A shot from Monterey, California

[hiloboy]

Shot with Canon xti with Tokina 10-17 at 10
f/ 7.1
SS 1/200
iso 200

Shot at Monterey. I would appreciate any critique.

[smb2]

It would be nice to have a slightly larger image. Great color and transition through the colors.
Are those anemones ?
Perhaps this would be more dramatic if you got even closer and included more of the coral/calciferous algae on the right because it has such nice detail.
Also when you have a flat setting try tilting the camera some to break up all the horizontal lines. It can give a sense of depth to the image.

The image below is not a great shot, I was hoping for more red sponge in the foreground and got more Caribbean mustard colors, but it was taken in an almost flat area of the reef. Tilting the camera makes it look like we have wall dives here in Curacao !!

[hiloboy]

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, those are anemones. First time posting a picture - hope this is larger.

[smb2]

OK, much better.
Don't know anything about Cal. UW but the purple stuff is cool as well. Is that a calciferous algae or a true coral?

How close were you? If the anemones are small then it is tough with the 10-17 mm but you can move in to 6 inches or maybe a little closer. You might have to pull the flash in closer to the camera as well to cover the foreground if they are way out an the arms.
http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/close ... underwater

As to angled or not try several compositions to see what you like.

[scottg]

the anemones and water look really nice. Exposing corynactis is hard, you did a good job not overexposing them, although you could even go 1/2 stop lighter with the strobes and shutter speed.

Are you able to return to this spot for more photos?

To turn it from a good photo to a great photo I'd work on compostion, get closer to the anemones and get a prominent subject in the photo, like a rockfish with it's nose on the domeport.

[hiloboy]

Thanks Scott. And yes, I dive this spot often. Next time I will try to get closer. As for a subject, I guess I have to be more patient. I was there for what seemed like a long time but nothing wanted to "model" for me.

[scottg]

>> And yes, I dive this spot often.

that's great. get real close. Shoot up an crazy angles. Think different. Get someone to model for you. Ask a sea lion to swim into the photo.