When most divers think about finning, they picture the classic flutter kick used when swimming in open water. But in muck diving environments—like the sandy slopes of Lembeh, the black volcanic seabeds of Anilao, or the seagrass beds of Bali—that same technique can do more harm than good. A misplaced kick can stir up clouds …
Solitude World’s iNaturalist Projects Turn Guests into Citizen Scientists When you think of diving in Lembeh, Anilao or anywhere in the Coral Triangle, the first thing that comes to mind is often the astonishing diversity of marine life—rare muck critters, cunning octopuses, frolicking mantas, gliding whale sharks, frenzied sharks and dazzling reefscapes. But what if …
Featuring Tips from Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts Dive Regions Understanding Marine Biodiversity: A Diver’s Guide to Species IdentificationFeaturing Tips from Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts Dive Regions For many divers, the magic of being underwater lies not just in the weightless movement through water or the serenity of reefscapes, but in the encounters — fleeting or …
Part of the REAL FOCUS series The Ethical Lens: Meet the Professionals Redefining Ethics Below the Surface In a world awash with underwater images, Lilian Koh is a rare voice of stillness and clarity. A celebrated macro photographer from Singapore, Lilian made her pivot from banking to the sea after a single, life-altering snorkelling experience …
Making peace with your photo pile (and maybe even enjoying the process) Let’s be honest—culling can feel daunting. A pile of hundreds (or thousands) of images, each asking: “Keep me?” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what truly deserves a second look. But what if culling wasn’t about cutting down, but about clearing …
Part of the REAL FOCUS series The Ethical Lens: Meet the Professionals Redefining Ethics Below the Surface Ram Yoro doesn’t just dive into the ocean—he dives into the patterns of it. As a technical diver, award-winning underwater photographer, cave explorer and co-author of Guide to Anilao, he spent years reading the currents, rhythms and creatures …
Creative Optics, Diopters, and Unconventional Tools for Underwater Photography What’s in your gear bag? If you’re heading into a shootout like REAL FOCUS, chances are you’ve already packed your tried-and-true setup: your go-to macro lens, a few lights, and maybe a trusty diopter. But while technical mastery matters, creative vision often starts with what you …
Part of the REAL FOCUS series The Ethical Lens: Meet the Professionals Redefining Ethics Below the Surface From the kaleidoscopic reefs of Sabah to the secret lives of sea creatures rarely seen, Jason Isley has spent over two decades beneath the surface—not just documenting marine life, but giving it a voice. As a founding member …
Underwater macro photography is a realm of detail, delicacy, and precision. But within this tight frame lies vast creative freedom. Beyond just capturing a critter, what if your image could say something—echo a feeling, a memory, or an otherworldly mood? That’s where creative macro steps in: a space to experiment with in-camera magic like bokeh …
With many years of underwater photography and post-processing experience, Anna Ewa Manzel—Assistant Manager at Solitude Lembeh Resort and Marketing & Communications – Europe—brings both technical insight and a collaborative spirit to the dive community. She began using Photoshop with version CS2 and is self-taught through numerous tutorials, now specialising in the post-processing aspect of the …
Part of the REAL FOCUS series The Ethical Lens: Meet the Professionals Redefining Ethics Below the Surface Why ethical interactions are shaping a new era in underwater storytelling Jacob Guy doesn’t just film the ocean—he listens to it. Through the glassy lens of his camera, Jacob has built a career around documenting the underwater world …
Imagine descending into a world of vibrant corals, graceful manta rays, and curious sea turtles. The ocean is a place of wonder, an ecosystem thriving with life. But with every dive, we have a choice—either to leave no trace or to unknowingly contribute to its decline. Ethical diving isn’t just about following rules; it’s about …