Pics Needed?     4/27/14 Greetings WetWebMedia Crew, I was just wondering if you could use any photos, free of charge of course. I have a huge quantity and have enclosed a couple. If more are ever needed please let me know. Thanks, again for the great site. Aloha, Brandon <Thanks much for the offer Brandon; but have all I can do to keep up w/ taking, spiffing, sorting/identifying my own... I DO encourage you to get your work out and about... on your own website (easy to do and a great boost to further productivity), and will offer to help you sell your image work, WITH your writing against it... If you're interested. Bob Fenner>

Re: Pics Needed?     4/28/14 Thanks for the reply back. Although I'm just a hobbyist...never had any thoughts of selling anything. <Oh! Well; still fun to post/share your work. Do send along any/all you'd like to have us highlight w/ credit to you> Thanks, again for great site. Aloha Brandon <A hu'i hou! BobF>

Additional Image Resource Suggestion       12/18/13
Hello,
I have visited your website and found it to be a tremendous resource! As such, I would like to suggest a resource for you and your visitors alike. Go Graph Stock Photography -- www.Gograph.com -- is appropriate for your resources in the "Stock photos" section on your studios, shops, photo agencies, photo labs page
(http://eyeswideshut.ro/resurse/magazine-studiouri-agentii-foto/ ).
Go Graph Stock Photography offers a vast selection of affordable royalty free stock photos, illustrations, vector clip art and royalty-free footage clips. Our database contains images on a wide variety of topics and can be viewed for free or purchased for any project.
We currently have over 5,200 aquatic image and happen to be the sister site to Can Stock, which I see you have listed!
I created an HTML link you can use if you find us to be a useful addition to your site:
<a href="http://www.gograph.com/stock-photo-images/freshwater-fish.html" >Go Graph Aquatic Photography</a>
Feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] if you have any questions about the site.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Best,
Josh Kasombo
Will add to our FAQs files that related to photography. Cheers, Bob Fenner

Wanted to share this  2/25/12
Bob, Neale and all,
I just wanted to share this in case you haven't seen it.
http://www.catlinseaviewsurvey.com/seaview.htm
--
Rick Novy
<Ahh, a 360 degree view of a bommie at Heron Island. Have been there twice.
BobF>

ARKive - Leptastrea purpurea and Oxypora lacera   7/19/11
Dear Bob,
Thank you for your support of the ARKive project previously, it's great to see your images on the website. I am currently researching images of Leptastrea purpurea and Oxypora lacera and during the course of my research I have seen your images of these species on your website. If you're still interested in contributing to ARKive it would be fantastic to see your images online.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Ruth
Is this what you seek? BobF

Underwater Camera poss.   4/12/11
Hi Bob/Crew,
<James>
This looks like it may be a nice outfit for those who want something compact and ready to go diving with. James
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/753404-REG/Sealife_SL330_Mini_II_Digital_Underwater.html
<And at a mere $229... also shoots video, and has options for added flash and external lenses! BobF>
re: Underwater Camera   4/12/11
All a bunch of crap! Please, no emails telling those that have spent thousands do this stuff that technology has caught up and it can be had for peanuts!
Scott V.
<Heeee! Plus free travel! B>

Neat link re Aquatica... UW camera hsg.s  - 2/9/11
And Ohhh, all that money sitting there!
<Very nice millings eh?>
http://www.divephotoguide.com/underwater-photography-special-features/article/making-housing-desinging-machining/
Scott V.
<With a glam review to the D700 linked at the bottom. B>

ARKive, pix request   11/11/10
Dear Wet Web Media,
<Rebecca>
I hope you do not mind me contacting you but in searching the internet for images of Agaricia tenuifolia, Pseudosiderastrea tayami, and Favia maxima I found fantastic images of yours on wetwebmedia.com which I would be interested in using for ARKive, if you would like to become involved.
ARKive - www.arkive.org<http://www.arkive.org/> - is a unique conservation initiative.
<Ah, yes. I have had some dealing w/ your project. You are welcome to utilize my image work gratis, per our stated Content Use Policy:
http://wetwebmedia.com/WWMUsePolicyStmt.htm
Please make it known which images you are looking for if you need them full-size, larger than posted.
Thank you for your efforts. Robert (Bob) Fenner>
Dear Robert,
Thanks for the reply. It would be great if you could send me the original, high resolution images as before, if you can. We really appreciate your help, as they are wonderful images.
Thanks very much,
Rebecca
Real good Becca... would/could you either send along the whole pic/file name or the location/URL and locus for them?
BobF
Re: PIX/ RMF 2/2   11/15/10
Thanks very much, I will let you know when the images are put onto the website,
Best wishes,
Rebecca
<Thanks. BobF>
ARKive - your images are now online  6/7/10
Dear Bob,
<Ruth>
Your images are now live on ARKive:
http://www.arkive.org/bowl-coral/halomitra-pileus/images.html
It's great to see them on the website. Thank you again for your support of the ARKive project.
Best wishes,
Ruth
<Glad to have assisted your efforts. BobF>

Unda wata? UW photography: Nikon cameras, Aquatica Hsg.s    9/18/10
Hello Bob!
Hey, Nikon has started rolling out their new line of cameras the last few weeks. The D700 replacement is rumored to be out soon
<Ding dang! I've barely used mine!>
and I think I'm going to snatch one. My question to you is are you happy with the Aquatica housing?
<Mmm, sort of... I would get (if you're using Ikelite's strobes) the Ikelite adaptors... and their iTTL doesn't really work... at all. I've learned, am learning still to shoot manual settings on the strobes. The
rest of the unit is mighty fine... I like the positive setting of the camera in the housing, the locking mech. of the ports... most all of the functionality of the buttons et al.>
There of course is always the Ikelite, but I really liked the build quality on your housing. How about the TTL, what did you end up doing there?
<... a long story/relating. I talked via the internet with some very nice folks in Canada re... got two sets of cables, converter/intermediate... and gave up. The settings just don't yield TTL period. You can just go w/ one TTL strobe, or do as I most often do, shoot on manual strobe settings>
Thanks, lets get out together soon and use these beasts! I think our friend Timko is getting dive cert. soon,
<'Bout dang time!>
won't be hard to push her into UW photog!
Scott V.
<Oh, she's a photo-natural... When can you finally get out dive-traveling?
Some time in 2011? Am going to start including you in the May/Sipadan/Aquarama mails. BobF>
Re: Unda wata?
Ah, yes. Please do include me in those emails.
<Done!>
I would love to make that trip.
<Plan on it>
My only issue is it may collide with my annual trek to Guat, but we will see. I do not have the dates for that yet.
Scott V.
<BobF>

silicone grease and the reef tank   6/30/10
Hello crew,
<Hello Eric.>
I'm going to Grand Cayman in August and want to try out my new underwater camera beforehand. I'm recovering from a back injury and don't want to push my luck; therefore, no diving until the vacation. It's necessary to use silicone grease on the camera housing's "o-ring" to get a water tight seal.
<It is important to keep the o-rings from binding, twisting or pinching. I will pass on a little note that Bob has bestowed upon me. Do use the specific recommended lubricant your housing manufacturer recommends, it can make a difference and using the wrong lubricant can lead to o-ring failure.>
Would this cause any problems if I held the camera in my reef tank and took some pictures?
<Nothing long term. I do use these types of lubricants all the time with overflow installs on the bulkhead gaskets (it allows you to turn the bulkhead without binding up the gasket). All you will likely notice is your skimmer will not work optimally for a few hours afterwards from the residues on the housing and the grease. But it will not hurt anything.>
Thanks for your time,
Eric
<Welcome, want to take me along on the trip? I am willing to take that bullet for you! Have a great time, Scott V.>

