Artist Q & A: Underwater Photography
Joel Penner
Blending the creation of visually engaging pieces and computer technology was the impetus for Newmediasoup, LLC nearly ten years ago. Joel is constantly learning about the ever-changing new media and how he can apply it to the business’ services. In his free time, and when he is not underwater capturing stills or video, Joel enjoys perfecting the art of barbeque, music and snowboarding in the winter.
Jennifer Penner
Having many different careers from Exercise Physiologist to General Manager in Restaurant & Hospitality (and more in between), Jen now focuses her time working with Joel on various projects, and handling the administrative side of their business. In addition to underwater photography, she enjoys cooking/baking and snow skiing in the winter.
Q: We’ve been following your work for quite a while now…with each successive dive trip your images keep getting stronger. How did your interest in diving originate?
A: (Jen) Thank you! We’ve only been diving for a little over three years, and I blame it all on a very close friend (ha-ha!). Once we received our scuba certification, our interest really peaked by all of the wondrous underwater life that we could view. Scuba diving quickly became a passionate hobby for us.
(Joel) Prior to learning to dive, snorkeling was an activity that was prevalent on tropical vacations, so it just made sense to take that next step. Getting scuba certified was something Jen and I did together, spurred on by a good friend, and it’s something we continue to love to do together.
Q: As difficult and physical as diving is by itself, you’ve added another layer of complexity by adding photography to the equation. What made you want to take that next step?
A: (Jen) Initially, I didn’t want to have anything to do with an underwater camera. I was enthralled with the underwater world and just wanted to dive. But things do change. In June of 2008, I started diving with a point and shoot system. Since then, I’ve progressed to a DSLR system and haven’t looked back! Now I wouldn’t imagine diving without a camera!
(Joel) I’ve always been interested in photography, and it’s an associated service that my company offers, so it was a natural extension that I take a camera underwater with me from the very beginning. Shooting underwater is very different from shooting on land, and my first photos were just terrible. The perfectionist in me was the motivating force to learn how to take underwater photos that portrayed what we were really seeing down there.
Q: When we look at your images of the undersea world we see a lot of beauty, but there can be a degree of danger. Have you encountered some uncomfortable or dangerous situations while photographing?
A: (Jen) First and foremost, one should be a sound diver prior to adding underwater imaging gear to the mix. The diving really needs to be second nature since your focus is all on setting up for your intended shot. We adhere to the buddy system and safety is always the first priority.
(Joel) Having good buoyancy control is key when trying to capture stills or video underwater. Other than experiencing very cold water temperatures, poor visibility and ripping currents, we have been quite fortunate so far and have not encountered anything dangerous. We do our best to keep our scuba skills current so that in the event of an emergency, we are as prepared as we can be.
Q: We’ve heard that underwater strobes can agitate sea life and certain species of sharks especially. Have you had any encounters? If so, what species and where?
A: (Jen) Since we haven’t been diving that long, we haven’t been to that many dive destinations (yet). On the few encounters we’ve had with sharks, all reef sharks, there has been no issue with strobes. Actually, they are very skittish and usually don’t hang around. I personally look forward to the opportunity to shoot the more predatory species of sharks and other pelagics!
(Joel) At different dive resorts, we have been told by the dive staff that some critters are sensitive to extensive flash exposure, namely pygmy seahorses and frogfish. Being a responsible diver is like being a good guest in someone’s home… you don’t disturb the habitat in any way, take a few photos of your intended subject, then move on to find another interesting critter.
Q: To most of us, the underwater world seems very surreal. What has been your most enduring underwater revelation? (peak experience)
A: (Jen) Wow! I don’t think I can pinpoint a peak experience, because I don’t think I’ve experienced it yet. The underwater world is so amazing! In Monterey, there’s kelp forests, metridium fields, huge decorator crab and sea lions. In Hawaii there’s colorful reef fish and turtles - Oahu has many wrecks from WWII, The Big Island has mantas. Indonesia has muck diving - incredible, weird-looking creatures living in the black volcanic soil. Every area has something different to see. We are slowing crossing locations off of our list!
(Joel) I really like the rock formations, swim-throughs, and anything really BIG! When I’m underwater, I’m always trying to capture the Wide Angle shots. They are the most challenging, but I love it. When the water visibility is just right, and there is abundant life, I experience a “peak experience”.
Q: Underwater photography is essentially a form of landscape and wildlife photography. Do you think it is possible to develop a unique style or is it mostly trying to position yourself and deal with the technical issues to get the best image?
A: (Jen) After viewing some of my recent images, a girlfriend proclaimed that my underwater photos had a distinct woman’s perspective. I’m still not sure how she came to that conclusion, but since most of the successful underwater photo and video pros are men, maybe I’m carving out a niche for myself (ha-ha!).
(Joel) Jen and I will usually shoot the same set-up, but wide angle is always my preference. Even though we may be shooting with the same lens, we approach subjects differently and see different things to frame, so at the end of the day, we have totally different images than the other person.
Q: Ultimately what would you like your underwater work to achieve? (Education, conservation, other?) Where do you want your work to end up? Educate, entertain, inspire?
A: (Jen) For the present, I just want to improve my underwater imaging skills. You don’t plan this, but to a certain degree, once you are passionate about the underwater world, you become an ambassador for conservation. When you share your images with friends and family, not only are you educating them about the beauty and wonder of the sea, but you are also making them aware of how precious a resource our oceans are.
(Joel) I would like it to entertain and inspire, be it on their wall in the form of an art print, or in a publication they may be reading and just have to stop and soak in the image for its beauty or amazement.
Q: Are there any underwater photographers that particularly inspire you?
A: (Jen) In the short time that we’ve been diving, we’ve been very fortunate to become friends with some of the industry’s leading imaging pros. They are always helping us get to the next level. Their wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable to us, and we’re so appreciative of all the tips and tricks that they’ve passed on to us. Additionally, I’m always inspired by my peers when we’re on a photo trip. There is always something new to learn from other divers, and watching them set up for a shot shows you a perspective that maybe you didn’t have.
(Joel) Diving with more experienced shooters motivates me to continue to improve my skills, whether it’s shooting a common subject in a different way or using lighting in a creative way to set a certain mood in the image. Some of the underwater photographers that started back in the days of film really paved the way for those of us today that are honing the craft like David Doubilet and David Fleetham. Some of the pioneers of the digital age who have raised the bar of underwater imaging with their overall knowledge and experience are Berkley White, Eric Cheng and Dr. Alex Mustard. I strive to continue learning from them and others like them in the industry to improve my underwater imaging, both stills and video.
To see more of Joel and Jen’s images:
http://www.newmediasoup.com/underwater
To learn more about their multimedia services:
