Just mention the name, David Doubilet, in any conversation, and most likely some, if not all of the people, whether a diver or not would be familiar with this multi-talented photographer’s work. Aside from authoring seven books and winning countless prestigious awards, David is one of the most prolific photographers at National Geographic, having documented a record-breaking 70 stories for them since he joined them in 1971. He became the National Geographic Society’s photographer-in-residence in 2001. He is a member of the International Diving Hall of Fame. His images are treasured for the scientific value and of course their aesthetic beauty.
We had a chance to catch up with David during the Celebrate the Seas festivities in Manila and this is what he has to share with Digidiver:
How and when did you discover scuba diving David?
I was able to snorkel during one summer camp in a lake in New York when I was 11 years old. When I got home to New Jersey, I put on a mask, took my first breath with an aqualung and never really looked back. Then I went to the Bahamas, which only served to make my passion grow.
Who influenced you to dive?
I did! I saw the things underwater and I liked it very much! And of course, I read ‘The Silent World’ by Jacques Cousteau, which became a major influence in my life.
When did you start underwater photography?
I began to take pictures when I was about 12 using a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera in an improvised housing. I was a very good snorkeler and spear-fisherman before then. (Everyone spear-fished in New Jersey at that time, including me!) When I started taking photos, I discovered it was a lot harder to shoot images than it was to kill fish.
(David studied photography and journalism at Boston University’s College of Communication, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. He also took a course in underwater photography in 1966 in Santa Barbara, California. Although he originally enrolled for film, he never finished it. He has remained, first and foremost, a still photographer. )
Known as a creative and innovative photographer, what inspires you to do what you do?
We live in an incredible world with wonderful colors and creatures, which divers understand…I want non-divers to see, to be awed, and to experience this, too.
His “photo studio” series on the nudibranchs (meaning “naked gill”) taken underwater in Indonesia, on a 1’ x 1’ white plexiglass backdrop, is a departure from his usual non-interventionist way of creating a picture. Here, he meant to communicate to non-divers the breath-taking brilliance and beauty of these creatures which feast on the most toxic of food. And then having the most spectacular colors of any underwater creature as their defense to warn off predators, is something that he wants the world to understand. He wanted to portray them as supermodels. After the shoot, nudibranchs were placed back where they were found, and no nudibranchs with eggs were disturbed for this series. View the images
And on being known as an innovator?
Innovation is something we should all aspire for. It’s not just a question of making a picture of a creature that parades in front of your lens. You must put in a part of yourself, your ideas in every single picture whether it be underwater or not.
David challenges himself by “redefining photographic boundaries each time he enters the water.” He was the first to create the split lens for over/under shots, creating clear images of both the top and bottom half of the image.
Do you have a favorite picture or a favorite destination?
The best picture is the one I’m going to take next, and the best destination in the one I haven’t been to yet… and there are still a lot of those places!
Who do you look up to?
Jacques Cousteau, of course! He’s absolutely my idol and intellectual inspiration! Also Stan Waterman whom I’ve known since I was 13 years old.
What advise can you give new photographers?
Dive! Dive before you begin to shoot. Do at least 200 dives before you bring a camera down.
Photography is about pursuing your interest in a visual way. Interests can be anything, but it is important to truly believe in it and follow your heart.
A photographer has to be sophisticated in the way they look at and capture light, in the way they see gestures (the way people or creatures move). They must know the behavior of their subjects…which is an advantage of a seasoned diver going into photography over a photographer who wants to take pictures underwater.
Now, in the digital world, we’re less dependent on others. It is both easier and more difficult to become a sophisticated photographer. It’s easier to learn new things but you also have to do your own processing, so Photoshop and computer knowledge are essential. If you really want to be good, then you must learn all of these things.
Visualize before shooting. In the photo of a wreck, 'The Nord' in Tasmania, I actually drew this image before shooting it, using four light sources: strobes on the camera, one more to light up the propeller, one from the diver, and the natural light. View Image
What kind of equipment are you using now-a-days?
Nikon cameras (D3x among others) and lenses. Nexus and Seacam housings. Sea and Sea Strobes.
What’s next in the works for you?
“There’s a constant pouring of projects… several books on sharks in progress. Quite a number of us will be going to the Antarctic in 2010 with Michael Aw to document the environmental conditions there.”
Thank you very much for your time and the insights you have shared with us at Digidiver...
David is honorary President of Celebrate the Sea, which has become an important part of the Asian diving calendar since its conception in 2002. Helping to spread awareness and knowledge about Asia's greatest heritage below the waves, and also the importance of moderation and conservation.
You may learn more about David Doubilet and his incredible imagery on David's website