Coral Reef Pics 4/8/10
Hi Wet Web folks!
<Hello Nick>
I just happened to accidentally come upon some reef pictures in my local newspaper, The Baltimore Sun. I'm not sure about the protocols involved with sharing pics, but I figured I'd send along the link and let Bob decide if he'd like to share them. Hope you enjoy...I was pleasantly surprised!-Nicholas Sadaka
http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/sns-travel-best-coral-reef-destinations,0,704182.photogallery
<Geez, gorgeous photos Nick, but we generally do not post other peoples work without their approval. I do thank you for sharing these beautiful photos with us.
Cheers,
James (Salty Dog)>
Coral Reef Pics, RMFs go
Hi Wet Web folks! I just happened to accidentally come upon some reef pictures in my local newspaper, The Baltimore Sun. I'm not sure about the protocols involved with sharing pics,
<Not sharing, but directing folks to other sources, sites is fine>
but I figured I'd send along the link and let Bob decide if he'd like to share them. Hope you enjoy...I was pleasantly surprised!-Nicholas Sadaka
http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/sns-travel-best-coral-reef-destinations,0,704182.photogallery
<Thank you for this Nick. BobF>

Clownfish with eggs, pix   3/30/10
Bob/Crew,
Came across a beautiful photo of a clownfish tending her eggs. Thought you might enjoy.
James
<Is a beauty. B>
Re: Clownfish with eggs  3/31/10
I'm betting the photo was not taken with a 200 dollar lens. Likely had some expensive glass on the camera.
James
<Mmm, you never know James... could be a very inexpensive rig... large file size... "fixed" post-production. B>

Use of photos for underwater fish survey project   3/26/10
Hello crew!
<Hello... is this THE Elizabeth Wood?>
Congratulations on your website - its a great source of information.
<Thank you Dr. Wood>
I note that the photos are for personal use and not public domain, but wonder if by chance it would be possible to use one or two of them for a scheme we are running called Fishwatch Maldives. In a nutshell we are working with local divers to record species of fishery value so that we can learn more about their status in the wild. We are using small thumbnails printed onto underwater record sheets so that we can be use the divers make the correct ID when they are in the water. Its a conservation project and not in any way commercial - the ID survey sheets are being lent to divers who agree to help with the surveys.
<My content is free for use to non-commercial concerns, outfits per here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/WWMUsePolicyStmt.htm>
We are particularly interested in the groupers which are popular food fish, and you have got pictures of Epinephelus fuscoguttatus that would be perfect. Would it be possible to use this and possibly other images from your website - of course with acknowledgement.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Liz Wood
Dr Elizabeth Wood,
Coral Reef Conservation Officer,
Marine Conservation Society,
<Ah, yes. I do grant you free use of any of my content. Please make it known if you'd like other images, larger sizes. Thank you for your efforts. Bob Fenner>
Re: use of photos for underwater fish survey project - 03/28/10
Dear Bob,
<Elizabeth>
Hello, yes I guess I must be THE Elizabeth Wood of the Corals of the World and Responsible Marine Aquarist etc (honestly didn't intend for such a similar title as your excellent book - which of course I have on my shelf - ours was in the system for years before we eventually went to print!).
Anyway, good to be in touch directly at last!
That's great to be able to use your pics - thanks so much.
<You're certainly welcome>
We are still looking for a few more spp that you might or might not be able to help with as they are really more food than aquarium spp. Jack Randall has said we can use his Fishbase ones but quite a few are dead specimens so
although technically OK are not so ideal for divers!
<Good to have access to both>
There are some pics of some on your website but if you happen to have slightly larger files (100kb + would be ideal) then the increased definition
etc would help.
The ones I'm still struggling to find are:
African pompano Alectis ciliaris
Blue trevally Carangoides ferdau
Island trevally Carangoides orthogramnmus
Giant trevally Caranx ignobilis
Golden trevally Gnathodon speciosus juv & adult
Double-spotted queenfish Scomberoides lysan
Green jobfish Aprion virescens
Small tooth jobfish Aphareus furca
Smalltooth emperor Lethrinus microdon
Longnose emperor Lethrinus olivaceous
Spotcheek emperor Lethrinus rubrioperculatus
Yellowlip emperor Lethrinus xanthochilus
Leopard rock cod Cephalopholis leoparda
Squaretail grouper Epinephelus areolatus
Yellow-fin grouper Epinephelus flavocaeruleus
Flower grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus
Giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus
Snubnose grouper Epinephelus macrospilus
Sorry its a bit of a long list but even a few would help if you happen to have them. Thanks!
<I will look tomorrow and send these along if I have them... Via... this webmail program? Can send much larger file sizes or DVDs if you'd like>
Could I ask your opinion about Pterois volitans/miles in the Indian Ocean?
The exporters in the Maldives list both spp yet Fishbase etc report volitans as Pacific and miles as Indian Ocean. And where does P muricata fit in?!
<I do not know... But would start by asking JackR, or in turn for his referral>
I'm off to Maldives the week after next and will be meeting up with the aquarium
exporters but it would be interesting to hear your thoughts before I ask them.
Thanks again for your interest and help.
Best regards,
Liz
<A pleasure to assist your efforts. BobF>
Re: use of photos for underwater fish survey project - 03/29/10
Dear Bob,
<Liz>
Thanks very much!
<Certainly welcome>
If you spread the small/medium file-size photos over a few separate messages they should come through fine on this e-mail. Then maybe if we need a large one of a particular species I can let you know and you
could send a DVD (thanks for that kind offer).
<Real good. Will be checking my files later this day for you>
I will contact Jack Randall about Pterois spp and let you know the response!
<Thank you. BobF>
Cheers for now,
Liz

Crying Shame, flooded UW photo rig  11/8/2009
Hello Bob,
Hope all is well there. Here, um, well. We went diving Anacapa yesterday. After the first dive I handed my camera up and it was placed in the rinse tank. Mike was coming up on the other side and his rig was placed on top of mine,
<No!>
whacking one of the port latches loose. So now the camera, 60mm and Ikelite TTL all look fried.
<Schhhhite!>
I of course am going to call Nikon USA tomorrow to see my chances. Given it was freshwater in the tank, do you think I have a shot at a reasonable repair or is the camera likely just toast?
<Is likely gone... my experience has been that the electronics cost about 1/3 of the new body (the lens is gone as well), the labor to repair another third or so... and the loss in faith in the ongoing operation of the flooded body... worth more than the other 1/3... IF you want, you can ask the dive operator for some sort of recompense if it was their employee who tossed all together... You may recall, on our only dive/photo trip together, I always told the staff NOT to place my camera in the communal rinse bucket.>
All our worst fear in UW photog. Had to happen sooner or later, no more rinse tanks for me!!
Scott V.
<Sorry to read/realize your travails. BobF>

