Last Update : Sunday 5 August, 2001 1:28 AM

	THERE IS AN ANGEL IN THE SEA
	Photo - Camera - Lens - Film - Flash - Model -	Thon Thamrongnawasawat Nikonos RS 50mm f11 Velvia SB-105 TTL Regal angelfish

          I thought Angelfish was the most beautiful fish when I first saw him in the water. I went to learn diving and surveying the coral reef at Sichang Island. There I met Blue-ringed angelfish. Though the water was unclear, but angelfish was a large fish with bright colour and liked to swim on the same spot, it was suitable to take his photograph.

          I remembered that my first acceptable underwater photograph was the photo of two Blue-ringed angelfish swimming together at Surin Island. I do not know where the photo has gone since it was almost 20 years ago. I still used Nikonos IV a camera then. Lately, the other type of fish that I like very much is Regal angelfish which can only be found in the Andaman side.

          Come to talk about it, Regal angelfish is considered more nimble than other angelfish. The first time I saw him, I waited for him to swim around again like a good angelfish. But he did not. He swam away forever, no matter how I called him.

          Later on I adopted a new technique. I had to spot the fish before he spotted me. Then I had to creep in by holding my breath under the water to reduce the noise from regulator. (Be careful…this technique can be dangerous to your health, and your life.) Hide yourself behind the coral that you expect him to swim along. Wait for the right moment to click your shutter.

          My camera was a sort of cheap stuff with only one small flash. I also use ASA 50 film. So, I need plenty of light. I would not take photograph of a fish at the distance of more than 1 meter, because I know that large aperture would cause a blurred photo. Normally, I use f8. (If you do not understand a word of this, try to find a photographer sweetheart.)

          This photograph came out well enough. The fish was sharply defined while background was a little dark since the coral was too far for the flash. The object then came out with impact. For those of you who like underwater photography, you might care to try this technique. Taking photo of the fish far enough from the coral.

          For more information on angelfish, please click Fish of The Week. Details and drawings are available.

 

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