Subject:
A small shoal of Whitetip Soldierfish (Myripristis vittata) is gathering in an underwater cavern system under the watchful pallial eyes of a Variable Thorny Oyster (Spondylus varians).
The Variable Thorny Oyster cements itself horizontally to the stony wall of the obscure underwater cave. The row of pallial eyes must be very sensitive to light changes and motion, as this scallop is mostly found in a dark habitat. The mechanics of the Variable Thorny Oyster’s eyes is full detail explained in our vlog post number 45 (link on bottom of this post). The Whitetip Soldierfish have like all Holocentridae members (squirrelfish), developed over the course of evolution big and sensitive eyes that they can use in a low-light habitat. The anatomy of the eyes of fish living in dark environments is fully explained in our blogpost number 81 (link on bottom of this post).
Usually, the soldierfish are moving slowly and seemingly relaxed in their environment, but the bright luminescence of my underwater video lights make the shoal move more nervously than normal. The oyster isn’t perceiving my lights as a threat and therefore hasn't closed its two protective shells. The shell of the Variable Thorny Oyster has been overgrown with exactly the same items, structure, and life forms as the entire inside of this submerged grotto, so that once closed, the shell would look exactly the same as the rocks and walls. No living creature would be able to detect the well-camouflaged scallop in this dark and hidden environment.
Technique:
To create or enhance the vibes of the dark and mysterious underwater cave system, I added a few simple tricks to this short underwater video clip. It is always the goal in cinematography to create an atmosphere so that the viewer can relate himself to the portrayed environment of the film.
In order to fully immerse the viewer in the eerie depths of the underwater cave, meticulous attention was paid to every auditory and visual detail. First and foremost, selecting the right music was paramount. I sought a composition that echoed the obscure and enigmatic nature of the underwater cave, opting for deep, resonant tones and subtle melodies that evoke a sense of mystery and apprehension. Additionally, I layered in background sounds akin to those a scuba diver might encounter on a reef: the distant murmur of aquatic life, the gentle sway of underwater currents, all tinged with an eerie silence that amplifies the sense of isolation within the cave's depths.
To further augment the auditory experience, a reverberant sound effect was applied to both the music and background sounds. This manipulation imbued the audio with an otherworldly quality, as if the sounds were echoing off the cavernous walls of the underwater chamber, enveloping the viewer in a sense of vastness and depth.
As for the visual elements, a subtle yet impactful vignette was overlaid onto the footage. This technique darkened the edges of the frame, drawing the viewer's focus towards the center while simultaneously heightening the sense of enclosure and claustrophobia within the cave. Combined with the reverberating soundscape and carefully selected music, this vignette served to further intensify the overall atmosphere, plunging the viewer into the murky depths of the underwater world with a palpable sense of foreboding and intrigue.
Filming location:
This short underwater videoclip has been filmed in Mauritius 🇲🇺
More about this topic:
For an in-depth description about the Variable Thorny Oyster please visit vlog posts 45 or click on this link: https://www.beyondscuba.com/post/the-variable-thorny-oyster
For an in-depth description about the mechanics of the eyes of fish living in an obscure environment please visit vlog posts 81 or click on this link: https://www.beyondscuba.com/post/the-eye-of-the-glasseye-heteropriacanthus-cruentatus
For additional information about the Whitetip Soldierfish please visit our vlog post number 167 or click the following link: https://www.beyondscuba.com/post/a-shoal-of-soldierfish-myripristis-vittata
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