Book Review: Wonders of the Reef by Stephen Frink

Exceptional introduction to underwater photography
Stephen Frink is one of the most experienced underwater photographers in the world and certainly the most published. Wonders of the Reef is a must-read for anyone interested in underwater photography. The book is divided into two sections. In part one, Photo Opportunities for the Dive Traveler, Stephen relates his experience and recommendations on dive spots in the Caribbean, Red Sea, Pacific, and elsewhere. Anywhere holding something interesting to photograph underwater, the author has been there, likely several times. This section of the book would be valuable to all divers, particularly those looking for their next travel destination. In part two, The Science of Underwater Photography, Stephen shares decades of experience in shooting underwater, covering technique as well as equipment. Advanced underwater shooters will find the level of instruction introductory but for most readers the content is right-on. Stephen has written hundreds of articles over the years on diving as well as photography, and his writing, as well as his photography of course, is exceptional. This book was published before the digital camera era really took off, so digital equipment is not covered here. However, that is minor and nearly everything he relates about lens selection, when to use a dome port, etc. is still valid. In addition to all of the above, Wonders of the Reef is also a coffee-table book with tremendous photographs. The pictures are wonderful, captioned well, and the book is superbly printed.

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