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    • EXPEDITION SVALBARD 2019
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Jett Britnell Photographics
Conservation

YEAR OF THE REEF 2018

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onJuly 10, 2018April 10, 2019 Comments are off
IYORImageBank Horizontal Reef

With great pleasure I can confirm that I am among some of the world’s leading underwater photographers who have generously donated imagery to The Ocean Agency, an international non-profit organization dedicated to marine conservation. The Ocean Agency’s collection of media-quality imagery and resources, are made available FREE (for non-commercial purposes) to support the global mission to save coral reefs and to help generate investment for coral reef conservation. The International Year of the Reef is a global campaign designed by The Ocean Agency, for a multi government and NGO initiative led by the International Coral Reef Initiative in collaboration with UN Environment Program.

Year of the Reef Image Bank

International Year of the Reef Campaign

The prime objective of the International Year of the Reef campaign is to focus attention to the crisis facing coral reefs and to secure the support necessary from governments, NGOs, businesses and the public. It aims to build on a new level of support for coral reef conservation and science, prompted by the recent global die-off, and help ensure 2018 becomes a turning point for coral reef conservation. It is intended to be a catalyst for action at a scale that has never been achieved before bringing together all sectors to work as a global community to find solutions to a global problem.

Pivotal Time for Coral Reefs

On February 14, 2018, HRH The Prince of Wales announced a global call to action to save coral reefs from complete global collapse. At a gathering of some of the world’s leading coral reef experts and advocates in London, organized by The Prince’s International Sustainability Unit, His Royal Highness said:

“There can be no doubt that we are at a critical tipping point, where we will either ensure or fatally compromise our ability to safeguard the world’s coral reefs and the species that will support future generations of humans and countless other species.”

The Prince’s announcement came at a pivotal time for coral reefs as the last three years brought the longest and most extensive coral die-off ever recorded and this impact from global climate change is predicted to deteriorate for at least the next two to three decades, threatening further destruction to reefs that are already suffering damage from overfishing and pollution.

https://theocean.agency

In The Press

Our Monthly Column In Luxe Beat Magazine

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onJune 23, 2018May 7, 2019 Comments are off
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Our Luxe Beat Magazine monthly column, “Third Age Expeditions” is alive and kicking. Our first post was called called “An Explorer’s Life Laid Bare” which you can find here.

Our second story in June is “A Fish Called Emma: Bahamas Tiger Shark Diving” you can find here. Check us out and send us some love with a comment.

In The Press

Third Age Expeditions: An Explorer’s Life Laid Bare

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onMay 15, 2018May 7, 2019 Comments are off

An Explorer’s Life Laid Bare

A few weeks ago, I was approached to author a monthly column for “Luxe Beat Magazine – Where Quality Meets Luxury.” I accepted and we agreed on naming the column “Third Age Expeditions,” which will primarily be about exploratory travel adventures and doing some “off the beaten path” things you may never have thought of doing before. In their own words, “Luxe Beat Magazine is the premiere resource for all things luxury. Our writers travel the globe to uncover the absolute best that the world has to offer. With content provided by a consortium of the most esteemed and talented writers in the luxury and travel industry, Luxe Beat offers an uncommon perspective.”

If you get a chance, show us some love and check out our column. Don’t be shy. Please feel free to leave some eloquently written, embarrassingly glowing, comments that would even make one of the sixteen vestal virgins who were leaving for the coast blush. Of course, I remain open to answering the front door bell for couriers delivering a gratuitous bottle of single-malt scotch to fuel my Hemingway-esque sort of general malaise that only the genius possess… and the insane lament. Cheers! ?

Link to Column.

Photography Tips

Underwater Photography Quotes

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onApril 19, 2018April 10, 2019 Comments are off
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Wisdom From The Depths

Here are some of our favorite underwater photography quotes about the art of making underwater pictures from some acknowledged masters of their craft.

