About H2Optics

The Artist
Chuck was brought into this world OH so many years ago to a military family in Miami Beach, FL. Given a camera at the age of nine, he built a darkroom in a closet at twelve and formed a lasting relationship with photography. Introduced to scuba diving in 1994, he naturally had to take his photography down with him. It was his way of sharing the fantastic new world he found with friends and family. When more and more folks asked if the pictures were for sale, he researched the possibility of taking to the Arts and Crafts show circuit. The project has come to fruition and the “Fruits de Mer” lie before you. Please enjoy the fantastic sights of the sea, both here and (hopefully) on your walls at home.

The Equipment
All photos (in series 1xx thru 10xx) were taken with a Pentax PZ-10 SLR camera, fitted with either a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens or a 24mm f/2.8 wide angle, in an Ikelite housing and using a single flash.
In 2003 I began using a new Nikon F100, 105mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor and a Tamron 14mm ultra wide angle, and added a Sea and Sea housing and 2 YS-120 strobes.

Film and Prints: Made to last!
Almost all photos were shot with Fuji Superia 200 speed color print film. (On occasion, when I have been on a Live Aboard dive boat that provided E-6 processing I shot a few rolls of Fuji Reala 100 slide film.) All of the photos are printed by me, on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, and mounted on Bainbridge Archival Foamboard with Savage Archival tissue. The resulting mounted print is then matted in a Crescent (archival) double mat and sleeved for protection.
Each print mat is available in white with a black core, giving a nice outline for the print, or in black with white core, very effective for some photos.

FAQ’s
Q Did you take these pictures yourself?
A Every last one. Do you want to see some more?

Q How did you get started in underwater photography?
A When I took up scuba diving, my wife declined to join me, so I started underwater photography as a means of sharing with her the fantastic beauty I found down there.

Q Where do you take them?
A My usual pat answer at shows is “Underwater”. Actually, up to now, all have been shot in various dive locations around the Caribbean. (Being a confirmed warm-water diver you will never see ICE in any of my work unless the fish are in the middle of a cocktail party.)

Q How deep do you go?
A My deepest dive was to 153’ on a wall off Grand Turk, with my dive instructor watching closely to see if I’d get “narced”, but all I did was (what else) take a picture. Most of the photos are taken between 25 and 85 feet. This is where the fish are most colorful.

Q Aren’t you afraid something will bite you?
A Only on land. I’ve been swimming with Barracuda, Tarpon, Sharks and more within 3 to 5 feet and never felt any concern. Actually I did get nipped once by a Yellowtail Snapper but only because I landed ON HIM during a backroll off the boat.

Q How do you know what kind of fish (coral/critter) it is?
A When a fish doesn’t come with a label attached, I cheat. A great photographer, Paul Humann, has produced a wonderful compendium of photos and descriptions that makes identification easy.

Q What makes your underwater pictures different?
A I think you’ll find that I get more”up close and personal” with the underwater life than most photographers do, so my photos have more color and capture more personality than many others’ photos.

Q Why would I want to hang photos of fish in my home or office?
A Scientific research has proven that the mind does not distinguish between one’s perceived surroundings and one’s actual drab environment. By using these photos as small “windows” into the beautiful world underneath the sea, you can experience very real calming effects (even without actually donning scuba gear yourself, although you’re welcome to do so). Also, of course, the more such “windows” you surround yourself with in your home or office, the better the “view” and the stronger the calming effect. Naturally, the larger the “windows” the better the view, so I offer prints in a number of sizes.