UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
LET’S SHOOT NAPOLEONS Napoleon wrasse are one of the most-charismatic fish in the sea, and Mario Vitalini offers some advice on how to capture awesome shots PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARIO VITALINI
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apoleons, or bumphead wrasse, are fish with character. I have yet to meet a diver that doesn’t smile when one of these curious creatures comes in to have a look. With the intricate pattern in their faces, big lips and chameleon-like eyes, these distinctive fish are prime subjects to take pictures of. In locations like the Red Sea, they are fairly commonly found. For the next time you find yourself face to face with these big-lipped beauties, here are some hints and tips for taking better pics.
This is my best shot of a napoleon yawning. This kind of behavioural pics required not only technique but an incredible amount of luck
THE CHALLENGE
Napoleons are curious creatures and it is not uncommon for adults to approach divers to investigate. They will even sometimes follow us along the reef. So, getting close to your subject is – for once – not the main difficulty. This means your main challenges as a photographer are to get good lighting and composition. These are the main areas you should have in mind when an encounter comes along. If I know there is a good chance to encounter a Napoleon wrasse, I will generally choose a wide-angle lens or even a fish-eye. Curiosity gets them closer to me, making it relatively easy to fill the frame for max impact!
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS
Mature individuals are probably the best subjects. They are bold in nature and the markings are more pronounced. The swirling patterns on their faces, inquisitive eyes and big mouths are so interesting that is worth spending time working on your composition to get the most out of them. You can even try some abstract shots based on their cheek skin. I know a couple of dive sites where these wrasses will swim under the boat and check out all the divers. As long as you do not chase them, they will stay in the area and even move from diver to diver to have a look. Sha’ab Claudia in the Southern Red Sea is one of these sites. I always try to visit it during my Southern Red Sea photo workshops. In these cases, I normally get the best results at the beginning or at the end of the dive, when you may have a great opportunity to spend
Best of Manado
a long safety stop photographing these gorgeous fish. When there are many divers in the water, these fish tend to be swim away and look from a safe distance. If this is the case, I tend to wait for the group to get on with their planned dive, or to get back on the boat if it is at the end of the dive - at this point, the Napoleons tend to relax and come back under the boat. It pays to be very patient. When you spot the wrasse, do not swim towards it, let the inquisitive nature work and wait for the Napoleon to come and check you out. And remember never, ever feed the marine life to ‘encourage’ them to come closer. Long time ago, dive guides used to feed them boiled eggs. This caused loads of health problems to the Napoleons.
ESCORTED BY MARTYN GUESS
14th Sept 2021 £3595 excluding flights
Holiday highlights... Martyn Guess’ Manado workshop will enable you hone and advance your key photographic skills at Lembeh resort and Murex Bangka. The workshop package includes an action packed 26 guided boat dives (includes 2 dives on the way during transfer between resorts) and 12 Self Guided House Reef Dives and free nitrox! Local taxes are prepaid.
+44 (0)1483 411590 www.scubatravel.com/photography
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