Category Finalist 2007: close up

Brian Bielmann

I got in this crazy mood this summer, where all I wanted to do was shoot underwater. I was shooting surfers, photographers, girls, turtles, sharks, reefs… So, when I got some assignments to take portraits in Fiji, well…I shot them underwater. The contest had finished, and I was staying over a few extra days with Andy Irons. The waves were clean, but I couldn’t help myself — I grabbed the mask and snorkel and proceeded to shoot numerous photos of Andy surfing, from below the surface. It was as simple as, “Hey, Andy! Come here quick and let me get a portrait shot of you underwater!” That’s it!

Athlete: Andy Irons
Location: Tavarua, Fiji

TECHNICAL INFO

• Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
• Lens: 15mm fisheye
• ISO: 100
• F-stop: 2.8
• Shutter speed: 1/1000
• White balance: Daylight