More Ikelite strobe issues -- 11/03/09
Remember the battery pack tabs breaking off in my strobe the day before we went to Cozumel? Well, Ikelite repaired that, but now it happened again. Now they acknowledge the problem and are sending out
free retro kits. So basically if you have bought a strobe or more specifically a battery pack for/with them in the last 2 years or so you should check out this: http://ikelite.com/faq/ 
faq_curstrobes.html 5th question down. Just a heads up, hope all is well in Bland!
Scott V.
<Thank you for this Scott... I think I'll post on WWM. BobF>

May I ask? UW camera lens use   7/15/2009
I now have both the 60 and 105 lenses. I have tried the 105 here in Cali a few times with poor results (I assume to gloomy days, I couldn't see anything in that light with the lens). Now I am at LAX waiting for my flight to KOA wondering what standards/criteria make you swap to the 105 on a particular dive?
Scott V.
<Good question... I REALLY like the 105... for macro on up... to med. shots at med. distances... I WOULD take this lens with you... Though, and this is one of my fave comparative statements to make, it's best to start wider (with shorter focal length lenses), akin to drinking drier wines ahead of sweeter... so that you end up with "other", wider view images... Lest you just shoot with one/the longer (105 mm) lens... Both the 60 and 105 have as their smallest aperture 2.8 correct? So... they really do have the same "capacity" for taking up light (provided and not) at about the same rate... Do try setting your exposure to no more than 100th second, the film speed to 200, no higher... if your images seem to be lacking in acuity or color richness. BobF>
Re: May I ask? Camera lenses    7/16/09
Oh yes, they are both F2.8 lenses. The light let in is all in my perception I do realize. The one day I have had a chance to dive the lens was in the Channels on an overcast day. Finding that bright gem among all the dark spots I wanted to photo was next to impossible, there is just so much more of "the big picture" with the 60mm. Kona is probably a far better place to cut my teeth on the 105mm. Thanks, Scott V.
<Thank you, BobF>

More stuff, UW Port Choices 4/23/09
Bob,
Despite the big gov hands in my shallow pockets, I have been procuring some new lenses. I do have a 60mm and it does appear a 105 is on its way. The question is which port do you think is best from your experience. The standard port for this lens:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=5505.5&sb=ps&pn=1&s
q=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y
=0&Go=submit 
<Mmm, this just brings up B & H's homepage for me... See here for Ikelite's ports:
http://ikelite.com/web_pages/2port_standard.html
I have "just" used their 5505.45 for both the 60 and 105 mm... and their dome port, 5503.15 or a few wide angle lenses (12-24, and 20 mm part.)>
Now, I was also looking at the one below. I have had issues focusing of course in darker spots and with solid colored fish, such as the Garibaldi (not that this is the best lens to shoot this fish with). With this port I
can swap to manual focus and just do it myself. Do you see any issues with this port/idea?
<I do... and I should re-emphasize that I'm not likely a good source of input... being too ding dang lazy, set in my ways... I very infrequently will buy, and therefore don't use manual focus-able ports... I will/DO use
the AE/AF lock button/lever and move the camera about... but don't have the patience, nor the perceived need to manually focus lenses in the vast majority of UW scenarios (I will manual focus at times above water...)...>
Am I missing a better solution?
Thanks as always,
Scott V. Sorry if you end up with this twice. My email makes it into the Hostmysite Quarantine about 50% of the time, so I just resent it from the Crewmail.
<Real good... Do call me if we can better communicate over the phone. BobF, who has been doing quite a bit of photography reading (and gear purchasing) the last couple weeks.>
<Oh! And I should offer (as all Ikelite ports are interchangeable on their housings) for you to use any of my ports... for the couple of extant D70 rigs I have the ones mentioned and an eight inch wide angle... B>
More stuff, UW Port Choices 4/23/09
Ah, yes. I find myself shooting manual focus above water quite often. I think I am going to give the focus port a try, the only real downside I see is another point the thing may possibly leak, but dang, there are plenty of opportunities for that already!
<Oh yeah!>
And hell yeah man, you told me it was expensive. I thought once I shelled out several grand for it all I would just go take pics. But everywhere you turn in the hobby there is something new to buy, the spotting light is a comin' too.
<Just like taxes (and women...) you just keep paying and paying... till you die... well then a bit then as well>
You did mention to me in Coz. that it is deceptively easier there with the clear water and intense sunlight. I did see very quickly what you were talking about first hand the minute I jumped into the kelp forest.
<Mmm, yes... perceptions can be deceiving... our vision, the 20 some F-stops we can "see", vs. what is "really going on">
But hey, California diving is cheap practice. Thank you for the offer on borrowing the ports. And oh, if you ever want to sell off a D70 rig do let me know, I have a likely buyer if you do.
<Oh, please do tell... I'd like to sell both camera bodies (no lenses), the two housings, three ports (no arms, strobes...)>
On another note I wanted to let you know I do leave for Guatemala next week, on the second, so no net access for me for a few weeks. You do know how much that troubles me!
<Dang... what will WWM do w/o you!?>
Thanks for your input,
Scott V.
<Glad to co-conspire with you. BobF>
Re: More stuff, UW Port Choices 4/23/09
Well if you do want to sell my brother is a new diver interested in the setup. I will CC him here. His # if you wish to chat over it is Nick @ 661-340-XXXX.
Scott V.
<Mmm, we (you and I) should talk re... I really feel ill at ease encouraging someone new to use "outdated" gear... He (anyone) would be better off using a simple housed non D-SLR for ten-twenty dives... with a cheapy but durable housing (likely five hundred dollars for both or so), with an expensive strobe, tray and sync cord (another k or so as you know)... and if still interested, graduating up to a more current DSLR... I will gladly lend him/you the D 70s, but/and even though they're only a couple years out of date (and production), it's better to move ahead. Agree? BobF>
Re: More stuff, UW Port Choices 4/23/09
I do agree, good point. It is better for him to see more of what he is getting into first. I will take him out next month with my rig...I am sure he will end up with a D3 or something!
Scott V.
<Dang! Maybe he can sell us his old rigs as time goes by! Cheers, BobF>

Any advice on using a Nikon Nikonos?   3/31/2009
Bob,
<Sean>
Anthony Calfo forwarded me your email, hopefully you do not mind?
<Not at all>
He said that you may know more about the Nikon Nikonos V than he does.
<Oh to have back all the time, brain cells devoted to this series of dedicated (almost) UW point and shoots>
I installed an aquarium system into someone's home theater room recently and they were so pleased that they also gave me their old (guessing mid 90's) Nikonos V along with an arsenal of lenses and speedlight. I am proficient with digital SLR's however, I have 0 experience with film cameras.
<Mmm... okay...>
I would really like to learn how to use this camera before a Bahamas trip at the end of may because assuming I can capture good quality material, Anthony has agreed to let me write an article about the northern Caribbean for C the Journal.
<I see>
Do you have any tips or tricks with this camera?
<A bunch... would encourage you (if they weren't gifted to you along with all else) to just get/use a set of fixed focal length framers here... And use a digital else wise for non-macro shots... Really, the learning curve for Nikonos, point and shoot film cameras used underwater is so steep, you are not likely to enjoy the results in the short/er term... setting distances, aperture, perhaps exposure... per the guide number/s, ISO/s of films you employ...>
What about a recommended film to use?
<Mmm, Velvia (50 ISO, guide number 22 if memory serves, sigh...) and Provia... Slide films by Fuji...>
What are my post processing options for magazine print quality, or digital conversion?
<Best to shoot slides, have digitized what you think came out...>
Will airport x-ray ruin the film?
<Can... best to always have hand-checked...>
All I really do know about these cameras is to keep them squeaky clean. All of the O-rings are brand new and installed by a Nikon facility.
<Mmm, when? If more than a few years old... could still be trouble>
And thank you for The Conscientious Marine Aquarist! Its like a bible in our home.--
Thank you very much for your time!
Sean Hawkins
www.SpAquatics.com
<And please peruse these files: http://wetwebmedia.com/uwfotography.htm
and the linked files above... Oh, and feel free to write back if you have questions, problems or suggestions. Bob Fenner, who STILL has a huge Nikonos collection>

