This year's Europa stamp series showcases the captivating underwater photography of Faroese photographic artist, Harald Bjørgvin. The collection features a stunning array of marine life and vegetation, marking the first time Harald's photographs have been selected for Posta stamps.
Harald shares his thoughts on underwater photography:
Diving into the underwater realm offers a unique perspective on nature's diversity and beauty. It's a world where the vibrancy of marine life coexists with the serene sway of seaweed forests. These scenes, ranging from bustling aquatic ecosystems to tranquil underwater landscapes, are not only captivating but also deeply moving.
While diving, I often take a large number of photos, typically ranging from 200 to 500. On a good day, I might capture one exceptional shot, and occasionally, I manage to get between 3 and 5 that are truly outstanding. My goal is always to snap an excellent photo from the start. The key elements include the lighting and the process of perfecting the images. Moreover, composition plays a crucial role. When using a flashlight, it's vital to ensure it has the right intensity and angle to capture the desired lighting effect. Equally important is maintaining a calm and gentle presence to avoid disturbing the marine environment.
Capturing an image that includes both above and below the water's surface was a matter of precise timing. The camera angle is crucial; it should be positioned slightly downward so that the waterline bisects the image near its centre. Lighting plays a pivotal role: the underwater portion needs to be adequately illuminated, while the light above the surface shouldn't be overpowering. This necessitated the use of a flashlight beneath the water's surface and careful adjustment of the camera settings to ensure the light intensity above the surface was just right. Fortunately, during this particular shot, the sunlight was gentle, greatly aiding the process. The photo should be crisp and detailed, capturing everything from the nearby seaweed to the more distant boathouse.
When capturing macro photos of nearby subjects, I meticulously search the surroundings for potential motifs. For more distant subjects, I switch to a wide-angle lens, focusing on capturing seascapes and seaweed patterns. In such scenarios, utilizing natural light proves beneficial. On sunny days, positioning myself higher in the water to harness the sun's rays for the photograph is particularly effective. The visual impact is striking as the sunlight filters through the water, highlighting the vibrant colours of the seaweed.
Near the shore, you'll typically encounter seaweed that clings to rocks or slabs. This type thrives in the shallows. As you venture into deeper waters, different seaweed varieties emerge. In places like Akkersvík, a rich tapestry of seaweed is visible, especially at low tide, with various types growing in close proximity, almost as if arranged by a landscaper. The seaweed varies greatly; some are frayed and worn, while others feature thick or slender fronds, with some so delicate they're nearly transparent. A notable feature of seaweed is its diverse color palette – hues of yellow, green, red, and brown. On sunny days, this kaleidoscope of colors in the shallow waters creates a dynamic, vibrant display.
Nudibranchs, a type of sea slug, stand out as some of the most vivid and striking inhabitants of the marine world. These shell-less gastropods move in a manner akin to snails. Their Faroese name, “bertákna,” (bare gills) is inspired by their exposed respiratory organs, the gills, situated towards the back on their spine. These creatures inhabit every ocean globally, ranging from the surface to depths exceeding 700 meters. To date, over 3,000 species of nudibranchs have been identified.
23 KR: Nudibranch Facelina bostoniensis. This image was captured at Inni á Sundi on May 19th, 2020. It features a nudibranch advancing towards the camera. The equipment used was a Nikon d810 with a 105mm lens, settings at f/25, 1/160 sec, ISO-500.
33 KR: Above/Underneath. Shot in Akkersvík at Hvítanes on June 7th, 2021, this photo presents a unique above-and-below perspective, highlighting seaweed and a boathouse. The photograph was taken using a Nikon d810 with a 14mm lens, set at f14, 1/160 sec, ISO-320.
Harald Bjørgvin
