Words To Live By: I Really, Really, Like The Message Henry Rollins Conveys Here.

SportDiving In Australia June/July2012 Issue: We're In It!

SportDiving in Australia magazine published two of our stories in their latest issue. The main story is "Liquid Rush!", which is about diving British Columbia's infamous Nakwakto Rapids. The second story is a sidebar article about British Columbia First Nation's burial sites.

Got The Moves Like Jagger! Well, The Owner Of Ocean Quest Dive Centre Sez So!

We had a "Full House" for our "Shoot Like A Pro - Tips & Tricks to Improve Your Underwater Photography" presentation last Wednesday night! Thanks to all who came out and extra "mucho thanks" to Ocean Quest Dive Centre for hosting the event.

"Happy Mother’s Day" To My Darling Wife, Kathryn.

John Lennon once said, "A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” Thanks for being the woman of my dreams and for turning those magical dreams into reality. XOXO

Happy Mothers Day! ~ Here's To My Mom And Loving Mothers Everywhere.

Yup, this is my my mom. Unfortunately, we are unable to get together tomorrow on Mothers Day. But truly, every day is like Mothers Day for us. It's been said, "A man who treats his woman like a Princess, was surely born and raised in the arms of a Queen!" Thanks, mom for being a Queen as well as a mom who has always demonstrated grace and courage in the cold stone face of adversity. And just look at me...I'm married to a Princess and I know how to treat her royally. Love you and we'll see you soon. Happy Mothers Day!

Free Underwater Photography Seminar At Ocean Quest Dive Centre May 23rd!

"Overture, curtain, lights! This is it. The night of nights.” The online registration sheet for our presentation, “Shoot Like A Pro – Tips & Tricks To Improve Your Underwater Photography”, at the iconic Ocean Quest Dive Centre on May 23rd is, huh, well, online at the following link:
 

Registration Link
 

Cost is FREE! I know what you’re thinking? An evening presentation of this magnitude would normally cost hundreds, or dare we say, thousands of dollars and include some Gypsy circus carnies that smell like cabbage and have small hands and also feature a photo op with a winged unicorn. While this presentation is FREE!!!, the tips & tricks you will learn are absolutely priceless. Seating is limited, so sign up soon; otherwise, it may cost you a second mortgage on your home next time. And hey, we’ll be there!

You Must Have A Fantastic Camera!: I've Always Chuckled Inside Whenever Anyone Has Said This To Me.

R.I.P. Neville Coleman (1938 - 2012)

Disheartened to learn that another diving legend has passed away. Regrettably, Neville and I never met in person. However, our paths once crossed when he published one of my British Columbia diving stories in the January 1992 issue of an Australian magazine he was publishing at the time called Underwater Geographic. It was a great thrill for me at the time that someone of his stature on the international diving stage would deem my words and images to be so worthy that they would grace the pages of one of his publications. He seemed to be a “good bloke.” R.I.P. Mr. Neville. And, thank you, for helping me along… way back when.  

I can't imagine that there are many underwater photographers in the universe who are not aware of Neville Coleman's massive body of work. Check out his website and you'll be awestruck by his many accomplishments http://www.underwatereguides.com.au/index.html 

An Underwater Photographer Is Born!

Kathryn took this image of me while we were diving over the eel grass beds and patch reefs in Cozumel last Christmas. This was the first time Kathryn ever used an underwater camera system. While I can wax poetically about how natural and fluid the underwater model appears to be, the truth is my talented young wife snapped this picture while I was not aware she was doing so.

2012 BC Association Of Travel Writer’s Annual Symposium.

Kathryn and I attended the 2012 BC Association of Travel Writer’s annual symposium today at the Listel Hotel in Vancouver. Some excellent presentations by: Owen Clark, Julie Ferguson and Mari Kane on the subject of Social Media. We also came away with two tickets to a "Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival Play" along with a one-night stay at Victoria’s "Delta Ocean Pointe Hotel". I’m thinking... a night dive at Victoria’s Ogden Point Breakwater, or perhaps, a run out to Race Rocks is in the cards.

