With great regret, we’d like to inform our community of the passing of Ike Brigham, founder of Ikelite Underwater Systems.  Founded in the early 1960s, Ikelite had a huge influence on the birth of consumer underwater photography and continues to shape the underwater imaging market today.

In December of 2001, Ike joined Wetpixel as member #15—only 4 days after our forums were launched. During his time here, he posted 939 messages full of his notoriously self-deprecating, dry humor.  Our staff and users came to love the “Addled Shopkeeper” (his self-appointed title), and as a representative of his company, Ike’s integrity was unparalleled. We shall miss him dearly.  Continue reading for more thoughts about Ike Brigham.

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There has been a lot of activity in our conservation forums lately, and some of the most active topics are discussions about shark conservation and the exploitation of shark fins. Wetpixel member Justin Ebert has just returned from Raja Ampat in Indonesia and started a discussion where he shows images of fishermen taking fins and disposing of the shark bodies in the waters of Indonesia.

In another related topic our members discuss how differently the subject is viewed in Asia, where most think that no harm is being done. Please join us and drop a line in the discussions. Sharks are more threatened than most people think, and it is important that we as divers and underwater photographers keep ourselves well informed!

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The Northern California Underwater Photographic Society, Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo and Wallin’s Dive Center are sponsoring an underwater photography seminar next January in northern California, entry is free:

FREE two-day underwater photo and video weekend seminar with world-renowned underwater digital photography expert, Berkley White.  The two-day event begins with the “Underwater Imaging Today” seminar, on Friday evening, January 12, 2007, from 8:00 p.m. – 10 p.m. in Millbrae.  On Saturday, January 13, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Wallin’s Dive Center 10,000-gallon heated pool, in San Carlos, Berkley continues with five hours of intensive hands-on, in-water product training.

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After the enormous success of the best shot of 2005 discussion just over a year ago, there was no question that a similar thread would appear to show off the creative results of the Wetpixel members following another year of underwater photography.

Whether it’s your ‘favorite’ or your ‘best’ photograph (and there may be a distinction), be sure to contribute to the current favorite shot of 2006 discussion - you may be surprised at just how difficult it is narrowing down your selections…

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Photographer Jason Bradley had the opportunity to accompany the Tagging of Pacific Pelagics (TOPP) elephant seal team into the field in 2006 and record the proceedings. The story of the experience can be found in this month’s issue of Fathoms Magazine, in the article “Deep Diving Pachyderms: fathoming the elephant seal,” written by Diane Richards and featuring Jason’s photographs.

The TOPP website has recently been updated with additional findings (and more of Jason’s seal images) from the excursion, and also links to the Fathoms article. Each piece is unique, and you can learn exactly how Jason got close to these large and wary marine animals…

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