Eric Borneman's Diving Photos With Link- 2/24/09 Pretty difficult to go to without a link, isn't it.    http://www.bchs.uh.edu/~coralreef/Eric's%20pages/Underwater%20Photography/Underwater%20photography.html  Sorry, James

Nature photography website suggestion 3/10/08 Hello, May I suggest our website for a possible inclusion on your website at http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/bobfvisits.htm Our website: http://www.nature-photography.com Description: A guide to nature, macro and landscape film and digital photography Please feel free to get a link back immediately using this form: http://www.nature-photography.com/add.html To link to us, you may use the following information: Website: http://www.nature-photography.com Title: Nature photography Description: A guide to nature, macro and landscape film and digital photography Many thanks for your reply. Niels Martin <Ahh, thank you for this. And for your efforts. Bob Fenner>

Re: unidentified Abudefduf   2/19/08 Dear Mr.. Fenner, <Rokus> Thanks for the response, the effort and the compliment about the picture. There's more of them at www.diverosa.com , where the Abudefduf vaigiensis will be found in reasonable amount of time (there are more species to be determined). <Ahh, very nice indeed. I do like the layout of your "folders"... You have a good eye and technique. Thank you for sharing> Thanks again, Best regards, Rokus Groeneveld. <Bob Fenner>

Re: I blame you... "You've only just begun"... Karen Carpenter... Blecccchhhhh! PhilS' continuing saga, sinking into the black-hole of UW photography...   2-14-08 Hi there, Last month I bought my Canon 40D, a 60mm macro and a 10-17 wide > angle. Yesterday, I put a deposit down on a Subal housing, two ports and two Ikelite strobes. Just what I need - a frustrating and ridiculously expensive hobby! I  blame you... Phil <Heeeee! What? Trade in those cheapy Ikelite arms for some expensivo Ultra lites! And how about some extra battery, storage media... and of course, the fancy faster reader... You really need that 100, 0r 105 mm lens (maybe you already had...) and... now to pay for the travel, the time to id, edit... some fun now! B> Gonna wait on that 100mm until the credit card quits smoking! Actually thinking of trying these new "Stix" arms I've been reading about on wetpixel. Check 'em out and let me know what you think. www.4gdphoto.com <Mmm, nah! For the most part you'll want to not move your strobes more than "here or there"... As you'll see... for macro or further out... Some folks use just one strobe even (Roger Steene usually, mounted just atop the housing)... and don't move at all, unless shooting macro... and then, with a fixed focal length lens... this/these are rarely moved also... best to situate your arms where they're about always exactly where you'll want them (if at all) rotated in a plane... to point in the direction/intersection of the apparent subject... Am looking fwd. to showing you this underwater. BobF>

Underwater housings.... pix, video gear   4/4/07 Hey Bob, <Pullz/Chris> Several questions regarding UW stuff. <Hotay> First: - I'm trying to put together a kit for work (FBI, for recollections).  The HazMat team has asked to put something together that can be taken down range into unknown contaminations.  My belief is that video would suit their need the best and keep things simple for the guys using the setup. <Mmm... if cost, size/weight of this rig is an issue... there are some acceptable MP3 possibilities as part of some nice small digital cameras/housings...> I also was thinking that one of the "baggies" for the camera would work well as well as being easy to decon. <Mmm, nah... And I mean NAH! These are of no real use... easily torn, easy to damage the camera inside... no real advantage over a hard case... many of which nowadays have a small profile... not much dead space around the gear within>   Do you have any recommendations as to video cameras that work well in a housing/baggie?  Any web site or retailer that you'd recommend. <Mmm... let's see... well... am a big fan of Sony's products... Are what I use... Something small, Hi-8 will do (no need likely for high-def)... and an Ikelite housing... no need for lighting...> Secondly... on a personal side... - I'm looking at putting together an UW digital still kit.  I'm most familiar with Nikon equipment and have not heard anything negative regarding the D200 but unsure how it would respond in an UW situation.  Again, what housings would you recommend? <I am an almost life-time user of Nikon... and have a couple of D70 rigs... but am a HUGE fan of the D200... is a wonderful piece of equipment... And... if... you have Nikon lenses already... Score!> Hope all is well with you and your diving.  Work is sending me to Prodive in Lauderdale this week to get certified as an instructor. <Nice> Back in '04, my office put together an underwater search and evidence recovery team and I'm one of the senior guys on the team.  It's nice that work is finally picking up some of the tab for my expensive hobbies... cheers, C <Do stay in touch... the HHH... coming out to HI, going out elsewhere with us/friends for dive/travel adventures... I find this is the absolute best way to learn pix work, editing... Cheers, Bob/Dogfish>

Need your advice on macro lens   11/25/06 Dear Bob,    <Abhijit!>   How is it going ? <Fine my friend. Am out in HI diving...> I was able to find your DVD on the red sea and enjoyed it again.   I have a question which I wanted to ask you. I am planning to buy a lens for digital camera (Nikon D80) <A very nice camera... we use the D70's currently> and wanted your advice. I want this lens to work for both underwater and aquarium photography. I basically want to use this lens for photographing small fish like one inch in size close-up both underwater (during scuba) as well as in aquariums. A lot of people are advising me to go for a 60 mm fixed focus Nikon macro lens <An excellent "tack sharp" lens... I use this quite often> whereas a lot of others are telling to go for 105 mm fixed focus Nikon macro lens. Which one do you think I should go for. <If only one, for the purpose you state... the 105... What I was using today!> Which camera and lens do you use for this kind of objects ? <The longer focal length/s for smaller subjects a bit further away possibly> Also I have an SB800 Nikon Flash but friends are telling me to buy a cord SC-29 so that the flash can be off-body and the reflection can be avoided. <This is a very good suggestion... hard to avoid parallax problems with hot-shoe mounted flashes as well> What is your advice in this area.   Thanks and happy thanksgiving,   Abhijit Mitra    <And to you and yours. Bob Fenner>

