Why Snooting Is the Natural Next Step in Your Creative Underwater JourneyIn macro photography, precision is everything. A wide strobe floods the scene, but a snoot lets you shape the light—revealing a subject while the rest dissolves into darkness. The result? Depth, texture, and atmosphere in a single, striking frame. A snoot isn’t about adding …
Above the surface, ISO behaves predictably.Below it, the rules dissolve like light through water. The same principles apply — but the ocean changes the way every stop of light behaves. ISO underwater isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about balance, awareness, and letting your camera breathe with the sea. Why ISO behaves differently underwater ISO amplifies …
A Guide for REAL FOCUS Participants When it comes to underwater photography, gear and lighting matter — but composition is what makes an image resonate. A well-composed photo doesn’t just document a subject, it guides the viewer’s eye, conveys mood, and tells a story that lingers. For REAL FOCUS participants, composition is where technical skill …
In wildlife photography, we often celebrate the close-up. The crisp detail of an eye, the texture of skin, the intricate pattern of scales or feathers — portraits that hold us spellbound. Just as a portrait of a person can reveal their story through the lines on their face or the flicker in their gaze, animal …
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 …
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 …
Ever seen your dive buddy take an amazing shot of a turtle or manta ray and wish you could do the same? Having the right tool can certainly make your pictures look much better. However, choosing the best underwater camera for beginners can be overwhelming, with numerous options and varying price points. But here’s the …
Macro underwater photography is the gateway to a hidden side of the ocean. Instead of chasing big animals across the reef, you spend time face-to-face with creatures smaller than your fingernail. It’s a relaxed, patient dive that feels like going on a treasure hunt. For many divers, it’s the most rewarding way to spend a …
Looking for things to do outside the water in Lembeh, North Sulawesi? While the Lembeh Strait is famous for its amazing muck diving, there’s so much more to enjoy above the surface. North Sulawesi is full of beautiful places to explore, from volcanic lakes, cool mountain views, tropical forests, and more! That’s why at Solitude …
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 …