I actually created this image early in my 1000 images project but for some reason it never made it into the collection even though I have shown it before.
On reflection it would be a pitty to not include one of Adelaide’s most popular and accessible dive sites so it’s now officially number 980.
There is a little bit of history behind this image I’d like to share.
I submitted ‘My Very Own Fish Bowl’ to a well known US Celebrity Photographer’s show for a blind critique. He looked at it, scratched his head and asked if he was looking at an aquarium shot before seeming being critical of people who take photos into aquariums.
Oh well, maybe if I have called it something like ‘Killer Piranhas’ I would have avoided the prejudiced reception.
For me this image captures so much of what I love about scuba diving Port Noarlunga Jetty.
Huge schools of sweep and silver drummer to entertain the new divers training here. A tranquil protected space behind the reef to simply relax, shakedown gear not used often enough and the anticipation of what lies on the other side.
I really do feel like it’s my very own fish bowl!
Photo: Robert Rath, ‘Day 980, My Very Own Fish Bowl’, 1/160s f/7.1 ISO400 15mm
Thank you for ‘My Very Own Fishbowl’ – it is spectacular and I believe would silence many who believe South Australia does not have the quality of diving of other areas of Australia – there is no doubt that our diving experiences are unique. In regard to the critique you received, you must remember that most Americans are very literal, and so do not always get the subtleties of Australian ‘tongue in cheek’ – so the very heading you chose would have caused confusion! Thanks Robert, if this is one of the shots that did not originally make the cut maybe you can go to 2000 by sharing other ‘forgotten’ images… Love your work, I will be so sad to see it end.
Thank you Bronwyn for your lovely words and for re-iterating what I have always said about South Australian diving, it’s awesome!
Good point about the title, lessons learned.
Don’t fret about images post 1000. This project will come to a natural end but that will only create the space for something new.
Hello Robert I’m very glad to have been lucky enough to have met you ( and Jennifer of cause) in person . I’m more then impressed by your work which is very very inspiring . Hopefully you let us enjoy with lots and lots of more photos . Take you both Herbie
Dear Herbie,
Thank you both for your friendship and for you and Birgit making the effort to come to Australia to visit and dive with us. It has been a pleasure.
… Robert