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Forces of Nature: Capturing the Power and Volatility of the Ocean in Underwater Wave Photography

Capturing the raw power and mesmerizing beauty of the ocean and the underwater viewpoint of waves through photography is an art form that beckons both thrill-seekers and artists alike. Yet, beneath the surface lies a world of enchanting dangers, a delicate dance between the photographer and the untamed forces of nature. Award Winning photographer Mark Zissis aims to provide his audience with a perspective only a small portion of the population can say they’ve experienced and captured at length with his underwater wave collection, his technique a homage to the technical skill required that’s unparalleled in the industry. Let’s delve into the process of capturing this stunning collection.

Volatile Conditions

In the depths where light refracts and currents sway, every moment presents a unique challenge. The rush of adrenaline is palpable as the photographer navigates through swirling currents, seeking the perfect angle to immortalize the dance of waves. Yet, amidst the allure, one must remain vigilant, for the ocean is a master of disguise, hiding treacherous obstacles beneath its surface.

The dangers of underwater wave photography are as diverse as they are profound. Powerful surges can hurl both photographer and equipment with unexpected force, while hidden rocks and sharp coral formations lie in wait to ensnare the unwary. Even the most experienced photographers must contend with the relentless pull of the ocean’s currents, which can sweep them into perilous waters with alarming speed.

All in the name of Art

Yet, despite these dangers, there exists a profound beauty in the pursuit of underwater wave photography—a beauty that transcends the mere capture of images. It is a journey of self-discovery, a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of nature’s might. It is a reminder of our place in the vast tapestry of the natural world, where every wave tells a story and every photograph captures a moment of fleeting beauty.

When investing in one of Mark’s underwater wave limited edition wall art prints, you’ve adorned your walls with the encapsulation of but one moment of many, not any one being the same as the last, in an element so vast and bigger than human life itself. It is these aspects that makes his limited edition collections incredibly special in their own right.

Technical Prowess

The beauty of the finished product aside, the process itself of capturing such alluring shots is to be appreciated. Not only do the volatile conditions present challenges in themselves, underwater wave photography requires specialised equipment and a considerable amount of experience from a seasoned professional. Mark chooses to use the Aquatech Professional Underwater custom surf housing powered by a Nikon D850 camera body, the ultra large dome port supporting two different lenses that he prefers over any other lens. The Nikon 20mm 1.8G and the Nikon 8-15 mm Fish Eye lens. Both lenses focus inside the dome not outside, enabling Mark to get perfect clarity throughout all apertures and shutter speeds.

The camera produces ultra Hi resolution raw images in perfect focus especially underwater due to the custom built spacer between the water housing and the dome port. This is where problems begin when it comes to shooting underwater waves, as the space between the lens and the dome needs to be very accurate, something Mark is incredibly adept at working his way around.

Above the waves, Mark shoots at F8 to Fll and under water between F5:6 and F8 – F11 depending on the texture and clarity of the wave and time of day. Shutter speeds vary from 1500th of a second to 2500th of a second.

In light of these techniques, you can be rest assured every image has been meticulously captured in the moment, a split second individual to any other in the world. Underwater wave photography depicts mother nature’s element in all its untamed beauty, eloquently presented in Mark’s stunning limited edition wall art. You can explore Mark’s collections in his gallery, with Acrylic Glass Blocks starting from $375.

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