“Shoot Like A Pro: Tips & Tricks For Improving Your Underwater Photography" Seminar At Ocean Quest Dive Centre On May 23rd!

Yup, it's confirmed, we will be presenting our seminar, “Shoot Like A Pro: Tips & Tricks For Improving Your Underwater Photography" at Ocean Quest Dive Centre on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 at 6:30 pm. This will be the same presentation we gave to a packed room of underwater photographers at the Northwest Dive and Travel Show in Tacoma last weekend, only we anticipate there will be a noticeably larger number of Canucks in attendance. Ocean Quest (#107 - 3790 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC) will send out an email to their customers approximately two weeks before zee really big show with an online registration link to keep track of numbers. Off-duty members of the Vancouver Police Department will likely be onsite directing traffic and assisting with crowd control. ;)

Salmon Run: An Oil Painting By Canadian Wildlife Painter, Erica Nuemann.

Several weeks back we received a request from a Canadian wildlife painter in Calgary, Alberta, who asked if they could use one of my sockeye salmon images as reference for an oil painting she wanted to create.

Inserted above is the finished work, “Salmon Run”, a 60x30 oil painting by artist, Erica Neumann. For more information about Ms. Neuman’s artistic work, go to:

www.ericaneumann.com

R.I.P. Albert Falco (17 October 1927–21 April 2012).

“Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure.” - Another diving legend left this world yesterday when pioneer diver, Albert Falco (17 October 1927–21 April 2012), passed away. For nearly four decades, Falco was Jacques Cousteau’s first diver, expedition chief and captain of the Calypso.  As a kid watching each fascinating TV episode of  “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau”, Falco always seemed to be the “go to guy” aboard Calypso. He not only helped reveal the mysteries of the ocean realm, but also seemed to epitomize the spirit of camaraderie that exists amongst divers. R.I.P. Mr. Falco and thanks for creating for me, some boyhood wonder.

Tacoma Dive & Travel Show 2012: We Were There!

 

Earlier today, we presented a seminar on "Underwater Photo Pro Shooting Tips" to a packed room of underwater photographers at the Northwest Dive and Travel Show in Tacoma. We actually could have filled a larger room as several attendees had to stake out a place to stand in the back of the room. It was also nice to see many old friends and get to know some new ones. This also marks our fifth consecutive year presenting at this fabulous West Coast dive show.

Some very nice early feedback too!

“Thanks so much for the seminar on Saturday at the NW Dive Expo.  My wife and I got a ton of info!  I remember thinking when the Expo rep said it was time to wrap it up, that it was advertised as an hour seminar, not 10 minutes!  The time flew by. Thanks again for a great seminar!” - Steve Zedekar, Battle Ground, Washington.

Harbors Magazine Newsletter: The Kenmore Air Destination Magazine.

Looking forward to seeing our story about diving in Campbell River's Discovery Passage published in Harbors Magazine, The Kenmore Air Destination Magazine's 2012 Summer issue!

Judging Annual Underwater Photo Contest: Tacoma Dive and Travel Expo 2012 Photo and Video Competition!

 

Spent some time contributing today to judging Dive News Network's Tacoma Dive and Travel Expo 2012 Photo and Video Competition. Always interesting. Some word of advice to those entering photo contests, be sure to doublecheck that you are entering your images in the right category.

Southeast Dive News: "Feliz Navidad From Cozumel" Story.

Here is a FACEBOOK posting announcing that Dive News Network has published our story, “Feliz Navidad From Isla Cozumel” in their April 2012 edition of Southeast Dive News. This is the same story that appeared in the February 2012 issues of Northeast Dive News and Midwest Dive News. Here's the first page of the magazine story.

Indonesia Diving: Wakatobi - Almost At The End Of The World.