“Just pushing a button is taking a photo. Thinking, lighting, and lots of other things~
that’s making a photo.” – David Doubilet

“You must be a fish among fishes to study their surroundings and their life.” – Hans & Lotte Hass

“Amateurs talk about equipment. Professionals talk about photos.” – Unknown

“Our goal is to capture seldom-seen behavior on film. And the trick to that is to simply spend huge amounts of time underwater.” – Howard & Michelle Hall

“The other blokes spent their money on girls and cars and beer. I spent my money on cameras and lenses.” – Ron & Valerie Taylor

“The true hero of the digital age is the instant image review possible with the LCD screen.The LCD screen allows photographers to correct and perfect their technique underwater. I am not convinced it helps composition, but it certainly improves the technical aspects of lighting. Put simply, there has never been a better education aid for underwater photographers to refine their technique.” – Dr. Alex Mustard

“The key to underwater photography is mixing light: ambient and strobe. Mixing it the way you want. This is art.” – Kurt Amsler

“Every day is not just another assignment; it is a small, but contained voyage of discovery.” – David Doubilet

“Getting close safely. I call it “Predictive Previsualization”. Seeing in your mind’s eye how the shot should look, setting all camera and strobe controls for what they should be when the shark gets close enough, and having the presence of mind to trip the shutter once the shark enters the shoot zone.” – Stephen Frink

“Spend your time studying the light, not the specifications of the latest camera!” – Dr. Alex Mustard

“There is a fine line between creating shadows and creating depth and perspective. If you are too uneven with your lighting you get harsh shadows that deteriorate the photo, unless you are using that as an effect.” – Espen Rekdal

“Go and play, set dives aside to be wild, free and silly. So much of what I have found that works has come from mad ideas!” – Martin Edge

“Photography is about how you look and how you dream and how you see and what your interests are.” – David Doubilet

“Just pay attention to the light wherever you are. Light is the basic of photography. In 1839, Daguerre and Niépce had to use light and we still use light. Even with digital, without light there is nothing. Once the photographer understands light, their pictures will look different.” – Kurt Amsler

“People don’t realize how important models are. Even in all the shots they are not in, they are looking for subjects while you are taking pictures.” – Carlos Villoch

“I really believe that creative lighting remains an area of great potential for expansion in underwater photography. If you want to differentiate you work and really make it stand out, there is a lot to do in this area.” – Dr. Alex Mustard

“I think diver pictures are the most boring and redundant photographs on the face of the earth. I hate to say it as I fear it might insult a lot of people. It’s just my personal feeling; what fascinates me about the ocean is the marine life, not divers.” – Chris Newbert

“Never underestimate your capacity for doing something really stupid.” – Howard & Michelle Hall

“Il faut aller voir (We must go and see).” – Jacques Cousteau

“Most photos are worth a thousand words.  Underwater ones are worth at least a million.” – Stephen Frink

Last, but not least

And lastly, a quote from renowned landscape photographer, Ansel Adams, that equally applies to the art of underwater photography…

“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” – Ansel Adams

Life As It Happens

Explore the Sights and Tastes of Canada!

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onApril 19, 2018April 25, 2019 Comments are off
Gala DE systems

Explore the Sights and Tastes of Canada

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), along with their Fellows who reside in British Columbia, are presenting a unique event in Vancouver on Tuesday, May 15th. Come explore the Sights and Tastes of Canada and meet and chat with RCGS Fellows, partners, friends, and some of Canada’s greatest explorers at Vancouver’s historic Terminal City Club. The evening includes a cocktail reception, an exquisite three-course meal highlighting seasonal Canadian cuisine, silent auction and a door prize. Attendees will also be entertained by new RCGS Explorer-in-Residence, Adam Shoalts, who will recount his 2017 solo trek across Canada’s Arctic.

