Deep Dive: Inside Benjamin Von Wong's shipwreck photo shoot

The following is my subjective perception, and is, in no way, intended as an objective declaration of the work.

This project, while striking me as perhaps referential of the allegory Ophelia or siren tales, etc., does seem more rooted in simpler visual concerns for beauty via flowing hair, dresses, in the underwater environment. And that is beautiful and fine as a primary objective. But it fails, per my perspective, to be anything more than simple mannerism, a cliche - the same as underwater fashion shots. However, it would make a lovely set to be featured in a calendar or some such context.

Just gonna say it: this guy is so freakin aggravating that I can't even appreciate his photos because of it.

Simply put i'm sure many agree, these are images, not photos.

This is technically and practically amazing photography. Most certainly a lot of work and effort are put into such a project. I can surely appreciate the technical and practical side of it. But wheres the story in the images? What are they about?

I get the feeling that this is mostly about conquering photographic challenges.

As a keen and pretty experienced SCUBA diver interested in underwater photography I have at least some degree of appreciation of the complexity of setting up these shots. Particularly keeping the models safe in the process. Certainly way beyond what is involved in the usual swimming pool underwater fashion work (and even that is far from straightforward).

Regardless of whether you like the end result, this is challenging, complex and time consuming work. Personally I think the results are impressive and intriguing.

Impressive shots. Give a lot of credit to those models too.

That's what called professional photography! Something that takes significant effort and not some average Joe can reproduce in a heart beat!

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/08/21/artist-rolf-sachs-photo-series-inspired-by-train-travel-embraces-blur

I am reminded I left some clothes in the washer! Thanks.

Those models are most impressive, they have to hold their breath and wait for the photographer to adjust their settings and take test shots.... And everybody else has an oxygen tank but them, I see one photo where they are getting oxygen feed.

Not sure why he is using the d90 when he usually use a d800, must didn't have an underwater case for the d800.

What about cats...I don't think any member here suggested using cats in these dream like photos and underwater....

Yes, the cats will likely need sedation (they hate water) and judicious use of a breathing helmet...

I think the cats will definitely satisfy most opinions here....

:)

Not nearly as good as bird pics from the back yard feeder.

"I can do that but I don't wanna" - Bart Simpson.

Lol I wish! Beautiful Photos :)

Some of the conceptual stuff is what differentiates the artists from the photographers. This is brilliant.

Not impressive at all. If I had the equipment, the crew, the model, the skills, the shipwreck and the scubba diving lessons, I could've easily done that myself!
;)

*tongue in cheek*

Once again hard to tell which are more enjoyable, the photos or the comments;-)

Take one shipwreck. Add models and stir. Blend in another photographer photographing the photographer photographing the scene. Yield: One serving with no taste or nutritional value.

Brilliantly executed. The photos have a dream-like, surreal quality which is befitting the expressive mood he wanted to convey.

In an era when mindless snaps and selfies dominate the landscape, it is refreshing to see that there are folks who still believe that vision, creativity, and imagination enable photography to remain an unparalleled art form.

yawn

Beautiful indeed.

Masterful