Hi all

[CamDiver]

Hi everyone,
I have just joined and have posted some background info about me on the main web site forum.

I've basically worked as an underwater camera operator for the past 16 years in places such as Florida, Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Mexico, South Africa and Belize (amongst others). Given my work I'll be planning to frequent these pages in the near future as I am also in the process of returning to the UK in accordance with a professional obligation.

I look forward to chatting about all things British Marine.

Cheers,
Mark Thorpe a.k.a. CamDiver

[aeshna5]

Welcome to the forum- you've worked in some great places.

Look forward to posts from you- I'll admit marine life is an area of natural history I don't know much about, but love looking at it!

[Za]

Hi CamDiver, welcome. Sounds like you have a very interesting and fun job! Most people can only dream of going to those places, never mind being paid to go diving there!
I`m sure you will enjoy it here almost as much
Look forward to learning a bit about whats in our seas.
Za

[CamDiver]

Thanks for the warm welcomes. Not sure where I'll be starting but a friend of mine who works in the UK has just finished a short film, and won a few awards for it, on Pike. Most of the filming was done in a quarry called Stoney Cove. I'll see if I can dig out a few more details and post them here in due course.

Again, thanks.
Mark.

[Goosegogs]

Welcome to the forums.
I should have started diving etc when I did my aquatic degree, though didn't get round to it. Still, plenty of life for me to look at on the seashore
I think that a number of invertebrates are so beautiful - the symmetry, elegance of "simple" life forms - anemones, jellyfishes,....
Whereabouts do you expect to be based?

[Jez]

Hi CamDiver i couldn't seem to find your introduction on the Hello Forum? So A Hello here from me! It's A Fab job that you do. I'm always amazed how wildlife camera pepes deliver those fantastic close ups esp. when it comes to dangerous animals it's like how on earth. I bet you manage to do the same? Look very much forward to your adventures on WAB wherever they maybe!!! All the Best-Jez

[naturelover]

hi camdiver a warm welcome to you from me,enjoy.

[CamDiver]

Wow, thanks for the warm welcome. I'm basically looking to be based anywhere around the Bristol area as in the world of Natural History filming that seems to be the Industry hub. The BBC Natural History Unit (all those wonderful nature productions are put together there) and many support production entites have chosen that area for their base so I guess it only makes sense I look around that area.

Using achromatic diopter lenses, close up lenses, I can get to film wildlife that would otherwise evade my eyes. Pygmy seahorses etc which are no bigger than your little finger nail, to get them full frame on an HD camera is very rewarding.

Thanks all.
Mark.

[Goosegogs]

Sounds good to me.
Look forward to your contributions and pictures

[galanthus]

Wow, what a fab way to earn a living. Looking forward to your posts etc. Welcome

[CamDiver]

galanthus,
I still have bills to pay, but I wouldn't ever change the way I work to pay them!!

I feel I am a very lucky man to be able to say that.
Cheers,
Mark.