Nikon Camera Question 10/26/05 Hi Bob, I hope all is well.  What model was the new Nikon body and lens you got? <My analog rigs are N90's... no longer in production... my digital is a D70... and I use the Micro-Nikkor 60, 105 and tele-macro 20-35mm lenses mostly underwater... though I have a poop-load of other Nikon lenses> Are you so far happy with that setup? <Mmm, mostly... am almost afraid to start this dialogue... as there are a bunch of things (important) I'd like to state... Is this for above water use?> I am an old Nikon film guy and have several old lenses for their SLR's. I assume these can also be used on the new digital bodies but without AF function of course. Tapio <The few new digital SLR lenses are really worthwhile. I only have the 18-70 mm... would like to have the 10-20... but a good camera (this of the Canon D20) for above water... BobF> 
Re: Nikon Question - Let Me Take Your Picture! 10/27/05 This will not be for diving.  My question was prompted by problems I have producing good quality underwater photos of aquarium specimens, coral mostly through the glass. My Canon G2 is simply too automatic and it has problems both focusing and reproducing good colors in water. I miss the old manual focusing and a good lens. I have looked at the D50. It has pretty much the same stuff as the D70 and is newer and slightly "cheaper". <Yes... a lady had one on the boat today... liked it very much> Was that the 18-70 you brought to LA? <Was through the Net...> Or is there a tele-macro you would recommend for my purposes? I have the non AF Micro Nikkor 60 mm too and like it.  <Would get/use the 105... for a year or two with the 60... unless you tell me you have a need/use for a wide angle...> Could I get the digital body and rely on this lens to start with or is a AF lens worth it? <Is worth it... the "D" designated Nikon lenses are all I use> Thanks for your time again. I wish I could help YOU with something;-). <You do my friend. BobF>
Re: Nikon - Cameras, Lenses, Photogs Get it On 10/28/05 One more round of questions. Then I am done:-)  My sights are set for the D50, but the lens.... You wrote: <Would get/use the 105... for a year or two with the 60... unless you tell me you have a need/use for a wide angle...> We must have confused something here. What 105? I don't have a 105 lens. I have the 60 macro. <Yes... understood... I would get/use a 105 mm as well...> How close are you able to take pictures with that 18-70? Like when you took pictures of that hybrid tang in LA. Did the tang almost fill the viewfinder and how did the pictures turn out? <The minimum focus distance is about a foot and a half...> The max repro for that lens is 1:6.2 and min focus 0.38 meter, so you must have been close to the min focus range there, right? <Or the pic was cropped...> <<Shoot wide, crop tight?>> There appear not to be a true macro lens in the DX series yet, so I guess the best option then is your 18-70 or a new 18-55 with min max repro 1:3.2. <Or one of the other more macro lenses... or (in the case of underwater, you can use a diopter... suggested is a 4X... but lose about a whole f-stop, some acuity and color depth...> Your thoughts? <Mmm, where to go, end? BobF> 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, looking for pix for new online LFS Mr. Fenner, <Hello> I was directed to you by Eric from Sea Dwelling Creatures, and his father Bob Stearn, who will be selling us our dry goods. <Ahh, both fine friends, associates in the trade> We are currently opening an online Tropical Fish site. We plan to be the complete stop, with customer service being number one. We have encountered a small hurdle... photos of the fish, inverts, corals... etc.. We thought of copying other photos off the internet and manipulating the photo; but do not want to violate any copyright laws. <Mmm, yes... tis thievery> Bob Stearn said that you may be able to help us out in that department. Can you guide us to where we can obtain photos?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Sincerely, George Winters  <Oh yes... I sell "content" of this nature in our interest. A good deal of my pix can be seen on WetWebMedia.com, WetWebFotos.com... the price for same in quantity is ten dollars per. Please send along a list of what you have in mind. Cheers, and congratulations on your new venture! Bob Fenner>

Photo for HI's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy 8/18/05 Hi Bob,  I am the assistant planner working on Hawaii's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy for the Division of Aquatic Resources, which will be turned into the US Fish and Wildlife Service. You may have heard of this initiative- all 50 states are developing one- and if not I would be happy to tell you more about it. Please feel free to check it out on line at www.dofaw.net/cwcs. I am emailing because we are including the Aplidium crateriferum in our Strategy and I was looking online for a photo of it and came across one you have on http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ascidians.htm. I am emailing to see if you would be willing to let us use your photo in our Strategy where we discuss the Aplidium crateriferum. Thank you very much for your help. Best, Austin <I do grant you free use of this, and all content, per our policy: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMUsePolicyStmt.htm Thank you for your efforts. Bob Fenner>
Re: photo for HI's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy 8/19/05 Hi Bob, Thank you for letting us use the photos on your website. I reviewed your use policy and the policy mentions photos taken by others besides yourself and I want to be sure that the Aplidium crateriferum photos on the http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ascidians.htm webpage are taken by you so that I give the correct credit.  Thanks again, Austin <Yes, and thank you for mentioning... Please make it known if you need/want different format/s, resolution... Bob Fenner> Hi Bob, We have inserted the photo of Aplidium crateriferum to our document and it is a bit fuzzy.  If it would be possible to get the photo of the Aplidium (the one where it is a whiter color) in a higher resolution, that would be great.  Thanks again. Austin <Here is a tiff scan of 5 MB. Cheers, BobF>

Sending photos to WWM? How to 7/30/05 Hi Folks <Cheers> Just been diving at Sharm and took a few photos with a new digital camera and thought I'd share them with you, as this was my first attempt at underwater photography. <Fabulous!> My question is quite simple, how do I send them to you. Steve Whale <Please feel welcome to send a couple here my friend, but we kindly ask that you resize them down to just a few hundred kb at most in size. Best regards, Anthony>

Underwater Photography Dot, Bob Fenner is the underwater photographer I was referring to.  He has an awesome site information and images site at http://www.wetwebmedia.com . Bob, I met Dot traveling.  She is an extremely nice lady with a son whom considered pursuing underwater photography at one point.  It would be great if you can be a point of contact for him in case he wants to explore this career choice or hobby choice further. <Glad to share... Not (currently) a highly remunerative pursuit, but over time, stills and kinetic imagery can be a "real" career. Dot, please have your son write me here. Bob Fenner>

16mm lens - Equipment Vendor Problems - Alert! Hey, Wanted to ask you guys for some advice.  My 16mm lens developed some dirt inside of it and I sent it for repairs to the authorized dealer in Singapore.  He had it repaired by 19dec and supposedly sent it to me by speed post on 21dec.after waiting for 10days (it should usually just take 4) I contacted him and he gave me the receipt number and I tracked it in Mumbai, but a package by that number had never reached here.  When I got back to him he said he checked too and it's left Singapore. I feel he's giving me the run around coz I asked him to fax me a copy of the receipt and he's not doing that, I had already paid him for the repairs and cost of mailing it by credit card.  Now I'm wondering what to do coz he's giving me the run around by saying he's trying to follow it up.  What do I do in this situation, any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks.  Parvin <I do know what to do: Contact your credit card company... very good that you paid this way... call AND write them with all specifics, THEY will contact the vendor and either straighten this mess out, or at least deny them payment. If you do not receive satisfaction from this agent in Singapore, I would further post the circumstances on BB's having to do with photography, rating services on the Internet... Bob Fenner> 

Photos Hi Bob, <Benoit> I saw that you put my webcam link on your web site! <Yes> Keep them coming! I added to my webcam site that I have pictures available. In most cases, they can be enlarged up to 9x12 inches. And I can take many more. One new addition to my tank: spotted mandarin. I know it is tough to keep (as per your book says), but I think I have enough live stuff in my tank to sustain it for a long time!!! Long life to it! I will try to get a good photo shot of this fish for large reproductions. <Perhaps even reproducing!> Regards. Benoit Belanger <Bob Fenner>

