As the clock struck twelve, thousands of hard-core lobster-hunting divers invaded many popular California dive sites on the night lobster season opened, either by crashing through the surf or by jumping off boats in search of that oh-so-delicious crustacean, the California spiny lobster. For some, this invasion proved rewarding, but for many others, myself included, we returned home holding an empty game bag and perhaps the memory of the big one that got away. In my days of a wannabe lobster hunter, I unfortunately came up short more times than not. Perhaps it was poor technique, location, water conditions, or simply “dumb luck.”
After washing up on a beach after another unsuccessful lobster dive, I decided it was time for a change. I packed up my game bag, dive light, and lobster gauge and exchanged them for my underwater camera. Since then, I have had more success capturing interesting images of these fascinating crustaceans than I ever had of physically catching them. Here is how it’s done:
Where: I cannot answer this question for certain, but lobsters may be found in a number of different locations and depths. However, rocky reef areas, rock quarries, and breakwaters seem to be quite popular lobster hangouts.
Camera: A SLR in a housing with a macro lens attached seems to work best. However, an underwater photographer may be successful photographing lobster utilizing an extension tube and framer, or a close-up kit with an understanding of the equipment’s limitations
Lighting: Since lobsters may be found under ledges and in holes in the reef, I prefer using small strobes to photograph them. Smaller strobes allow for greater flexibility in positioning the strobe(s) in cramped quarters. In some instances, one strobe might be all an underwater photographer might be able to use in such tight quarters. However, never underestimate the value of a second strobe for controlling shadow detail when the opportunity permits itself.