Overture, Curtain, Lights. This Is It, The Night of Nights!

We are presenting a digital slide show, “Where The Wild Things Are - Queen Charlotte Strait's Ocean Frontier”, at Ocean Quest Dive Centre on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 6:30 pm.

Register online at:
www.diveoceanquest.com/index.php/events-calendar/view/174

Ocean Quest Dive Centre 

#107 - 3790 Canada Way

Burnaby, British Columbia

Canada, V5G 1G4

Blackberry to Heaven

Kathryn appearing very Saint-like.

"And when she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed, with a Blackberry she can get what she came for..."

I Bless The Day I Found You!

 

"Happy Valentines Day!"

To my gorgeous wife, Kathryn, "Te quiero mucho!"

Our World Underwater Hosts Diving Photojournalism Workshop!

A World Famous Underwater Photographer?

While surfing the web I came across the following post on the CoolDives website.  It was referring to one of my stories about BC diving that was published in the prestigious divie magazine, Alert Diver.

 Alert Diver Article Link

CoolDives can help you with your British Columbia dive vacation planning and introduce you to some of the best scuba dive operators here in Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast. CoolDives is designed to tell you all about the fantastic cool-water scuba diving in British Columbia, Canada, and to provide you with quality information and useful tips for planning your next scuba diving trip or adventure vacation in Beautiful British Columbia, Canada.

EZDIVE Online Magazine - The World's First Bilingual Diving Magazine

In late December I was asked if I would contribute to a Valentine's Special section for a Chinese diving magazine.  All they needed was for me to answer a few questions and offer a well-selected photo of Kathryn and I.

While a few things were not translated correctly, it was a nice surprise for Kathryn as she had no idea I had submitted this piece  Surprising for me too that our love story graces the same page as the love story of famed National Geographic underwater photographer, David Doubilet and his wife, Jennifer Hayes. 

Sweet!

www.ezdivemag.com - The World's Largest Chinese Diving Portal

Our World Underwater Consumer Dive Show – Chicago, Feb 20th.

 

On Sunday, Feb 20th, in Convention Center #54 between 8AM – 12PM, I will be conducting a 4 hour workshop, “Diving Photojournalism - How to Get Published in Scuba Diving Magazines. " Cost is $50.

Don’t you dare miss it!

Tacoma Dive and Travel Show Film Festival 2011

We'll be in good company sharing the evening stage with several friends at the Tacoma Dive and Travel Show's Saturday Night Film Festival held on April 9th, 2011 at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, This will be all new and much bigger than previous years. This year’s event, will be held in the main ballroom and will include a sit down dinner, award presentation and presentations by world-class diver photographers/videographers.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a no-host cocktail reception and premiere of Drop Zone Fiji, a film combining surfing and diving in the incredibly beautiful surroundings of Fiji.

At 7 p.m. dinner will be served to guests and speakers. EmCee Annie Crawley,  award winning youth and motivational speaker, will kick off the event with her own captivating video presentation. She will introduce speakers including:

Florian Graner PHD, a marine biologist and cinematographer who will premier his newest film, "Beneath the Salish Sea; An Underwater Odyssey through Puget Sound." The film, shot in stunning HD,  profiles the incredible sea life in Puget Sound and discover the  wonders living around Whidbey Island, Hood Canal, and in the greater Salish Sea.

Brandon Cole, PNW native and wildlife photographer and writer 
specializing in the marine environment will offer beautiful photography about the Galapagos islands, above and below the water.

Donnie Reid,  Logistics & Operations Manager at Pavilion Lake 
Research Project for NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, will present “The Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP)” an international, multi-disciplinary, science and exploration effort to explain the origin of freshwater microbialites in Pavilion Lake in nearby British Columbia.

Jett Britnell, renowned underwater photographer  presents, "Raptures of the Emerald Sea", an undersea pictorial of British Columbia’s magical and mysterious ocean realm.

Stuart Westmoreland, recognized as one of the leading nature,  lifestyle, marine, underwater, travel, concept and general stock photographers in the United States will 
present incredible images from below and above the water.

The winners of this year’s photo and video contest will be honored and the presentation of Diver of the Year and the new Local Legends awards will be honored.

Divers are invited to come be fed, entertained and inspired at the 2011 Film Festival. 
Purchase a group table and individual tickets:

Group Table, Seats 8 - $200 ($25 ea.)




Individual Tickets - $30


Entertainment Only - $10 (No Dinner, Advanced Purchase)

Group Reservations - Call Us Today at (360) 240-1874.

Individual Reservations - Call (360) 240-1874 or Sign Up at link below

www.divenewsnetwork.com/saturday-night-film-festival-2011

A Professional Archaeologist Applauds My Editorial Work!

