Diving and underwater photography is a combination of sport and social activity. Besides, it also has an important economic and environmental dimension. The number of divers is increasing every day and around a million new certified divers get into the mix annually according to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). This is a boost for the tourism industry as well.
In the image on the right taken in the southern coast of Qatar (Khor Al Udeid), you can see the Blenny fish. In terms of personality, few fish groups compare to the Blennies. Combined with a good temperament and hyper-alertness, their daring antics make them quite entertaining to watch.
However, given their small size, alacrity and shyness, it is quite difficult to capture them on camera. I have used macro lens for sharper details here. Once you’ve spotted a Blenny, you need to be quick and ready in the right spot with the right camera equipment whilst having the right distance so that you do not lose focus, especially on macro photography. To take this photo, I have used Canon 1Dx Mk2 + Canon 100mm macro lens + Sea & Sea Strobe.  
(Part-II of this series will appear in tomorrow’s edition).


— Text and picture by Khaled Zaki, a diving consultant, PADI ambassador, and UW photographer, @khaledzakidiving
Related Story