[TimIngmire]

Good Discussion Topic Tazzie!

I have to say that I still jump in with an opportunistic approach unless I know exaclty what I'm going to see eg the Cuttlefish dives at Babbacombe where I have a expectation based on good or poor visibility (detail and features if the former and the whole thing in it's environment if the latter).

It's good to have a view of the subject that you want and how to shoot it as Rob says above not only so that you know what to do when you come across them but you will infact notice those opportunities more often. Here's an example of how this applies on land in normal life - 1st read a local newspaper then read it again with something particular in mind (now you need help here so that somebody can suggest something to you after the first read) eg washing machines. You'll be surprised how many references to 'washing machines' you missed but were there all along - same with shots and diving, have a selection of shots in mind and you will be more tuned into seeing them when they are infront of you.

The other thing to say is not to look for subjects per se but look for ideal conditions and shoot whatever subject swims in (I'm sure you'll have heard Martin discuss this). Those ideal conditions maybe a perfect bit of hard coral and waiting for a blenny or whatever to swim in, a nice shapely gaps in weeds / rocks for fish to swim into or even lightbeams, dappled light etc. To do this means a good knowledge of the best feature of a site - or at least a cursory knowledge - so that you drop in, get to the spot and wait for the opportunity to puch the shutter.

I think imagining a shot from scratch i actually very difficult to do, looking at lots of other photo's should give you inspiration tho.

I'd like to see GLOC's pov on this given the images he takes