Poolside
Matt Smolsky asked:
Summer offers a lot of opportunity for fun and frolic in the sun, and you’ll want to capture as many memories as possible.
Summer offers a lot of opportunity for fun and frolic in the sun, and you’ll want to capture as many memories as possible.
The best way is with a digital camera. While digital video has its place in preserving family memories, there’s nothing like having an album full of photos to look at while you talk and share with the people you love.
It’s easy getting great photos this summer - photos that you’ll cherish forever and true family heirlooms. Now, you might say - “they’re just photos of lunch by the pool,” but these are the moments that create your best memories.
With just a little attention to detail, you can improve the quality of your photos. When you share them, whether it’s online via email or in a professionally printed and bound photo album, you’ll be prouder than ever. You’ll turn a snapshot into a wonderful keepsake.
Tip #1. Take a lot of photos. You’ll be shooting outdoors which means changing light and weather conditions, sometimes within a matter of moments. Even water clarity can change, depending where you’re swimming. So if you see a great scene of people playing in the water, snap away. Some of those pictures may turn out, some may not, but you all but guarantee getting a great shot if you take a lot of pictures.
Tip #2. Look for photos in shallow water or on the edge of the beach. This is where some of the fun occurs. People tossing a water toy back and forth, sandcastle building, body surfing and general playing the water. If small children are present, this is where you’re like to get your best shots.
Make sure you have stable footing as there can be holes, slipper rocks or shifting sands. Also, if you have an underwater camera, an interesting shot might be if your camera lens is halfway in the water and halfway out. Or, if you are taking a group picture, have the group stand in ankle or knee deep water.
Tip #3. Take time with the exposure. Outdoor light can cause a lot of problems - the brights can be very bright and the darks very dark. This can make it tough for your camera’s light meter to get a proper reading. If you can, bracket the exposure one or two f-stops on either side of what your light meter recommends. Also, if your camera has spot metering, you can use this to your advantage when trying to photograph a shady area. (The other areas will be overexposed, however).
Of course, you should try to put your subject in the best light possible. If it’s a candid shot, try to position yourself in the best light relative to your subject. This will greatly depend on the position of the sun.
Taking photos at the beach or pool can be filled with challenges, but the rewards will last a lifetime. With a little attention to detail, you can get pictures you’ll be proud to share!
Scuba Diving In Phuket, The Pearl Of The Andaman Sea
Dan Wallace asked:
Phuket is the southern province of Thailand. The word ‘Phuket’, derived from Malay word ‘bukit’, means hill or mountain. Phuket is a beautiful island and it seems like a mountain or hill for a distant view. Being the largest island in Thailand, Phuket is blessed with several beaches. Beaches of Phuket are really amazing and that is why it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. The coastal areas of the western Phuket have several sandy beaches while on the southern Phuket there are muddy beaches. Patong beach is the most popular beach among tourists. Some other beaches in Phuket include Nai Harn beach, Karon beach, Bang Tao beach and Kata beach. Southern Phuket has some coral islands which are suitable for scuba diving. Similian Islands and Phi Phi islands are remarkable coral islands in southern Phuket.
Phuket is the southern province of Thailand. The word ‘Phuket’, derived from Malay word ‘bukit’, means hill or mountain. Phuket is a beautiful island and it seems like a mountain or hill for a distant view. Being the largest island in Thailand, Phuket is blessed with several beaches. Beaches of Phuket are really amazing and that is why it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. The coastal areas of the western Phuket have several sandy beaches while on the southern Phuket there are muddy beaches. Patong beach is the most popular beach among tourists. Some other beaches in Phuket include Nai Harn beach, Karon beach, Bang Tao beach and Kata beach. Southern Phuket has some coral islands which are suitable for scuba diving. Similian Islands and Phi Phi islands are remarkable coral islands in southern Phuket.
Scuba diving, diving using underwater apparatus for breathing, is really suitable for viewing underwater spectacles like floras, faunas, beautiful fishes, coral reefs, especially in coral islands. ‘SCUBA’ is the short form of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba diving is getting popular among people all over the world for recreational diving. It is simpler and safer for low depth diving and help you remain in underwater for longer periods.
Scuba diving is the main attraction of tourists in Phuket. It is in the top 10 scuba diving destinations in the world. There are many agencies which provide scuba diving gears for tourists. There are many websites related to Phuket which provides details about Scuba diving in Phuket, wonderful scenery, facilities and other aspects. There are many travelling agencies which provide scuba diving packages specifically for tourists in Phuket. Day trips as well as night trips to diving areas are also included in the packages.
There are many skilled scuba divers and certified trainers in Phuket who can help naive divers to get accustomed with scuba diving. There are some institutes which run courses on diving. These courses are devised for different skill levels. Standards of the training are world class. So even if you don’t know diving, you can come here and learn it and enjoy scuba diving in blue Andaman Sea.
