Category Archives: Ocean

UNDERWATER :: Diver on Turtle Reef

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Chip Bunnell Photography of diver on underwater turtle reef in Grand CaymanWhile the Cayman Islands are known to many for their banking industry above the water, what appeals to me is their fame below the waves – their spectacular reefs! Each of the three islands is literally surrounded by lush reefs loaded “to the gills” with beautiful marine life. Admittedly, we have many of these same features in our local South Florida waters, which is why I moved here many years ago, but there is one big difference…Walls! Yes, underwater “walls” are one of the many treats that makes the journey to the Cayman Islands so rewarding.

Image a tranquil Caribbean reef. The top can be as shallow as 12’ below crystal clear, blue water. As you slowly move, you see the coral and fish life interact. Looking forward, you see the reef appear to almost stop. As you get closer you see it does not stop, but rather drops. As you swim out over the wall you see that it dramatically falls 50’, 70’, 100’ or even over 6,000’ straight down! That is an underwater wall. A combination of uncertainty and exhilaration fills you as you truly feel as though you are flying. Feeling once again calm, you see how the beauty of the reef follows the wall down. As you descend, the normal up and down of our world have little meaning to life that lives on a vertical plane. A multitude of coral species continues to grow in unique directions. Fish view the wall side as their new bottom and swim at a 90 degree angle from what we think is common. The deeper you descend, the light becomes a little more reduced and the marine life changes. Only through the power of underwater lights can the human eye see the true color of life on the reef wall. Diving a wall is truly one of the greatest natural treats to experience.

I made this image on Turtle Reef. Located near the famous turtle farm on Grand Cayman, you can see just a small taste of the numerous soft corals, sea fans and barrel sponges that frequent the wall edge. In fact, the entire wall surface is literally alive with organisms that make up the base of the underwater world. My beautiful bride, who has become quite an accomplished underwater model, adds the human element to the image. The soft ripples of the surface water can be seen above. We eagerly await our return to this aquatic paradise.

Single Frame, processed in LR, PS and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com

DESTINATION :: Fishing South Florida Style

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Chip Bunnell PhotographyTo many, a day fishing means finding a quiet lake or stream and enjoy the competition between man and fish.  A simple pole is all that stands between them.  Okay, there’s obviously more to it than that, but you get the feel. In South Florida, a day fishing requires just a bit more equipment. For starters, how about a 35’ offshore boat with inboard diesel engines and a “Tuna Tour” 20 feet above the waterline. Add to it a well-trained captain or very experienced owner, a wide selection of bait and lures and, of course, plenty of beverages to keep you well hydrated. It’s still the competition between man and fish, just with a whole lot more stuff and a little bigger price tag.

One of my favorite places is a marina. I enjoy seeing the various vessels as we prepare for a day on the ocean. The anticipation builds, fueled by the wonder of what we will find. On a recent dive trip I found myself able to simply take in the mood as we got underway for our journey to the Atlantic. The water in the marina was calm and filled with reflections from the boats still at dock. Passing clouds painted an interesting sky with the palm trees flowing high overhead. It was the perfect start to a wonderful day and a reminder of why we call our home paradise. This image was made to capture that moment and feeling.

Single Frame, Processed in LR and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com