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There is significant irony in my love of the Philippines which I regard as one of the top few places to do underwater macro photography.
I do recall when shooting underwater and marveling at the beauty and diversity of it all, that my father, some 70 years ago fought there during WW 2.
I had opportunities to talk to him about his experiences before he died and needless to say, they were very different than mine…I digress.
We have been to three different places there, each offering another opportunity to locate great macro subjects… Dumaguete, Puerto Galera and Anilao..The island nature of the Philippines made it an ideal place for underwater habitat..Frankly, some of the coolest things love the “junk” (we are talking garbage) you find from 25 to 60 feet adjacent to small fishing towns..The critters find hiding places and things to eat there thus often making it their home.
The first time at Dumaguete, I got some coaching from a professional which started my journey on really trying to capture these subjects in sharp focus; Trips two and three were about working on composition with an effort to create some interest in the shots.
Most people have only been able to see much of what is here on Discovery and National Geographic Channels..or, in books and magazines. I have to say, there is nothing like an in person look at them.
So whats the deal with small (macro) creatures I am often asked? Why spend all this time locating and shooting them..?
The creature colors are full spectrum and spectacular along with very different “movements” of each..They all loco-mote in their own way and usually find habitat similar to their own color to hang out in..The only comparable place you find such life is in the jungle at night!
Since they are well camouflaged, it is hard to find them without good guides having sharp eyes.
I imagine we will be back again soon to this area of the world; one of the oldest reef systems and sea area in the world.