3 minute read
Underwater Fish & Fashion
TEXT BY ABBIE FISH | PHOTOS BY JOHN VOWLES
Looking at many of the images made by professional photographer (and Nauticam Ambassador) John Vowles, it is hard to believe that they were all created in shallow water –often just below the surface John is known for his creativity and excellence in underwater fashion and beauty photography He is based in the picturesque town of Riebeeck Kasteel in the Western Cape, South Africa and is the Brand Ambassador for Nauticam and Dive Action in South Africa “I only use Nauticam equipment from Dive Action, as the parts are always available and the service is excellent”, says John.
“I started scuba diving in 2010 and progressed to be a qualified AI PADI Instructor and have managed to stay current by assisting instructors and leading dives I very quickly tried my hand at underwater photography using a small compact and one strobe I was hooked”.
2016 was a terrible summer for diving, and John realized that he needed to diversify and supplement his underwater photography and decided on model photography in a pool He discovered a whole new world of creativity, fashion and setting the stage for the models. “My mentors around the world provided and supported me with the ‘tricks of the trade’, for which I am grateful”.
John grew up in the Boland area of the Western Cape and has always enjoyed the summer days and nature In 2018 he bought a beach house in Pringle Bay and relished scuba diving and fishing. He loves being close to the ocean Cape water is best for Macro Photography, and he focuses on this discipline. For his macro images of all the small critters underwater, he uses a 60mm and 100mm macro lens Nauticam supplies all the necessary extensions and ports for these lenses.
“I also have a Canon EOS 5DMK IV camera with a Canon 16-35mm wide-angle zoom lens for doing model photography For underwater wildlife and reefs scenes, I use a ‘fisheye’ lens”.
Every underwater model shoot commences with a briefing about the shoot Ninety percent of John’s shoots are done in 15m water. This makes it easier for the models to stand at any time. They are never underwater for longer than 5 seconds at a time. Another safety feature for the model is the scaffolding placed in the pool. This is there to hold on to just in case they need a breather.
“When I photograph models in the ocean, the shoot is mostly done in a rock pool as the water is generally calmer and warmer. The model feels more comfortable. I like to maintain shallow dives when using fabrics, as ‘the clothing’ can become rather heavy. When doing a deeper model shoots, I always have a safety diver accompanying me with a hidden air source, said Vowles.
John has dived in many locations, both abroad and locally. “But should I have to pick my favourite, it would be Sodwana Bay”.
