Robert's Ramblings

If your are starting to suffer RSI from removing backscatter from your images then you might like to look at this tutorial by Daniel Brown of http://www.downloadculture.com.

In his article Daniel provides an Adobe Action which largely automates the process. There is still some work required hence the need to watch the video tutorial at http://www.downloadculture.com/uw/bs2007.html

To do this yourself you will need a copy of Daniel's Actions, http://www.downloadculture.com/uw/backscatter.zip

I have spent a little time now with this tool and it is very effective for some kinds of images. It is especially useful for silhouettes where the backscatter is not mixed in with the detail. If there is a lot of detail where the backscatter exists then it's back to the old tools such as the clone stamper or the healing brush ... and the RSI!

Until the next post, take care out there and keep diving ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

This photograph taken of a clutch of Anemone Fish eggs clearly shows a bunch of youngsters patiently awaiting their escape into the world. These eggs were attached to a smooth rock on top of which was large Anemone along with doting parents.

When I took this photo the detail was not evident. Later on it was obvious how much detail there was in the developing babies. I have included a detailed close-up of a small section which really emphasise this. Next time I come across a clutch of eggs like this I plan on taking macro images.





So where are Mum and Dad? Jennifer was fighting them off while I took this photograph!

Until the next post, take care out there and keep diving ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

Photo: Robert Rath C5060WZ 1/90s at f/8 ISO100, Inon D2000 Strobe

The small coastal township of Edithburgh in South Australia hosts one of the world's best jetty dives. It comes as no surprise to me that it is here I did my very first dive as a newly certified open water diver on the 23rd of February 1990 and to this day it remains my favourite dive.

I have lost count of how many dives I have done here now but still it never gets boring. On almost every dive (where I am not teaching) I see something new, take better photographs than the time before or just experience being in this very special place as an absolute privilege. When I am teaching I am reminded of the thrill and exhilaration of experiencing this world for the first time.

This photograph of a Black Cowrie on one of the jetty pylons is typical of the beauty here. Ascidians, sponges and algaes abound covering every available surface. The fact that this image was taken earlier this year is testimony to the respect and care divers afford this site. As for describing the other marine life to be found here, I'll just say come and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed and you will be back for sure, many times over!

Until the next post, take care out there and keep diving ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

Photo: Robert Rath C5060 1/15s at f/2.8 ISO200 Inon UWL100-28AD Lens, Natural Light

As I see it there are two main problems with the idea of 'best practice'. They are suitability and mediocrity.

... to read more please visit my complete article is 'best practice' really best? at innovation mentor.

The Wavy Grubfish, Parapercis haackei is endemic to Southern Australian inshore waters and found on rocky reefs and sandy/rubbly bottoms. A wonderful place to see these cute little critters is of course under and around Edithburgh jetty. Simply rest gently on the sand for a few minutes and you will soon fine at least two or three coming to check you out.

This photo is a classic example of one of the macro photographer's most challenging problems and also most creative tool - depth of field. You will see that in this photo both the mouth and gills are out of focus with a very narrow field of focus through the eyes. Although the depth of field is very narrow, as long as the eyes are in focus the whole picture works. This leaves a wonderful expanse of colour with no detail - negative space, to contrast the subject image.

Until the next post, take care out there and keep diving ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

Photo: Robert Rath C7070WZ 1/60s at f/4.8 ISO100, Lens Inon UCL165AD Macro Lens, Natural Light

Have you ever found yourself in a business meeting and from nowhere comes an idea which may have some value but is not in keeping with the current conversation? How often have you simply made a mental note to yourself to remember it for later?

Did you?

... to read more please visit my complete article 'ideas - get rid of them as fast as you can' at 'innovation mentor'.

Until the next post, take care out there and keep being creative ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

I bet you didn't know that Jennifer's a telented muso too! Here's a link to her and Paul's new dance track. Listen and review it at www.mp3.com.au and download it free!

You can also read about Paul (aka the Krakafaktri) and listen to this tune and others of his at the krakafaktri.