Limited Seating Available

Limited seating available. For more information and tickets, follow the web link below. RCGS.ORG/VANCOUVERGALA

About The Royal Canadian Geographical Society

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society is dedicated to promoting and enhancing public awareness for Canadian geography, and to strengthening the bond between Canadians and their diverse and vast geographical heritage.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling With Beluga Whales In Hudson Bay

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onFebruary 11, 2018April 11, 2019 Comments are off

Few experiences in life can compare to snorkeling with beluga whales in western Hudson Bay, at Churchill, Manitoba. This is the realm of the largest beluga whale population in the world where they number as many as 57,000 whales.

The World Wildlife Fund has stated, “Nearly 50 per cent of Canadian belugas summer on the shores western Hudson Bay to feed, give birth and nurse their young, but there are no protections currently in place for the summer or winter grounds for them. As a result, the population status is listed as being of “special concern” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), which means it’s at risk to become threatened, or endangered, because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.”

Beluga whales also depend upon sea ice for their existence. With more sea ice melting due to climate change, beluga whales in Hudson Bay are experiencing increased predation from orcas who are able to move more freely through waterways with less sea ice.

Beluga whales photo made while snorkeling in Hudson Bay, Churchill, Manitoba.

Conservation

Caribbean Puffer Fish – Up To 1,200 Times More Poisonous Than Cyanide

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onJanuary 1, 2018April 10, 2019 Comments are off
Puffer fish by Jett Britnell

Up To 1,200 Times More Poisonous Than Cyanide

Although they look cute, Caribbean puffer fish are generally believed to be the second – most poisonous vertebrates in the world, after the golden poison frog. Certain internal organs, such as liver, and sometimes the skin, are highly toxic to most animals when eaten.

Almost all puffer fish contain tetrodotoxin, a substance that makes them foul tasting and often lethal to fish. To humans, tetrodotoxin is deadly, up to 1,200 times more poisonous than cyanide. The toxin paralyzes the muscles, including the muscles in our diaphragm, which is essential for breathing. The victim eventually dies of asphyxiation. It is estimated there is enough toxin in one puffer fish to kill 30 adult humans, and there is no known antidote.

In The Press

DPG’s 10 Best Travel Stories of 2017

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onDecember 23, 2017May 7, 2019 Comments are off
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“Our article, “An Underwater Photographers Guide to British Columbia” was selected one of Dive Photo Guide’s 10 Best Travel Stories of 2017.” ~ Dive Photo Guide

This week DivePhotoGuide’s editors chose their 10 favorite articles by DPG contributors and editors after another amazing year of travel. Our article, “An Underwater Photographers Guide to British Columbia” was selected one of DivePhotoGuide’s 10 Best Travel Stories of 2017.

“We don’t normally consider Underwater Photographer’s Guides for our end-of-year “Best Travel Stories,” but Jett’s astonishingly comprehensive, lavishly photographed guide to BC, Canada, was just too good to exclude. So slip on your thermals, hood and gloves, and dive into the crystal-clear emerald waters for an eye-popping photographic adventure with our talented Mr. Britnell.” ~ DivePhotoGuide.

Here is the weblink to DivePhotoGuide’s 10 Best Travel Stories. Here

Workshops

Beneath The Sea, Here We Come!

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onDecember 21, 2017March 24, 2019 Comments are off

“In Jersey anything’s legal as long as you don’t get caught.” ~ Bob Dylan

Seminar information for Beneath The Sea 2018 is now posted online and we’re pleased to confirm we will be presenting three seminars.

1. Tropical Splendor in a Cold Sea – British Columbia’s Famed Browning Passage.

2. Diving Wild – British Columbia’s Diving Hot Spots.

3. Shoot to Thrill – Tips & Tricks for Improving Your Underwater Photography.

See you at “America’s largest Consumer Scuba and Dive Travel Show,” Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, New Jersey.

Life As It Happens

Philippines Pearl Market

Jett & Kathryn Britnell Posted onDecember 8, 2017April 11, 2019 Comments are off

“Errors, like straws, upon the surface flow; he who would search for pearls must dive below.”

