Why wait for "Shark Week" on the Discovery Channel when you can go see them for yourself? In late August Ikelite dealer David Haas from Haas Photography lead a group to Isla Guadalupe off Mexico to photograph the Big Kahuna—the Great White Shark!

Isla Guadalupe has over 95 documented individual sharks that return to the clear blue water each year from August to December. It is also home to approximately 5,000 California Sea Lions, Guadalupe Fur Seals and Elephant Seals.

San Diego Shark Diving has been running trips for over 20 years during which time they pioneered White Shark diving at Isla Guadalupe. Thanks to their expertise the group experienced multiple shark encounters throughout their 5 days at the island.

Seven Ikelite housings and nine Substrobes on board allowed the adventurers to capture incredible images to wow their family and friends. These animals are mostly males from 10—15 ½ feet long and weighing in excess of 2,000 pounds! What do you need photograph such magnificent creatures? Light and a wide angle of coverage.

You don't want to come back from the trip with only detail shots of shark eyes and fins. To cover the entire scene head-to-tail a wide angle lens is critical. Most compact digital stills accept the Ikelite W-20 wide angle conversion lens which can be removed and replaced underwater. If you're shooting a dSLR, choose a lens in the 10 to 28mm range and use the 8" Dome Port for optimum clarity.

Since the cages keep you separated from the action by several feet, your strobes have to respond with a decent amount of power. Our Digital Substrobes pack plenty of punch and recycle fast enough to catch every bit of action. Consider dual strobes when shooting wide angle photography to expose the entire frame evenly. systems

For additional coverage and dazzling clarity when shooting high-definition video add the new Ikelite WP-80 wide angle port or one of the many other wide angle options available. Achieve great color by learning how to manually set your camcorder's white balance and using an external color filter.

Add a little practice (and some advice from pros like David) and you'll be sure to return home with something you're proud of. Take a moment to visit Haas Images for more of David Haas' photos, trip info, and all manners of photography support.

Professional photographer and long-time Ikelite user David Fleetham has also recently returned from a photo expedition to Komodo, Indonesia. He packed a couple of the first production Substrobe DS-160's and was thoroughly pleased with their performance. Over 15,000 shots throughout the trip and the DS-160's never skipped a frame. I think they're sure to become a mainstay in his gear bag—and yours— for years to come. Visit David Fleetham's Photography Website for more of his impressive images.

We're working feverishly on new products in anticipation of SCUBA's professional trade show DEMA—next month at the Las Vegas Convention Center. If you're attending the show be sure stop by Booth 2929 to say hello and have a look around. If not, keep checking this section of the website for a full report!