“It was a well-written and respectful article. I couldn't have said it better- and that's my business! I'm going to have my employees read it as well. Maybe I can convince one of them to take up diving with me!” ~ Garth

Rick Stratton, editor of Dive News Network, passed along the following email to me today. Professional archaeologist, Garth Baldwin, is referring to a side bar story of mine (Sacred Burial Sites of British Columbia's First Nations) that was published in the January 2010 issue of Northwest Dive News,

From: Garth Baldwin [mailto:garth@draytonarchaeology.com]

Sent: Friday, January 28, 2011 3:30 PM

To: rick@nwdivenews.com

Subject: Jan 2011 issue Q

Sir,

I was reading through the latest issue and noted on page 17 and article on Native burial sites. The author was not apparent. I want to offer you my utmost thanks for that article. It was respectful and to the point. I'm a professional archaeologist and have worked for many tribes here in the States. The issue of looting (and simple disrespect for our collective human past) is a daily part of my job. I thank you and if you are not the author- extend my thanks to them as well.

Cheers,

Garth

___________________________

Garth L. Baldwin, M.A., RPA

Principal, Drayton Archaeology

www.draytonarchaeology.com

WRECK OF DREAMS – HMCS CHAUDIERE

Scuba Diver Australasia magazine has published my photo of a diver exploring one of British Columbia's premier artificial reefs in their "Extraordinary Dives - Inspiring Your Travel Plans" feature.

HMCS CHAUDIERE is a sport divers dream.  Purposely sunk as an artificial reef on the fifth of December, 1992 in British Columbia’s Sechelt Inlet, this vessel was destined for the scrap yard until Canada’s Minister of Defense sold the war ship to the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC). For decades now, the ARSBC has been sinking retired warships and making them diver-safe, providing a habitat for marine life on an otherwise featureless bottom.

Vancouver Aquarium’s 12th annual “Divers’ Weekend”

Today, Kathryn and I attended the Vancouver Aquarium’s 12th annual “Divers’ Weekend” celebration which offers both divers and non-divers a place to explore the oceans, expand their horizons, and exchange ideas.  Our day started off with an informative presentation by Tech Diver,  Lee Newman, who presented some images from his recent cave diving training and explorations of the Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula cenotes.

Also saw many old and new friends.  Stewart Sy was there promoting Aquatica underwater housings. John deBoeck of Browning Pass HideAway Diving Resort, Bill Klickach from Dive & Sea Sports, Greg McCracken of Ocean Quest Dive Centre, Andy Lamb of Cedar Beach Dive resort and Petra Hermes of Fly and Sea Dive Adventures.

Death By Cephalopod ~ The Blue-Ringed Octopus

It is a fascinating creature... The blue-ringed octopus is the size of a golf ball but its poison is powerful enough to kill an adult human in minutes. It’s been said the last thing the victim sees are the blue rings – visible only when it is about to attack.  Extremely poisonous, these tiny octopus can kill a person with one bite from their tiny parrot-like beak.  The "victim" dies quickly.  First you would feel nauseous and your vision becomes cloudy. Within seconds you would go blind and you will have lost your sense of touch. You are now unable to speak or swallow. Three minutes later you are paralyzed and are unable to breath.  With no known antidote, the only treatment is hours of heart massage and artificial respiration until the poison has worked its way out of your system.

Northwest Dive News Published Two Of My Stories

Northwest Dive News has published two of my stories in their January 2011 issue.  The stories are "Where The Wild Things Are - British Columbia's Queen Charlotte Strait" and "Sacred Burial Sites of British Columbia’s First Nations".

10 Quotes About Writing From Writers

"It took me fifteen years to discover that I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous." ~ Robert Benchley

"All writing comes by the grace of God." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” ~ Tim Cahill

 "I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter." ~ James Michener

"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass." ~ Anton Chekhov

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug." ~ Mark Twain

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. " ~ Scott Adams

"Becoming a writer means being creative enough to find the time and the place in your life for writing." ~ Heather Sellers

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." ~ Winston Churchill

"This morning I took out a comma and this afternoon I put it back again." ~ Oscar Wilde

2011 - It's A Good Life!

Last night, Kathryn and I were discussing all the live performances we have seen over the past three years. The following list does not include opening acts.  It's a good life, indeed!  Onward and upward in 2011!

