Self-described amphibiographer Terry L. Brown will be sharing his passion for the water through an aquatic video and photo presentation, and through a workshop, where interested parties can learn about photography and videography around the water.
As part of Ebb and Flow, a water-themed art show at Tidal Art Centre on Finn Bay Road in Lund, Brown will be showing photographs and videos he has taken around and under the water, with the showing on Thursday, August 18, at 7 pm.
“You don’t even have to get wet to enjoy viewing some of my wondrous videos and photos,” said Brown.
For the adventurous who want to learn some aquatic photography techniques, Brown is offering an in-water workshop on August 20, with a venue to be determined, depending on wind and wave conditions on the ocean.
“I’ve had some fascinating experiences in this amazing aquatic world and I love to share it with people,” said Brown.
Regarding the Ebb and Flow art show, Brown said he has four aquatic-themed photos as part of the display. He said his presentation at the art centre will showcase what he calls amphibiography.
“The images are at the interface of water, air and land,” said Brown. “There are still photos that are half above water and half under. There are video images that transition from underwater to above water. I will be showing videos and photos that evening and explaining how I get the images, for people who are interested in photography and underwater photography.
“Then, on Saturday, August 20, I’m offering a workshop for those people who want to participate in and practice some aquatic videos. It will be shallow water, either in the shallow ocean water if it’s not too windy and wavy, or, it will be in a lake if ocean conditions aren’t good.”
Breathe deep and dive shallow
This will be a snorkel event, not a scuba diving event.
Brown said most of his photography and videography is actually at or near the water’s surface.
“Most people think you have to go deep to get good stuff,” said Brown. “I do scuba dive but most of my work is close to the surface. It’s basically about as deep as the local pool. My motto is: breathe deep and dive shallow.
“Most of my work is with available light. I seldom use video lights or electronic flash. It’s very different when you see the critters underwater in available light in the way the light plays over them.”
Brown said the water itself is a prime photographic subject for him because it is constantly changing. He said one of the photos he has in the Ebb and Flow show is called River Vortex, which depicts whitewater rapids, but underwater.
“The water is swirling around and is creating a vortex,” said Brown. “It’s what it looks like from a fish’s eye view underwater.
“I do videos of rapids, also, where the water is pouring over rocks and curving around. It’s just the motion of the water and the shapes that water takes that is just spectacular.”
Brown said he had read in a book about the dancing curvaceousness of nature, and to him, that’s water.
“It’s constantly curving and moving and dancing and flowing,” said Brown. “I can shoot 10 minutes in one place and every second is different.”
He said his work is his prime passion in life.
“My motto is immersing you in wonder, and my passion is immersing people in this amazing world, so they fall in love with it,” he added. “Then, then can act out of that love to protect.”
Riches in ditches
Brown said he and his partner have chosen to live in the qathet region because of the opportunities afforded in both the incredible freshwater and saltwater here. He said people can even photograph in ditches and get great images.
“There’s riches in them ditches,” said Brown.
With photography or videography, there is always an expense involved, but Brown said it can be reasonable. He said if people have action cameras, like GoPros, videographers can get some “amazing stuff” with them. However, even smartphones can take great images if they are in waterproof housings.
“I’ll show people how they can get some fabulous stuff just dunking it,” said Brown. “You don’t even have to get really wet. You can just wade along the shore somewhere and dunk that underwater. I’ll show them how to make images that make people go ‘wow, what is that?’ It’s right at your feet.”
Brown said the in-water event will be a hands-on session. He said he will have an underwater video camera that people can do some video with but it’s great if they have their own equipment so they can use it and get the most out of it.
People don’t need to make reservations for the show at the Tidal Art Centre. They can just show up to the free presentation.
If people are interested in the workshop, they can contact Brown directly to let him know they will be in attendance. They can ask about equipment, or Brown can answer any questions that they have. There is no specific charge for the workshop, but after it is over, people can voluntarily leave an honorarium for him if they so choose.
“I don’t want to keep people away who might not be able to afford coming,” said Brown. “The theme is: get out and get wet. Explore your local liquid.
“I like helping people to be aware. So much of life we go through and we’re not aware of who or what is around us and what is right in front of us. Part of my mission is to help people become aware, and then to make that connection.”
For workshop participants, a mask and snorkel is essential and having a wetsuit or drysuit will allow more comfort and longer immersion time. Children with adult supervision are welcome.
People can contact Brown at 604.414.7883, or by email at amphibiographer@hotmail.com. For examples of Brown’s video work, go to amphibiographer.tv, and for still photos, they can go to terrylbrown.com.
“Water is a magical mystery place,” said Brown.
