Weekly Photo Challenge – Motion

Blue Tang in Motion

Here’s a shot taken while scuba diving in the Denver Aquarium. This was one of the most unusual dives I have ever done! As part of the requirements for the Underwater Photography Certification with SSI, we had to do a dive and take photographs with our instructor – and the closest place in Colorado was the aquarium.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the director of scuba volunteers who introduced us to our dive master Dave. He oriented us to the procedures for diving in the large tank by the restaurant in the facility and then helped us get geared up for the dives. Because the aquarium tanks are a closed system, we weren’t allowed to use our own gear – a precaution against contamination which is a danger to the fish. I usually wear a 3mm wetsuit in the tropics, but the water was cold and we forced ourselves into Michelin Man-like 5mm suits and were fitted with the rest of the equipment provided by the aquarium – all done behind the scenes and above the water in the large tank.

We were lead to a platform above the water where we donned our fins, masks and BCDs and then slid in to the large tank. As soon as we descended we realized how close we could get to our subjects. We also realized while looking out through the windows of the aquarium that we were part of the entertainment for the people eating lunch! We waved at kids while we shot our photos and harassed the captive fish (just kidding about the fish).

To learn more about the Weekly Photo Challenge, click here.