Negotiating a contract with a gallery manager Hello.  My name is Illaya Stephens.  Currently, I'm doing a  project for  my business of show business class (yes that's the name  of the class).    Currently, I'm supposed to do a presentation for my professor.  Now here's the deal:   I'm supposed to be a  photographer and one of my classmates is supposed to be the gallery manager.  now I don't know who is going to be  the gallery manager but I'm supposed to negotiate a contract with  him/her.    Now my Prof. gave me a list within the  presentation topics: 1) How many days do you want your show in the gallery, <Usually a weekend (long) to a week or more if you are/were well-known> 2) Merchandising rights % (don't really know  what he means by that question), <Basically who will pay for promotion... especially in the event there are little to no sales... that is a draw (money from you) should there not be sufficient revenue to pay for marketing the gig> 3) the percentage split. <Most of the time about half, 50:50, minus costs for 2) above... If you were well-known, maybe more like 60:40... all negotiable> Now  my question for u guys is how do I negotiate a contract with a gallery  manager using these following questions above?   Please help  me!!!  I know this sounds desperate here, but the presentation start  this Thursday, and I need all the help I can get mind you, I missed  the mid-term exam and I'm trying to get @ least a C or a D in this  class).  PLEASE  HELP ME!?!?!?  Thank you for your time and  patience for reading  this.   YOURS TRULY, Illaya  Stephens <Practice writing a brief note/letter trying to convince this imagined gallery in showing your work, or if you're an agent, in your clients work... Bob Fenner>
Re: PLEASE READ!!  negotiating a contract with a gallery manager I'm so sorry about that.  I was asking you what can I write to the imaginary gallery manager.  you see, you suggested that I should write a  note or a letter to the gallery manager but I have no experience in photography  or negotiating a contract whatsoever.  I know it sounds crazy, but I'm  really slow when it comes to technical stuff like this.  If you can, maybe  figuratively speaking, you can hold my hand with this presentation.  One  thing I did learn is that I'm not taking this class unless I truly know what I'm  getting into (unfortunately, I was being too hasty taking this class).   anyway, please help me.   thank you.                                                             ILLAYA  STEPHENS <I will not help you beyond the notes previously discussed... what is it that you are hesitant about here? It seems all you are being asked is to write a proposal/query to a manager, propositioning them re a showing... perhaps pretend you're at a party and just asking to use their space... what would you ask, what might they say? See the previous email. Bob Fenner>

Diploria et al. pix on WWM There is a picture of a Diploria strigosa on your site, and I was wondering if I could include it in an essay I am currently writing, and also who to reference it to. Many thanks, Josh <You are welcome to use my content for any non-commercial purpose. All otherwise unlabeled images, writing are of my origin. Bob Fenner>

South Pacific images Hi Robert, I found your information on the internet and am hoping you might be able to assist me.  I work for the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), a non-profit conservation organization that coordinates volunteer fish monitoring.  We are currently in the process of expanding our fish survey program to the South Pacific (specifically American Samoa, in partnership with the local National Marine Sanctuary there). We are in need of a few images for our training and survey materials.  I am wondering if you have any of these and if so, if you would be willing to donate them to us.  Any images that are donated to REEF maintain the original photographers name and copyright information and are only used in REEF's training and educational materials.  Because REEF is a non-profit 501(c)(3), we would also be able to offer you a one-time donation credit of $50 per image if you are a US citizen. The images that we need are: Chlorurus japanensis (Initial Phase) Chlorurus japanensis (Terminal Phase) Epinephelus merra Scarus oviceps (Initial Phase) Thalassoma hardwicke (Terminal Phase) Digital files of any of these would be greatly appreciated.  tiffs would be ideal, preferably 800x500 pixels, 72 dpi.  You could email them to me. Please let me know. Thanks in advance. Sincerely, Christy Semmens In case you are not familiar with REEF-- The Fish Survey Project is an ongoing citizen science project coordinated by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF).  Divers and snorkelers who participate in the Fish Survey Project document marine life populations throughout the tropical western Atlantic, coastal North America, tropical eastern Pacific and Hawaii.  Standardized training materials and data collection methodology enable volunteers to gather valid information over a large spatial scale.  The data undergo rigorous quality control measures and are categorized according to volunteer experience level.  Data summaries are publicly displayed on the REEF website (www.reef.org) to encourage use by volunteers and the general public.  Data sets are also available to the scientific community upon request.  To date, REEF volunteers have generated more than 75,000 marine life surveys from more than 5,300 sites. Traditionally, divers and snorkelers have not received much more than a cursory introduction to underwater ecology or marine life identification.   Even after years of experience in the water, most divers are able to identify only a small handful of the marine life that is seen during their dives.  REEF introduces marine enthusiasts to the incredible diversity of fishes found in local waters as well as the identification resources and survey methods needed to help document these species.  This greater awareness leads to a sense of stewardship and support of effective management among key user groups.  REEF has developed introductory slide-based training curricula for each of its project regions, which are the basis for entry-level training in the Fish Survey Project.  These slide-based modules include training in fish identification of common fish species and survey methodology. -- Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D. Scientific Coordinator Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) www.reef.org <Am familiar with REEF. You (and all non-profits) are welcome to my content (writing, images) free of charge. Please take a look on our photo website: www.WetWebFotos.com for these pix, and I'll ask JasonC here to assist you with a password for downloading. Bob Fenner>

Photos of the Red Sea fishes Hello Sir, <Hello Ihab!> My name is IHAB, and when I went trough the internet I explored your site which contained few lovely photos taken underwater about the red sea fishes. And I would like to have some of them for a commercial reason. <Okay> I would like to use them to produce post cards to be sold in the Egyptian market only. <Neat!> So, please find below a few questions: 1-     Do you accept that??? <Yes> 2-     If yes! , how can you send me the original photos (may be by mail, or by sending a C.D with a high resolutions for offset printing reasons. 3-     Will it be for free or I should pay for the copyright of these photos ? <Will forward your message to Jason Chodakowski who handles such sales. They are available as scans for a reasonable fee> Thank you in advance for taking time to read my mail and hoping to hear from you as soon as possible. Sincerely yours, IHAB <Thank you for your interest. Bob Fenner>

Your photo of juvenile grouper Hello Bob, <Ashley> My name is Ashley Frisch and I am a Marine Biologist from James Cook University, Townsville, Australia. I am writing to seek your permission to use your photo of a juvenile Plectropomus laevis in a scientific publication about the evolution of color patterns in fish. The publication is strictly for scientific purposes, and will not be for sale. You would (of course) receive acknowledgement if the photo was used. Please let me know if there are any photos I can give you in exchange. I look forward to hearing from you. Ashley <I gladly grant you permission to use any of my content for educational, scientific purposes. Please make it known if the size, resolution, format is useful (on WWM or WetWebFotos), or if you'd like to see other pix of this or other species. Bob Fenner>
Re: Your photo of juvenile grouper Hello Bob, <Greetings Ashley> Thanks for granting permission to use your photo. To improve the quality of my publication, could you send a higher resolution image of this photo? (my computer will handle any size or format). <Will ask JasonC to refer you to such on WWF. Jas?> I will send you a copy of any works that include your photo, although be aware that science is slow, and it may take up to a year. Thanks again, Ashley. <As I well know. There is time. Bob Fenner>

