While studying Advertising Art in college in Pennsylvania, a course was offered to learn to scuba dive. Being all about the water, I took that up immediately! I have been diving over 40 years now, starting with a Nikonos III camera and Ikelite 225 strobe.
I eventually zeroed in on the Canon G series because of the size and convenience of the camera and Ikelite housing. I prefer beach diving, so this smaller package worked all around. Now, I shoot exclusively on Manual with the strobe TTL - and I hand hold the strobe!
After so many years of diving photography I have focused on getting behavior and the essence of the underwater subjects rather than just the pretty mug shots. On occasion I get lucky and come across something as amazing as an octopus moving between two pilings on a night dive, a retiring green turtle, and some incredible anemones - "Ain’t Nature Grand!"
All photos taken with the Canon G5 X and DS161 Strobe in St. Croix, USVI.
Green turtle on a night dive at the Fredrickstead Pier. A joy to photograph. © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
Heading away from the pier, one can find beautiful anemones. This somewhat transparent one is waiting for a snack being drawn to it with my strobe light. © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
A less transparent but equally beautiful anemone. © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
An awesome find - an octopus moving between pilings near the Fredrickstead pier. © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
Octopus changing colors as it moves between pilings. © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
Octopus reaching far more colors now. © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
Octopus on the piling. © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
"Maybe this will work." © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
Octopus still on the move. © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
Floating down to the sand. © 2022 Jeanne Zoppel
Jeanne Zoppel is a graphic designer and owner of Jeanne Zoppel Design Studio. Jeanne has been diving for over 40 years and has been taking underwater photographs through it all. Check out more of her above-ground and underwater photos on her website, and give her a follow on Instagram @zop5.
Additional Reading
Night Dive Underwater Camera Settings
3 Ways to Spice Up Your Night Dive
An Insider's Guide to Blackwater Photography