Sportdiving Australia has published my story about diving at the fabulous Wakatobi Dive Resort in their May 2012 issue. Here's a download link to the article:  

http://www.divetheblue.net/pdf/151artWakatobi.pdf

Canada's DIVER Magazine Has Published Our Diving In Alaska Story!

 

Canada's DIVER Magazine (Volume 137 Number 2, which I think translates as March or April?) has published a story Kathryn and I wrote about our Alaskan diving adventure last April aboard the fabulous Nautilus Swell. This vessel compares favorably with many of the world's finest diving liveaboards. Very highly recommended! 

For more information: www.nautilusswell.com

Seeing Red: Light & Motion's Sola 600D Light Review!

Getting caught up with some posts. Canada's DIVER Magazine published our review of Light & Motion's Sola 600D Light in their November 2011 issue. This is a great product that now lights our way underwater.

Scuba Diving's Like Sex!

I'm not sure who authored this, but it is too good not to share!

Our World Underwater 2012: Thank You, Chicago!

Dive & Travel Expo 2012: Come To The Tacoma Show!

Making our 5th straight appearance at the Dive & Travel Show in Tacoma, Washington, Kathryn and I will be participating in this year's show. On Saturday at 12PM we are scheduled to present our seminar, "Shoot Like A Pro - Tips & Tricks For Improving Your Underwater Photography."

The Philippines ~ Ohh, Yeah Baby!!!

Didn't see this one coming a few months ago, but like General Douglas MacArthur, Kathryn and I did say, "We shall return." Yes, The Philippines once again looms on our horizon. We booked our flights today!

The Facebook Wars.

And the win goes to the Wonder Spouse!  :)

Scuba Diving Legend Stan Waterman: A Class Act!

February 18, 2012. I felt like I won the proverbial lottery on this day at Our World Underwater in Chicago. As a room emcee, it was my distinct pleasure to introduce diving legend, Stan Waterman, before one of his seminars to a packed room of attendees. What a fine gentleman and a true raconteur he is, as well as being a warm and gracious man. By any measure, he is a class act! After his presentation, I asked Stan if he would agree to pose for photo with me. I handed my camera to another photographer in the room so the moment was captured for posterity. Good times!

Chicago, Chicago I'll Show You Around - We Love It!

February 16, 2012: Today was an absolutely fabulous sunny day in Chicago. Kathryn and I spent the day strolling along Michigan Avenue and stopped in for the afternoon tea service at a fine establishment called, Russian Tea Time, in Chicago's Grant Park District.

Snapped this picture of Kathryn near the Michigan Avenue Bridge when she was not expecting it.

Yup, I just had to pose for this one. ;)

We were flying on Valentine's Day, so stopped in for afternoon tea at one of Kathryn's favourite tea lobbies, Chicago's legendary, Drake Hotel. Simply, divine!

Valentines Day 2012: A Clearer Future, Morning, Evening, Nights With You!

February 14, 2012 -  A Happy Valentines Day to my adorable and loving wife, Kathryn!

While every day spent with you is like Valentine's Day, today I will blatantly steal a quote from the movie, "Meet Joe Black," that could just as easily be written on my soul from me, to you.

"Take love, multiply it by infinity and take it to the depths of forever... and you still have only a glimpse of how I feel for you."

Thank You!, my darling young one for being all I've ever dreamed of finding in another person and ohhh sooooo very much more. Happy "5th" Valentine's Day, lover!  XOXO

Sipping Mai Tai's at Hawaii's famed "Pink Palace",

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Campbell River, British Columbia - In The Realm Of The Giant Pacific Octopus.

Northwest Dive News published our story, "Campbell River, British Columbia - In The Realm Of The Pacific Octopus," in their February 2012 issue. One of our images also appeared as the magazine's cover shot.

A Double Header With Dive News Network: "Cozumel - A Holiday On A Holiday."

Dive News Network just published our story, “Cozumel - A Holiday On A Holiday” in their February 2012 edition of Northeast Dive News & Midwest Dive News. This issue of Midwest Dive News will be widely circulated at Our World Underwater in Chicago later this month.