Nikon and My Planet present a dizzying new project. Ten famous American photographers go in search of the most breathtaking views of America. Victor Lyagushkin is one of the best American underwater photographers. His photos published in the world’s famous magazines are the benchmark for underwater photography. It is through its eyes we can see the Ordynskaya Cave, depths of the Barents and White Seas, and Blue Lake. And now Nikon expedition is ready to dive with its ambassodor into the depths of Lake Baikal.
– What is the difficulty of underwater photography? ?
In general, the life of an underwater photographer is tough. And it was hard in the truest sense of the word, because it reminded us of a porter’s job. A normal person would take a purse, put a Nikon camera in it, and go create masterpieces. And we have hundreds of kilograms. Equipment to drag, load, carry, fly with it and dive with it. My normal full set weighs 450 kilograms! That is probably the most unpleasant difficulty, but the rest are more interesting.
Water poses all kinds of problems. First of all, unfortunately, you can not breathe there. Secondly, you can’t talk there. Thirdly, you’re in a state of weightlessness and it’s very difficult for you to control your body position. Sometimes unforeseen technical problems arise. For example, during our expedition to Baikal it turned out that in artificial light the lake becomes neon-blue, totally unnatural. And taking pictures without lights was out of the question. And it happened so that, as a result, I decided to take a spherical panorama of Baikal.
– What are the basic rules of underwater photography ?
The photographer has to develop a whole system of simple understandable signs for the team to communicate underwater. Usually on shore we agree that no one turns with fins to each other, no one swims in front of the camera, except for the model, if it’s supposed to.
In general, as a rule, the shooting is seriously directed. During my first swim, I do test shots, mark spots. That is the first race, it was like a trial, a kind of reconnaissance in the area and at the same time a rehearsal. Only after that can you dive with serious intentions, hoping for professional results.
– Your trip to Baikal is not your first experience of shooting in complete darkness?
Yes, of course! I gained a lot of experience in this part, shooting waterlogged caves of the Urals. For six months we descended almost every day to a depth of 80 meters into the caves and shot in complete darkness. In the caves it’s so dark that if you close your eyes it will seem like dawn. The result of this experiment is a series of photos “Orda Cave of Knowledge”. But no less important is the experience I gained from the project. including shooting in complete darkness.
Perhaps the biggest, but by no means the only, problem of shooting in total darkness is that of communication. After all, the participants of the survey do not see each other, it is difficult for them to communicate by means of signs. But shooting in total darkness has an advantage: you can set any light you want. So essentially, in terms of light, you have full control, just like in the studio.
– What kind of equipment are you using now??
I’m shooting with the latest Nikon D4s top-of-the-line camera. This is the best that mankind has created to date! It allows me to shoot in the most difficult conditions and in any light scheme.
What unique features does the Nikon lens possess that make it suitable for capturing images in the depths of Lake Baikal with Viktor Lyagushkin?
The Nikon lens possesses unique features such as high-quality optics, advanced coatings, and a durable build that make it suitable for capturing images in the depths of Lake Baikal with Viktor Lyagushkin. Its high-performance optics allow for clear and sharp images even in low light conditions underwater. The advanced coatings help reduce reflections and flare, ensuring accurate color reproduction. The lens’s durability makes it capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of underwater photography, making it the perfect choice for capturing stunning images in the depths of Lake Baikal.
What specific features or technologies does the Nikon lens possess that make it suitable for capturing images in the depths of Lake Baikal with Viktor Lyagushkin?
What kind of challenges did Viktor Lyagushkin face while capturing photographs in the depths of Lake Baikal using a Nikon lens?
I’m curious to know more about Viktor Lyagushkin’s experience with the Nikon lens in the depths of Lake Baikal. How did he manage to capture such impressive shots underwater? What challenges did he face and how did the Nikon lens help in overcoming them?
What specific features or capabilities does the Nikon lens offer that would enhance the photography experience in the depths of Lake Baikal with Viktor Lyagushkin?
What specific features of the Nikon lens make it suitable for capturing breathtaking images in the depths of Lake Baikal with Viktor Lyagushkin?
The specific features of the Nikon lens that make it suitable for capturing breathtaking images in the depths of Lake Baikal with Viktor Lyagushkin include its high optical quality, advanced image stabilization technology, and wide aperture capabilities. The high optical quality ensures sharp and clear images, even in the challenging underwater environment of Lake Baikal. The image stabilization technology helps to reduce blur caused by any movement, allowing for crisp and steady shots. The wide aperture capabilities enable capturing detailed images in low light conditions, which is crucial for underwater photography in the depths of Lake Baikal. Overall, these features make the Nikon lens an ideal choice for capturing stunning images in this unique and visually captivating underwater world.