Can I make a suggestions for July's discussion?

[Trenemene]

OK - my first post so please be gentle.....

I find it hard to plan wildlife shots as I don't know exactly what I'm going to see (isn't that why we go diving?). So you have to rely on a little luck. I believe you can however improve your luck!

Anemones tend to be out feeding when there is some tide running so if you want your plumose plump, dive a little before slack water.

Some fish are territorial - male cuckoo wrasse probably the best example in the UK. Once you find one, stay where you are, it will come back and investigate you and your ports. While you're waiting decide what you want, if anything, in the foreground / background and get yourself in position ready.

Seals often get out of the water on a falling tide - I think to secure their spot on a convenient rock for an afternoon nap. They seem more willing to come in and play in the 2 or 3 hours before high tide.

Well that's my twopenny worth!

[Tazzie]

Welcome Treneme (at long last )

So I guess from your post we need to understand the natural environment of what we're shooting to a larger degree than I'd considered. I get that fish tend to portray repetitive behaviours but don't have as detailed knowledge as you do about falling / rising tides and their effects... That's going to help with any and every plan isn't it

[Trenemene]

Tazzie, I know. But I'm here now!

I'm not sure you necessarily need to fully understand why things are happening but I believe it helps if you try to be aware of your surroundings. If you dive somewhere fairly frequently, does the marine life change ie sometimes it's there and sometime it's not? Is there a pattern to when it appears or disappears? It could be seasonal, water temperature, tidal flow, high water, low water, presence of other wildlife (predator or prey) or some other 'local' factor.

For example virtually every wreck in Devon and Cornwall will have a shoal of bib on it somewhere. Dive the wrecks in Scilly and there are none. Why? Who knows but it may be something to do with the topography on Scilly where there are plenty of reefs for fish to hide or hunt. On a wreck like the Elk in Plymouth, it's on a sandy bottom with no alternative shelter for some distance. The stern is usually teaming with bib.