Bob Dylan
Leonard Cohen
Scorpions
Ozzy Osborne
Kiss
Etta James
April Wine
Johnny Rivers
Bon Jovi
Billy Idol
Paul Anka
Alice Cooper
Glen Campbell
New York Dolls
Tony Bennett
Elton John (Seattle)
Billy Joel (Seattle)
No Doubt
Eric Burdon & the Animals
B52’s
Van Halen
Tom Jones
Beatles Love Show (Las Vegas)
Phantom of the Opera (Las Vegas)
Russell Brand
Lewis Black
Dame Edna
Don Rickles
Jerry Seinfeld
Conan O'Brien
Cheech & Chong

Sayonora 2010! Happy New Year all from Jett & Kathryn!

All I Ever Want For Christmas!

...is my wife, Kathryn.  She is by far the greatest gift ever!  And one of those priceless gifts that never stops giving.  I love you, baby! XOXO

Kathryn Britnell - An Underwater Model Is Born!

December 22, 2010: Kudos to my lovely wife, Kathryn!  The first published photo of her working as an underwater model appeared today in PhotographyBB Magazine.  Certainly a notable achievement as she was only certified as a scuba diver in the Philippines on November 30, 2010!

Jett Britnell - Photographer In The Spotlight

 
December 22nd, 2010 – PhotographyBB announced today, the release of the 35th edition of the downloadable PhotographyBB Online Magazine. This is a completely free publication with the goal of educating beginner to intermediate level photographers, and has become a leading resource in the future of free information distribution. PhotographyBB Online Magazine offers readers: Digital Photography tips and techniques, DSLR camera function training, discussions on issues surrounding the photo community, and image post processing tutorials in Adobe® Photoshop, and RAW processing in Photoshop Lightroom.

My interview appears on page 48. Here is a download link to the issue PhotographyBB Magazine - issue 35.pdf

Dave Seeram, Editor/Publisher was highly complimentary. ("I'm still blushing!")

"I just wanted to let you know that I read through your interview replies and I am absolutely blown away by your amazing photography! Your interview was among the most interesting I've done to date, and I really enjoyed the amount of history/stories that you included about yourself and experiences. Thank you for doing such a well thought out job; your writing is top notch."

Dave Seeram
Editor and Publisher,
PhotographyBB Online Magazine

Seasons Greetings!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now...

John Lennon ~ We Still Remember

Dec. 8, 1980.  A date every Beatles fan, let alone any music fan, over 40 remembers.  The news that John Lennon had been shot and killed in New York City seemed both shocking and surreal.  Like waking from a nightmare only to realize... we were not dreaming.  It was all too real.  An Englishman in New York, a true artist, husband and father had been shot several times in the back by a deranged human insect. It was one of those sorrowful events that most can recall where they were and what they were doing when they found out.  It's hard to believe that 30 years have passed - harder still to comprehend that it happened to John, his family... and to us all.  We still remember...

Underwater Video From Brian Goddard - Sogod Bay, Philippines

The following video footage was shot by talented videographer, Brian Goddard, who was diving with us during our recent diving adventure to Peter's Dive Resort, Sogod Bay, South Leyte Island, Philippines. This area features encounters with Whale Sharks that come to feed at this time of year. I have also linked some of his other footage from Sogod Bay.

"Let The Bells Ring Out, And The Banners Fly" ~ Kathryn Britnell Is A Certified Scuba Diver!

Stewart Sy snapped this picture of Kathryn yesterday and said on his Facebook posting... "Dear friend and newly certified OW Diver, Katie Britnell in freefall. Napantao Fish Santuary, Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte."

 

In Search Of Whale Sharks, Sogod Bay, Philippines

We have been seeing whale sharks here in the Philippines off Southern Leyte Island.  Photographing them has been a challenge due to the fact you must use a snorkel and shoot with available light only.  We try again tomorrow.  In the meantime, here are a few images from the other day...

Facebook Postings From The Philippines!

Stewart Sy, a very talented underwater photographer, snapped this picture of me diving off Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte, Philippines. Yeah, I might have made it as an underwater model ;)

 

Enjoying the diving off Southern Leyte Island, Philippines!

Here's a picture of a seahorse that I made on a night dive beneath the local town dock.  Awesome dive site!

All Aboard! Ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaa!... OZZY at Rogers Arena!

Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay... Sunday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, I took the family out to a show.  Ozzy's show was the bomb!  An impressive live performance from an original  metal rock legend.

Oowatanite! - April Wine at the Red Robinson Show Theatre

November 12, 2010: One of Canada’s legendary classic rock bands of all time played to a soldout audience  tonight at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Port Coquitlam, BC. I first saw April Wine from in front of the stage at the Ottawa Civic Centre in 1973 when they headlined a bill with bands Mainline, King Biscuit boy and Africa.  Even after all these years , they can still rock the room!