Underneath a Manatee

Discussion

6 replies

Posted by Aaron Szabo on February 24, 2009 at 8:43 PM

This algae covered manatee was kind enough to let me sink underneath him and take some portraits at just over a foot away. I thanked him by scrubbing some of that algae of his back.

Wetsuit
30lbs Weights
Goggles
Snorkel
Underwater Housing

Instamatic #10 camera ;)
24-105 f4 IS @ 24mm
F/11
1/320 sec
ISO 320

Posted by Dena Sanders on February 24, 2009 at 9:48 PM

This is awesome. Love the close up and the reflection, I might crop the reflection a little to focus more on him. That hairy back just adds to the shot. Looks like you had a great trip.

Posted by Merle Cook on February 25, 2009 at 9:03 AM

Cool shot Aaron. That must have been one heck of an experience. I agree with Dena on cropping the reflection just a little. It adds to the shot but shouldn't overwhelm it. Well done.

Posted by Bill Dark on February 25, 2009 at 9:14 AM

Wow, that guy's big! Great shot Aaron, but I like the crop suggestion too.

Posted by Tim Buchanan on February 25, 2009 at 9:18 AM

You mean you didn't use your 5DII for this shot??

Posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 25, 2009 at 11:09 AM

Must have been quite an experience. The gentle giants of the Everglades up close and personal. Nice work Aaron!

Is it a common thing for people to swim with the manatees?

Posted by Aaron Szabo on February 25, 2009 at 12:47 PM

Tim- The Instamatic #10 in the 5D Mark II! I couldn't have used a better camera for everything, considering how much video I shot underwater. I do have a smaller HD video camera with a housing (with lot's of DOF on a smaller sensor) but it is not convenient to have 2 cameras underwater...

Wayne- It is definitely an attraction and their are several tours to go see them, although it's best to go on your own during cold days. The colder it is the more manatees gather near the natural springs.