You can enjoy the beauty of clear blue Andaman Sea by scuba diving in Phuket. There are dive boats which will take you to the diving destinations. Coral reefs in Phuket are some of the best spectacular reefs in the world. Over 200 species of hard corals are there vying their trade to build an amazing underwater ecological kingdom. Some of the exotic fish varieties that are seen in Phuket are dolphins, whale shark, manta rays, pelagic and numerous reef fishes and some of the turtle varieties that enchant the Phuket are Olive Ridleys, Hawksbill, Green Turtles and Leather Back.
Hing Daeng, Richelieu Rock etc are some of the diving sites in Phuket. There are live boards which provide food and accommodation as well as diving. Scuba diving in Phuket is becoming really a money spinner for the local enterprises as more tourists’ visits. Local population are really friendly to the tourists. There are guides who can lead you to joyful scuba diving trips. Safety measures are taken for ensuring the safety of the tourists while diving. When it is not raining and if the sea is calm one can explore the underwater with pleasure and enjoy the beauty and return with mind full of extraordinary scenes.
Except during rainy season spanning from month of May to October scuba diving is possible without glitch in Phuket. Holiday season in December is the period which more western tourists like to come and splash in the blue waters. The water temperature is normally of 26-29 degrees. In March- April it can plunge to 10 degrees temporarily due to thermo clines. Visibility in water of Phuket in dry season is around 40 metres. While the visibility range changes according to the rain during rainy season. Scuba diving in Phuket is an experience of a life time which you can cherish.
Next time when you plan holidays consider Phuket. It is sure that Phuket will be an ideal destination for you. Facilities for advanced booking with travel agencies are available. Come and enjoy the beaches and the coral reefs in Phuket.
Scuba Diving in the Caribbean
James Penn asked:
Caribbean scuba diving is one of the rare pleasures available to people vacationing along the warm and clear waters of that tropical paradise. Throughout the year the Caribbean offers comfortable and beautiful weather with white sandy beaches that make the perfect vacation spot for hundreds and thousands of tourists every year. Caribbean scuba diving can be enjoyed in more than 30 locations in the Caribbean Sea and they are all offer scuba diving facilities throughout the year. The difference between these various locations is that they offer you the choice of going the regular tourist way and saying in the company of other travelers like you or you could opt to go for a more non-tourist approach and try to spend the time there like the locals.
One of the rarer spots for Caribbean scuba diving is found on the island of Antigua. Replete with the usual Caribbean advantages of great beaches and clement weather it also has some historical locations that make it a good place to collect memories. While the scuba diving around Antigua is not really deep, it is still breathtaking with the coral reefs that are unmatched in the entire Caribbean.
Another great place for Caribbean scuba diving was the island of Montserrat. This island was the home to a presumed inactive volcano that went unexpectedly active in the year 1996 and destroyed many locations along with half the town. Though the locals still maintain that the scuba diving is excellent though this has to be confirmed with the fact that the town is not nearly as restored to what it once was. This is also a good place if you like to watch active volcanoes at close range. Though this is not for everyone.
Then there are the well known British Virgin Islands that also offer some good Caribbean scuba diving. The British Virgin Islands are a group of small islands that attract many tourists every year. There are many caves, sinkholes, canyons, and ledges that make scuba diving a very interesting prospect in these areas. The most popular spot in the British Virgin Islands is the Painted Walls which feature rainbow colors during the dive. Wreck Diving is also possible here around the R.M.S. Rhone.
If you really want a remote and almost unknown place for Caribbean scuba diving then you should go to Nevis. There are many scuba diving sites on the east side of Nevis. Scuba diving can be done inshore as well as offshore with some beautiful naturally formed coral reefs.
Caribbean scuba diving is one of the rare pleasures available to people vacationing along the warm and clear waters of that tropical paradise. Throughout the year the Caribbean offers comfortable and beautiful weather with white sandy beaches that make the perfect vacation spot for hundreds and thousands of tourists every year. Caribbean scuba diving can be enjoyed in more than 30 locations in the Caribbean Sea and they are all offer scuba diving facilities throughout the year. The difference between these various locations is that they offer you the choice of going the regular tourist way and saying in the company of other travelers like you or you could opt to go for a more non-tourist approach and try to spend the time there like the locals.
One of the rarer spots for Caribbean scuba diving is found on the island of Antigua. Replete with the usual Caribbean advantages of great beaches and clement weather it also has some historical locations that make it a good place to collect memories. While the scuba diving around Antigua is not really deep, it is still breathtaking with the coral reefs that are unmatched in the entire Caribbean.
Another great place for Caribbean scuba diving was the island of Montserrat. This island was the home to a presumed inactive volcano that went unexpectedly active in the year 1996 and destroyed many locations along with half the town. Though the locals still maintain that the scuba diving is excellent though this has to be confirmed with the fact that the town is not nearly as restored to what it once was. This is also a good place if you like to watch active volcanoes at close range. Though this is not for everyone.
Then there are the well known British Virgin Islands that also offer some good Caribbean scuba diving. The British Virgin Islands are a group of small islands that attract many tourists every year. There are many caves, sinkholes, canyons, and ledges that make scuba diving a very interesting prospect in these areas. The most popular spot in the British Virgin Islands is the Painted Walls which feature rainbow colors during the dive. Wreck Diving is also possible here around the R.M.S. Rhone.