Camera preference Crew members, Looking for help with a camera question... Would you rather have an underwater camera housing for your nice SLR 35mm film camera, or would you rather have an underwater camera housing for your small digital camera? Adam <This is a tough question... I have cameras and housings of/for both... Not to be disingenuous, I would say "neither"... and encourage you as I have done others the last several years to "jump ahead" and get into video, digital, three chip/CCD if you can. The costs for outfitting are more, but "nominal" as the saying goes when you factor in the much higher expense of trips... Bob F, who travels with at least one analog and one digital rig every dive trip... and will chat with you interminably re while we're in HI>

UW Camera rig input Hey Bob, <Hello Tim!> Tim here from Fiji... I'm guessing you are at Interzoo at the moment? If so- have a cold wheat one for me. Walt is around, however the rest of us remained in the mines this year. Too bad- but will be in St. Louis in a couple of weeks which will be a blast. <Ah, yes... we have been at Interzoo, then Egypt and back to Germany to pick up some Knop product for Di... back in S. Cal. now> I want to purchase a decent camera I can put a housing around and attach strobes at a later date. <Okay> I also want to be able to fit lenses. <Externally I'll assume... as in as thread on's underwater. Only point and shoot cameras in the Motomarine/Sea N' Sea line can do this for analogs... many good digital rigs have this capability. I have an Olympus set-up (a 4040) with Inon close-up and macro lenses that can be mounted externally, and a friend had his new 5060 get-up with us in the Red Sea this last week with the same lenses... very nice.> Can you recommend something please. I'm guessing I will spend around US$800 for the camera. <Look on the net for reviews on the Olympus 5050 or 5060... Sony is "dumping" their "10" camera and it has a housing available... but the ext. lens addn. is problematical. Ikelite's strobes (the 50 is fine) are highly recommended... am cc'ing Dave.S here re info. on who he bought his gear from (on the Net... good deals). Cheers, Bob Fenner> Much appreciated All the best Tim <Will hope to dive with you possibly later this year in FJ>

Fish Photos Hello Bob, Can you direct me on where I can purchase fish photos?   I've tried doing a search on the web but didn't find anything. Thank you, Melissa <The big agencies like Corbis.com sell them via the Net... we (WWM) also offer image work for sale. What are you looking for specifically and for what application/s? Have you seen WetWebFotos? Bob Fenner>
Fish Photos Bob, Thanks for the reply.  Yes I did see WWF photos but didn't see a Copperband butterfly.  Which was the pic I was looking for.  It will be used for a business card and needs to be at least 300dpi. Thank you Melissa <Mmm, do take a look again, www.WetWebFotos.com and the name Copperband or Chelmon rostratus... do you see an image on WetWebMedia.com of this species you like alternatively? Bob Fenner, with lots of Chelmon pix>

Nikonos Extension Tube ?s 4/6/04  Hi folks!  <Hi, Pufferpunk here>  After reading the Church's information on using the extension tubes with my Nikonos, I'm left feeling somewhat fuzzy.  <Jim Church is great. Learned most of what I know from his books. Even got a photo critique from him, when he was teaching a photo workshop, here in Chicago, at Our World Underwater!>  One, is it ok to use the 28mm lens rather than the 35mm, and will this this increase my depth of field?  <Yes, you can use the 28mm, but there are different framers for that lens & the 35mm.>  Two, should I really set the f-stop in the 11 range or max it out at 22 for a greater depth of field? Did I mention I'd really like a lot of depth of field...  <With extension tubes & framers I always start at 22 & bracket at 16 & 11. You can also experiment with 1/2 or 1/3 f-stops between the 3, if you have plenty of time, film & a cooperative subject. Try it out in a pool & see what works for you.>  Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!  Woody Veach  <Have fun shooting! I get to use mine in about a month in the Red Sea!!! ~PP>
Nikonos Extension Tubes ? 4/7/04PP,  Thanks for the helpful info! I'm off to Dominica in 2 weeks... Have a wonderful time in the Red Sea, YES, I am jealous!!!!!!!!!  <You bet I will! I forgot to answer one of your Qs about adding depth of field using a 28mm rather than a 35mm lens with the tubes. Yes, DoF will increase, but only very slightly. ~PP> 

Use of picture Hi to Bob Fenner, <Hello Roy> I was writing to ask your permission to use one of your photos as my Avatar on Reef Central. The picture is: 1345 Pterosynchiropus splendidus2. By far one of my favorite fish which I hope to have some day when my tank is very well established. Please let me know if that would be OK. Thank you, Roy <This will be fine. Looking forward to seeing it on RC. Bob Fenner>

Regarding http://www.wetwebmedia.com/uwfotography.htm Hello, I am creating a photography related web directory - http://www.about-arts.com/photography/ - <Very nice> and I would like to include your website http://www.wetwebmedia.com/uwfotography.htm. You can submit your site's description here: http://www.about-arts.com/photography/form.html. <Will add> A reciprocal link from your site would be appreciated. This is my linking code : <a href=" http://www.about-arts.com/photography/">Photography resources</a> - directory of photography related websites and discussion groups. Thank you, Gene Kelly, [email protected]. <Thank you for your efforts. Bob Fenner>

- Underwater Photo Site - Hi, I'd really appreciate your feedback on the site, I know the website is a bit naff but pointers to make it better would be good. After all, mechanics don't fix their own cars (do they?) Of course, I accept no criticism about the photo's, just the site! <Well... I like the pictures. Being an underwater photographer for only little over a year, the one thing I've developed in that time is a profound amount of respect for folks who take nice photos underwater - it's just not that easy. I'm sure as time allows, you'll touch up the site that surrounds them... no worries.> http://www.seawaters.co.uk Cheers <Cheers, J -- >

Underwater photographs Dear wet web media crew, <Brad> My other hobby is oil painting.  I have yet to see anyone paint a good underwater scene, and want to try.  I am looking for original uncopyrighted coral reef photographs.  I can work from bad photographs (so long as they have something of value in them), and am not opposed to paying a nominal amount of money.  I was hoping you had some "leftover" images from dives. Thanks, Brad V Bellomo <Please take a look through our image website: www.wetwebfotos.com and get back with Jason.C here re which you'd like. Bob Fenner>

Permission to use photo Mr. Fenner, I am writing you today to ask you permission to use the below photo to create a 5 toggle switch plate for my home.  Please respond as soon as possible.  You can reach me at XXXX.com.  Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Alex Dubil <You are welcome to any, all non-commercial use of my content. Bob Fenner>
Thank you for permission to use image I would like to thank you for your permission to use the before mentioned image from my previous e-mail. I will try to send you a copy of the finished product so you may see what you have helped me to create. Once again thank very much.  Alex Dubil  <Look forward to seeing and sharing it. Bob Fenner>