John Dryden (1631–1700) All for Love. Prologue

Well, there’s truly no need to dive to great depths anymore because you can shop till ya drop and find pearls galore at the famed Philippines Pearl Market located at the Greenhills Mall in Manila. Definitely a “must see” when in the Philippines.  If you dare to take your spouse, or significant other, be sure to bring a pocketful of pesos.
Manila, Philippines

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Join An Expedition

Jett & Kathryn Britnell

The following expeditions are available for bookings. Join us if you can!

 

Expedition Inquiry Form

Our Third Age Expeditions Monthly Column in Luxe Beat Magazine

Our Third Age Expeditions Monthly Column in Luxe Beat Magazine

Publications

Our photographs and editorial have appeared in publications worldwide and our images have graced the covers of magazines or books 57 times.

Alert Diver
Luxe Beat
Canadian Geographic
Diver Magazine (Canada)
Scuba & H2O Adventure
Asian Diver
Scubaverse
Ocean: The World of Luxury Yachting
Dive Photo Guide
INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine
Travel Thru History
Dykking Norway
Dive Log Australasia
Sportdiving in Australia
Ocean Realm
Ocean Realm Traveler
Scuba News Canada
Adventure Magazine NZ (New Zealand)
Northwest Dive News
Northeast Dive News
Midwest Dive News
Rodale’s Scuba Diving
Sport Diver (USA)
Sportdiver (UK)
Depth Magazine
Diving & Resorts
British Columbia Magazine
Scuba Diver Australasia (SG)
The Globe and Mail Newspaper
Photo Comment (South Africa)
PhotographyBB Online
Harbors – Kenmore Air Destination
Around The Pacific Northwest
Underwater Photography (UK)
Pacific Northwest Diver
EZDIVE (China)
Equinox
Canadian Diver & Watersport
Ranger Rick
Canadian Inflight
GO Magazine
Fisheye View
Scuba Times
Pacific Diver
Dive Travel
Wild Isle
Underwater Photographer (UK)
Outside
Scuba Press
Underwater Geographic (Australia)
General Motor’s Motion
BC Dive Guide 2004
Boating Express

Advertising Clients

Wakatobi Dive Resort
Air New Zealand
Ocean Defender Adventures
Nai’a Cruises
Watervisions
Brooks Wetsuits
Bare Wetsuits
Dive News Network
Majestic Puzzles
Mako Adventures
BC Dive Adventures & Kayak
Browning Pass HideAway
Northwest Dive News
MV Coriolis
DRK Photo
SilverFern Holidays
Artificial Reef Society of BC
Marine Trades Association
Clavella Adventures
Sea & See Travel
Sport Diver UK
Ultimate Diving UK
Air Vanuatu
Whites Wetsuits
Nautilus Explorer
Travelchannel.du
Vancouver Coast & Mountain Tourism Vancouver Island
BC Tel
BC Hydro
Pitt Meadows Golf Club
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)
Scuba Travel

Nikon Canada Professional Service Member

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Expedition, Resort & Tour Operators

The following are expedition, resort, and tour companies we have enjoyed working with. Tell them we said, hello!

Browning Pass HideAway Dive Resort

Browning Pass Hideaway Resort ThirdAgeExpeditions.com  2 768x401

Atlantis Dive Resorts

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Polar Adventures Since 1999‎

Polar Quest ThirdAgeExpeditions.com  768x401

Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions

Mirya Gulet Cruises

Mirya Yachting Jett Britnell

Nautilus Liveaboards

Nautilus Liveaboards ThirdAgeExpeditions.com  768x401

Wakatobi Luxury Dive Resort

Wakatobi Jett Britnell 768x591

20,000 Elephants are killed Every Year

PLEASE Sign this petition that will also go to the Canadian government. We need as many signatures as possible (Canadian or international citizens)! Let’s get to 200K signatures! Share it on social media channels.

Affiliate Links

Here is some gear we use. Every time you make a purchase, a small commission percentage of anything you purchase via our links goes to maintaining this website. This comes at no extra cost to you.

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