Mr Belot wondered if we could take more photos of the Haute-Saintonge, bringing its countryside to life with rich colours and light, in a way he felt confident we were well qualified to do. It seemed then that the extraordinary had crossed our ordinary path.

Mr Belot asked us to create an exhibition of 40 photographs and incorporate them into a published book increasing to 60 pictures. We suggested the theme be based on the discovery of the hidden treasures of the Haute-Saintonge. He agreed, but added: “I am very demanding. I only want the best.” From these remarks the tempo was set and we began taking photos the following day. He had set us a real challenge and we only had seven months to complete it.

In each photo we employed as much of our technical expertise as possible to obtain the ultimate in lighting and colour effects – pushing ourselves to the limit, always on the look-out for the unusual. In trying to capture what may have been in the minds of the inhabitants and convey the emotion of the scene, we often ventured out to the same spot many times on the same day, in order to seek out an element of surprise and look for possible hidden treasures in the vicinity.

Subsequently, we have often been astounded by the sheer variety and richness of the landscape of the region, as it stretches from north to south: forests, fields, rivers, Estuary… We could never be the same again. More than once our hearts stopped, when back at the studio we reviewed our photographs. The beauty of the entire experience could be remembered along with the accompanying emotions. The Haute-Saintonge became a special place for us – a place out of time, still to be discovered. We knew then that we were on the right track.

Each photograph is a story in itself and all our energy, expertise and joy has been translated to these pictures in our discovery of one of the most beautiful regions we have ever visited.

You can order the book thru internet on our the website of our editor "Le Croit Vif". Click here to order the book.

Click here to order it on Amazon.

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