If you really want a remote and almost unknown place for Caribbean scuba diving then you should go to Nevis. There are many scuba diving sites on the east side of Nevis. Scuba diving can be done inshore as well as offshore with some beautiful naturally formed coral reefs.
Visiting A Scuba Diving Resort
Michelle Bery asked:
When it comes to vacationing, nothing equals the ability to customize a trip to your very personal ideas of fun and relaxation. For scuba enthusiasts, visiting a scuba diving resort can be the epitome of a vacation, where they can relax, enjoy themselves, and participate in as many scuba related activities as they want. A scuba diving resort offers a chance for divers to focus exclusively on what they love to do and there’s no greater vacation than that.
When it comes to vacationing, nothing equals the ability to customize a trip to your very personal ideas of fun and relaxation. For scuba enthusiasts, visiting a scuba diving resort can be the epitome of a vacation, where they can relax, enjoy themselves, and participate in as many scuba related activities as they want. A scuba diving resort offers a chance for divers to focus exclusively on what they love to do and there’s no greater vacation than that.
Scuba diving is popular worldwide; the experiences differ depending on the region you visit. Choosing a scuba diving resort begins with your regional preference. If it’s winter where you live and you’re craving the warmth of the sun, then head to any of the multitude of places that are conducive to scuba year round; the Florida Keys, South America, and the Caribbean.
Be sure to examine the scuba diving resort in which you are interested to determine if they have the features you require. For instance, if you want to have a certified scuba professional guide you through a particular dive, then you need to seek out a scuba diving resort that offers that service. If you want to rent scuba equipment rather than bring your gear, then find a scuba diving resort that offers rental services.
The Internet is clearly a great place to start when it comes to doing comprehensive research. You can find listings of resorts, the amenities they offer and their range of prices. In this way you can comparison shop to ensure you get what you want while staying within your budget guidelines.
Scuba-related magazines may also offer tips on finding the perfect scuba diving resort. You’ll undoubtedly find first-hand reports by scuba enthusiasts that examine the benefits of particular resorts. Whichever scuba diving resort you choose to visit you will surely have an experience to remember.
Oahu Scuba Diving Vacations
Chris Chew asked:
Hawaii’s Oahu have many fascinating scuba diving locations and perhaps the most popular dive site in Oahu is the Hanauma Bay. Hanauma Bay was formed by the erosion of one side of a volcano crater and is very well protected from the trade winds and surf making it a fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling site in Oahu.
Hawaii’s Oahu have many fascinating scuba diving locations and perhaps the most popular dive site in Oahu is the Hanauma Bay. Hanauma Bay was formed by the erosion of one side of a volcano crater and is very well protected from the trade winds and surf making it a fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling site in Oahu.
Hanauma Bay’s crystal clear water and diverse coral reef are good introductions to Hawaiian marine environments and its waters are seldom considered to be dangerous to scuba divers.
After the Hanauma Bay are the sea cliffs of Koko Head where scuba diving is done almost exclusively from liveaboard diving boats out of Hawaii Kai. The deep blue color of the water here contrasted beautifully with the mesmerizing white water cascading down the dark brown hilly cliffs.
As you round out Koko Head, you will come into contact with the gusty trade winds. However, the wind will subside when you cruise into Maunalua Bay.
The waters of Maunalua Bay are a lot calmer than the windward side of Oahu. There is even a WW2 fighter plane wreck for those who love wreck diving, an artificial reef of hundreds of concrete modules and even sunken barges. The bay ends at Diamond Head, the final windbreak before the calm waters of Waikiki. There are also some good scuba diving locations off Waikiki on some outer ledges and artificial reefs.
On Maunalua Bay is the Fantasy Reef. Erosion has created many places for the fish to play hide-and-seek. Although live coral coverage is not that high in Fantasy Reef, the corals are healthy and undamaged and thus can be considered as one of the better scuba diving spots in Oahu. Marine life is plentiful here with eels, barracudas, octopus, turtles and sharks are often seen.
There are supposedly 4 barges sunk in Maunalua for the purpose of creating artificial reefs and the largest of these is the Kahala Barge which is 165 feet in length.
However coral growth here is sparse, however, the wreck is choked with soldier fish which make their characteristic grunting sound when disturbed by scuba divers. Many eels and large crabs can also be found here. There are also many sea turtles and white tip sharks making this artificial reef their home.
A mile off Portlock, about a hundred feet deep is a plane wreck. This is a great wreck diving location in Oahu. The cockpit is the abode of 2 thigh sized thick yellowmargin moray eels.
Here, scuba divers will see brilliant red encrusted sponges and bi color anthias harems hovering above picking off planktons. Nearby is a colony of fascinating dancing garden eels and big horned helmet shells. Water visibility in this area is superb. If you are in Hawaii for a spot of scuba diving, try these scuba diving sites at Oahu South Shore.
