The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss
Those of you who know me know of my passion for adventure scuba diving and underwater photography/videography. So when I was offered the opportunity a few years ago to deep dive in a small exploration submarine, I jumped in with both feet! I found it exhilarating, educational and will definitely do it again should I get the chance.
The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss is a new book by Claire Nouvian who was so inspired by what she saw in the deep ocean that she set about raising awareness of all that we don’t know about the estimated 20 million undiscovered species living there. She worked with various research organizations to curate 220 stunning images, many of creatures never before captured on film. 160 of them are published in the book that Sylvia Earle (National Geographic Society) calls “…the most stunningly beautiful book about the sea ever produced.” I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Doug
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Really neat stuff! I can see why you are pasionatre about scuba diving. How deep do you have to go before you encounter these sea monsters? I would be scared to death.
My husband wants us to take diving lessons. With these things in the water I have to rethink doing it.
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Sara, you really don't need to fear any of these critters; they are at depths of 1000-3000 feet and as a recreational diver you won't often exceed depths of 60-80 feet. And most range in size from 3-15 cm with a very few up to about 3 feet. If you and your husband are considering scuba diving, give it a try. I suspect you'll be hooked!
/Doug
Hey, really great images, Doug. I think we should pick an exotic destination and go diving. I know you love Fiji and the Solomons but how about the Great Barrier Reef? Or maybe some Antarctic ice diving? What do you say?
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Rich, I haven't been diving much lately, but if I get an urge to try ice diving or jump into a shark cage, I might just give you a call.
/Doug
Really cool images, amazing actually I don't know what I would do if I encountered one of these things. Some are really scary looking. But at the same time it makes me want to try scuba diving.
I realize (hope) they are deeper than I would be diving but I think that is one thing that keeps a lot of us from trying the sport, the uncertainty of what is "down there". I guess that is part of what you have to learn, right?
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Ben, if you think you'd like to try it, you can take a "trial lesson" in a heated pool with an instructor. If you enjoy that, consider taking the Open Water course and get certified. It's a wonderful sport! And don't worry, you'll become very acquainted with what's "down there" and know exactly how to deal with virtually any situation. But take the first step, in a pool, and see if it's for you. I suspect you'll love it!
/Doug
I am a scuba diver/underwater photographer (Nikonos). I am used to shooting macro with extensions at recreational depths, but how on earth did they get macro on 3cm animals at those extreme depths and from within an exploration sub?
Weird fish (?) down there. Pretty but weird. This must be why you like SCUBA diving.
These may be little things but I would still be afraid that there are BIG things down there too. I'll stay on dry ground thank you very much!
Have a nice Memorial Day. Remember our fallen heros!
~Shannan