Photography Venture Specializing in Capturing Stunning Images of Marine Life, Catalina Fish Photography
In the crystal-clear waters surrounding Catalina Island, Southern California, lies a vibrant underwater world teeming with a diverse array of fish species. From the Scythe butterfly fish to the Rainbow Scorpionfish, Giant kelpfish, Moray Eels, Juvenile Sheephead, Juvenile Treefish, Blue-banded Goby, and more, photographing these elusive creatures requires a keen understanding of their habits and environments, as well as careful technique.
Understanding Habitat and Behavior
Many of the species found in Catalina's waters, such as Moray Eels and Giant kelpfish, prefer the rocky reefs and kelp forests common around the island. Juvenile fish often inhabit crevices or kelp holdfasts, making these areas prime spots for macro shots.
Effective Use of Natural Light
The clear waters of Catalina provide excellent natural light, particularly at shallower depths. To capture both the environment and the fish, use a wide-angle lens. For detailed shots of juvenile fish, a macro lens is recommended. Shoot with the sun behind you to ensure the best possible lighting.
Maintaining Buoyancy and Approach
To avoid startling skittish species like the Rainbow Scorpionfish and Blue-banded Goby, approach slowly and steadily. Good buoyancy control helps to stay still and frame your subject precisely.
Emphasizing Colors and Patterns
Juvenile fish such as the Sheephead and Treefish exhibit vivid colors and markings. Use a strobe or video light to restore color lost at depth and reveal vibrant details otherwise muted by blue underwater hues.
Capturing Natural Behaviors
Many fish look their best when moving naturally. Photograph gently swimming Scythe butterfly fish or hunting Moray Eels to add life and interest to your shots rather than posed or stationary images.
Shooting During Calm Conditions
Calm water improves visibility and reduces backscatter in your images. Catalina's water clarity can vary, so plan dives on days with good weather and minimal surge to maximize photo quality.
Getting Close but Careful
Macro photography of small juvenile fish benefits from close proximity, but be mindful not to touch or damage the habitat. Use a macro lens with proper focus for sharp detail on small subjects like the Blue-banded Goby and juvenile Treefish.
Practicing Patience and Respecting Marine Life
Some subjects like Moray Eels may retreat if disturbed, so patience and minimal disturbance are crucial for intimate portraits.
By combining knowledge of species-specific habits with careful buoyancy, lighting, and approach techniques, you can create striking underwater photographs of Catalina Island’s diverse and colourful fish community.
For more tips on fish photography, refer to the Fish Photography Tips and Tutorial. Some interesting species, such as Juvenile Kelp Bass, Blacksmith, and Senoritas, can have strong colours and be beautiful to photograph, although they can be more difficult to approach in the shallows near kelp.
The blue-banded goby, also known as the Catalina goby, is extremely common around the island and can often be found near urchins or on dark walls. The photo of the juvenile kelp bass was taken with a 105mm macro lens, and it is recommended to wait until the fish is slightly facing you to take the shot.
Giant kelpfish can be found throughout Catalina Island, particularly at 15-20ft depth, with a large number found at Crane point/Rock Quarry and at Casino point at 15ft depth. Juvenile Treefish can be found around Catalina Island, typically at depths between 25ft and 75ft, where there is structure for them to hide in.
Juvenile Sheephead were found at Sea Fan Grotto, and the juvenile photographed is very young and has not yet taken on its regular colours. Rainbow Scorpionfish were found at Sea Fan Grotto, specifically at a depth of 40ft, while swimming west towards the Blue Cavern. Rainbow Scorpionfish are less common and distinctively red, and are often mistaken for the common California scorpionfish.
On October 23rd, 2009, the author photographed Scythe butterfly fish at Crane point, a location known as the rock quarry, east of Sea Fan Grotto / Blue Caverns. Juvenile Kelp Bass, Blacksmith, and Senoritas can be common in the shallows at 20ft depth near kelp, but more difficult to approach.
In conclusion, with the right knowledge and techniques, underwater fish photography at Catalina Island can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. So, grab your camera, dive in, and capture the beauty of Catalina's underwater world.
- Giant kelpfish are commonly found at depths of 15-20 feet around Crane point/Rock Quarry and at Casino point at 15 feet depth.
- Juvenile Treefish can be found lurking in structure-filled areas between 25 and 75 feet deep.
- Juvenile Sheephead can be found at Sea Fan Grotto, and the young ones, before they take on their full colors, may be encountered there.
- Rainbow Scorpionfish, a less common species that looks distinctively red and is often mistaken for the common California scorpionfish, can be found swimming west towards the Blue Cavern at a depth of 40 feet in Sea Fan Grotto.
- On October 23rd, 2009, at Crane point, the location known as the rock quarry, east of Sea Fan Grotto/Blue Caverns, the author captured images of Scythe butterfly fish.
- Places like Sea Fan Grotto can host an assortment of fish species, such as juvenile Kelp Bass, Blacksmith, and Senoritas, which can be hard to approach due to their inhabitation of shallow areas near kelp.
- To create striking underwater photographs of Catalina Island's diverse and colorful fish community, practice patience, develop knowledge of species-specific habits, and skillfully utilize lighting, buoyancy, and approach techniques.