WWM Help... with slide id, scanning... > I need to bail from active duty on WWM mail to hunker down on vol. 2 of our next book. Bob has got a fantastic jump on the draft and I need to catch up. > <And... I've got's to stop sorting these slides (though it IS so much fun) and get on to finishing the first drafts> What's involved with the slides? Marina <Whoo whoo, ha ha, ho ho! Let's see... I do the first pass (after coming back with them) at tossing the bad (out of focus, poorly lit...) ones (am better than Bruce Lee at tossing two by two's... can stick them like shirkens into the drywall... besides he's dead), next sort by group (invert.s, fishes, above water...), next re-sort to family, genus, possibly species... Then, maybe scan some of the better ones for WWM/WWF (mainly landscapes, but a few verticals that might get sent out as cover submissions), save on HDs here, and place in hanging folder files by group... THEN, when someone calls, emails or we have a desire to re-do for book et al. use, go back through the group/files... and re-scan at whatever resolution... NOW, imagine friends of yours having a few tens of thousands of not-so identified stinging-celled animal slides... and a title in mind that IS the cnidarians... MANY slides "just" identified as "hard corals", "soft corals", gorgonians et al. in bulging folder files by geographic region... AND a need to identify to at least the genus... THAT's what's really involved... Now, how to do about the specific identification process? For the Cnid.s, get out Veron's three vol. effort (careful not to drop them on your toes!) and other recent pet-fish efforts, the whole bunch of slides (e.g. Montiporas, Pacific)... and try to id them a bit better... then, why not? re-scan them to your best ability... Sound easy? It is, sort of... but TIME CONSUMING YOU BETCHA! Bob, enjoying the first pass at the forty five rolls (times 36 exposures each) just back from the last trip>

Your photos on FishBase Dear Mr. Fenner, <Hi there> I am contacting you as a user of FishBase, where I have seen part of the fantastic collection of fish photos you contributed to that resource. <Much more available. We have an image site (WetWebFotos.com) and a capacity for scanning, sending along (FTP or USPS) many other, larger photo work> By way of introduction, I work in marketing for ProAquatix, a Sebastian, FL-based company which breeds and sells tank-raised marine ornamental fish to the hobbyist market and to commercial aquaria. Our scientists have mastered the larval rearing, life support systems, and culture technology necessary to produce a current inventory of 28 species.  <Wish I had been aware of your co. I recently penned a section for a book on captive culture of marines for my German publisher, Birgit Schmettkamp Verlag (the chapter on breeding and rearing fishes)... and would have included mention of your business in the historical area> Our goal is to reduce some of the pressure that wild-capture collection methods impose on the world's reef ecosystems by offering an alternative source of healthy, beautiful, and long lasting aquarium fish. <All in confluence with our philosophy (please see WetWebMedia.com, our root web> I would like ask you if you would give permission to use some of your photographs from the Fishbase website on our own website, www.proaquatix.com <http://www.proaquatix.com> , and possibly on electronic newsletters and printed media, and, if yes, if we would have to cite your name as a photo credit or if we could leave that off. I feel that your pictures could really help give our customers a good sense of what our species look like. <Mmm, no, as in not for free. We/I make my living in part from supplying image work to magazines, other media. Please see our "Use Policy": http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMUsePolicyStmt.htm We make our content available to non-commercial users (like fishbase) gratis, but not "for-profits". If you'd like to purchase photographs (for internet, print, trade-show use?), please make known what you are looking for and we'll send along a list of costs, thumbnails of what we have available. Bob Fenner> I look forward to hearing back from you regarding our request to use your photos. Whit Hazelton ProAquatix 6020 99th Street Sebastian, FL 32958 772.581.5510 772.581.2693 fax

Motomarine parts/service for Sri Lanka 7/15/03 I'm battling to find any places that sell parts for the Motomarine Sea&Sea II camera. Can you help? Thanks, Derek <I did a keyword search for this company on www.google.com and found their main website and many others to consult. Let me suggest that you contact the manufacturer directly and ask them to direct you to the closest dealer to help you in Sri Lanka. Best of luck, Anthony>
Motomarine parts/service 7/16/03 Thanks Anthony, Please pass along the info as I couldn't find it (and I just tried again now!) <Derek... simply go to www.google.com and type in "Motomarine". There you will get websites like the main: www.motomarine.it On Google, however, there is a feature to translate the Italian for you. There may be other sites more appealing though or closer to you (Australian distributors perhaps). Best regards, Anthony>

Possible Ocean Hunting Photos? 4/22/03 Dear Mr. Fenner, Alan Dyke suggested that you may be able to help me... I work with the African Conservancy, a Vista, CA based organization that focuses our efforts on promoting wildlife protection/rehabilitation and native cultural preservation in Zambia, Africa. We will be having a large exhibit at this year's Earth Fair in San Diego, in which we'll be partnering with the Bushmeat Crisis Task Force. Our exhibit will focus largely on Bushmeat, and we'd like to show its connection to ocean wildlife.  To help demonstrate this connection, we will need one or two high resolution photos of the hunting of ocean wildlife, particularly of endangered species. We hoped you might be able to aid us in supplying one or two of these photographs? <Wish I could help you. My focus is on individual and grouped images of species utilized as ornament (pet-fish), as in aquariums. Don't have pix of spearfishing, netting, line fishing at all. Will post your request on our website: WetWebMedia.com in hopes that others can help you. Bob Fenner> Sincere Thanks, Tudor Goldsmith African Conservancy 2590 San Clemente Ave. Vista, CA 92084 Ph. (760) 945-7571 Fax (760) 754-0879

Vamos a Fiji, Tonga (U/W Photography) Bob, Paul Witt here from the SDMAS.  We spoke extensively on the phone about media acquisition.  I have decided to take the plunge and am going to go to Tonga and then on to Fiji on my friends boat..  I have quite a few questions.  I am wondering if you could allow me to give you a call sometime to ask questions when I have a more complete list.   I prefer person to person.  I am a lousy typist and my two fingers cramp often.  A preliminary list is as follows. <Okay. 858-549-XXXX> What is the best slide film to capture UW images in your opinion. <I use Velvia and Provia (Fuji... 50, 100 ISO), but do also use and have many friends who prefer Kodak...>   I have a Nikonos III and will be buying a V soon and was wondering what you think I should get as far as a strobe set up and cords, sync, Slave, TTL, lenses. In your opinion.  Thanks, <Oh... let's talk on the phone. Much to say. We do use Nikonos cameras for macro (fixed frame)... but would rather discuss housed SLR's... even digital over Nikonos point and shoot technology. Bob Fenner> Paul
So now that I've got it... (Nikonos questions) Did I mention that this OEM Nikonos bag makes it all worth it? I could be sachet-ing down the avenue with this bag back in the 60s and I'd be in high style. <If you were in Haight Ashbury perhaps, Mr. Sashay> My big question is this - the camera came with two sets of extra o-rings. Which ones are the key ones - or say more important or like to fail, and are there any, more than others that wear quickly or should be replaced often. <All four of the user friendly O-rings are key/crucially important... and... Oh boy! There are 19 (nineteen) non-user-friendly ones, like Intel, inside... if you don't have absolute confidence that the camera has been serviced in the last couple years... it's time to spend a couple hundred dollars more and send it in! Southern Nikonos (TX) my choice if there's no one about there> Everything on the camera is in good shape, and I'll give it some good luvin' before I take it in the water. I just want to make sure I don't wreck it on the first outing. <Been there, destroyed that. Bob>
Cheers,
J --