Please feel free to give feedback!

Until the next post, take care out there and keep on singing, dancing and writing tunes. ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

While recently watching someone playing solitaire during their lunch break I found myself wondering if this was a healthy break from the job, a sign of problematic undercurrents or just a mindless addiction. This got me thinking ...

... to read more please visit my complete article do people play solitaire at your work? at innovation mentor.

Until the next post, take care out there and keep play solitaire ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

It is wonderful and often surprising the events which unfold when you ask questions! In this case the question was 'what crab is that?' At first I thought through photo's on the web that this little guy was called Cryptodromia octodetata. I then discovered that the scientists decided back in 2003 that they got the genus wrong and renamed him Austrodromidia octodentata. Either way, 'Sponge Crab' will do nicely.

In the process of asking 'what crab is that?', I stumbled upon Google Book Search and found this awesome book dedicated to Southern Australian crabs,

'Marine Decapod Crustacea of Southern Australia By Gary C. B. Poore, Shane T. Ahyong, CSIRO'.

Just click on this link to browse the actual book on-line. Very cool!

Keep an eye out for this guy next time you dive. If you see one she will probably be adorned with a huge sponge or ascidian cap. If you are really lucky you might find her brooding a clutch of live young too!


Until the next post, take care out there and keep diving ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

Photo: Robert Rath C7070WZ 1/45s at f/4 ISO100, Lens Inon UCL165AD Macro Lens, Natural Light

A truly powerful wiki comes from enthusiastic participation of all the users in a wiki community. The diverse nature of that community, however, means that participation by all almost never happens! ...

... to read more please visit my complete article making wiki's work - part 1 at innovation mentor.

Until the next post, take care out there and keep wikiing ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

The last 6 weeks has seen a dramatic change to the water temperature over in Edithburgh. I mean really dramatic! Six weeks ago I recorded 12C degrees and this weekend we recorded 18C. That's 1C per week. Winter is officially over!

Sadly I was not able to take any photographs this trip as I had a very large class of new divers who I will add are all now certified open water divers. Congratulations to Belinda, Sandi, Peter, Jenni, Claire, Harry, Cherrie, Scott, Kerry and Dave. Welcome to a whole new world of scuba diving! Thanks also to Brent for racing around keeping everyone under control and to Jennifer for being the wonderful host she always is and for posing for this photo taken back in May.

Until the next post, take care out there and keep diving ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

Photo: Robert Rath C5060 1/180s at f/2.8 ISO100 Inon UWL100-28AD Lens

I believe ideas are far more abundant than we realise. Many of us have simply stopped offering them. Others seem more resilient. Ask yourself ... If you are still interested you can read my full article at 'Ideas are Abundant, Dont Ignore Them'

Robert Rath - http://www.innovation-mentor.com

Well done Jennifer on bringing http://www.wordsworx.com back to life!

No longer just another web based flyer. The site has been transformed into a blog centric podium for Jen to woo with her wordly wisdom ( www )

Check out her first words here! 'mark my words'

I recently came across this little gem of a Microsoft HotFix description.

Update for Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 (KB953432)
Brief Description

This update (KB953432) resolves an issue where Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 behaves unexpectedly in some circumstances.

Now that sounds like a politician speaking to me! See more at http://www.innovation-mentor.com

This stunning image is something nearly every South Australian diver has seen, especially in and around our local jetties. Have you guessed yet what it is? Meet Coscinasterias muricata.

The Eleven-armed Sea Star is the largest sea star you will find in South Australian coastal waters and is very common. The next time you come across one, take a close look and you will find the upper surface of this sea star is covered in small spines. These spines are called pedicellariae and they can be manipulated like tiny claws to either catch food or ward off predators.

Pretty scary from this vantage point!

Until the next post, take care out there and keep diving ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert

Photo: Robert Rath C5060 1/60s at f/8 ISO100, Lens Inon UCL165AD Macro Lens, Inon D2000 Strobe