2021-01-01 Scuba Diver

TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

Scuba diver swims Marlins and Sardines from Baja
with great white shark by Amos Nachoum
by Amos Nachoum
WHEN
WHEN December 2008
August 2002 WHERE
WHERE Baja California, Mexico
Coast of South Africa HOW
HOW Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III,
Nikon F5, 200mm lens 16mm lens
(f/4, 1/2000s) (f/4, 1/250s, ISO 400)

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Scalloped Hammerhead Shark MUSAatthew Meier
by Matthew Meier
Underwater Photographer
WHEN
February 2012 Ernie Brooks was one of
WHERE my inspirations, both in
Cocos Island, Costa Rica life and in underwater
HOW photography. His influence
Nikon D3, 24–70mm lens, on my career spanned from
Subal housing, Sea&Sea the Undersea class, which
YS-250 strobes he created at the Brooks Institute of
Photography, to his many kind words
52 | SDOP of encouragement during our meetings
later in life. I cherished the time spent
with Ernie and will miss him dearly.

TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

Bthlarockujgahckafcisahveswrniminmthineg
massive coral formations at
Dungeons and Dragons reef
by Matthew Meier

WHEN
February 2016
WHERE
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
HOW
Nikon D810, 15mm lens,
Subal housing
(f/4.5, 1/125s, ISO 400)

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California sea lions
swimming in the shallow
water near the rocky shoreline
by Matthew Meier

WHEN
October 2009
WHERE
Coronado Islands,
Baja California, Mexico
HOW
Nikon D3, 24mm lens
(f/5.6, 1/60s, ISO 400)



Alan LoHONG KONG
ADEX Speaker (2020, 2016–2019)

ADEX When I read the news that our mentor
AMBASSADOR had left us, it was like I’d lost a member
Macro Photography of the family. He was truly a “film”
underwater photographer. Thank
you for being a part of our lives and
always being ready to share. Rest
in Peace.

Pygmy seahorse
by Alan Lo

WHEN
December 2011
WHERE
Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
HOW
Canon EOS 5D Mark II,
100mm macro lens,
Seacam housing
(f/16, 1/200s, ISO 320)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

HUKenley Spiers

ADEX Speaker (2020, 2019)

Ernie’s influence is inexorably
imbued upon all of us who
pursue the art of black
and white underwater
photography. He was a great
inspiration to Christian Vizl,
who in turn was my greatest inspiration
for monochrome imagery. In his lifetime
and beyond, Ernie’s art will resonate
through the generations of underwater
photographers, whether they are
aware of it or not. All artists wish to be
immortalised through their work and
Ernie, without a doubt, will be one of
the few to achieve it.

Between two worlds
by Henley Spiers

WHEN
2018
WHERE
Baja California Sur, Mexiconesia
HOW
Nikon D850, 28–70mm lens,
Nauticam WACP-1, Nauticam housing
(f/8, 1/500s, ISO 500)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

JadeFRANCE Hoksbergen Larval Lionfish
by Jade Hoksbergen
ADEX Speaker (2020, 2019)
WHEN
Unfortunately, I never had 2019
the pleasure of meeting WHERE
Ernie Brooks II, and by all Cebu, Philippines
accounts of those who did, HOW
a pleasure is a particularly Nikon D7200, 60mm macro lens,
apt way to describe an Nauticam housing, Inon Z-240 strobes
encounter with this gentleman of the (f/22, 1/200s, ISO 320)
underwater community. His singular vision
and determination to show the art of the
oceans was truly inspirational, and
I can only dream of achieving the
same artistic conviction. A very sad
goodbye, Ernie.

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Puffer Design
by Jade Hoksbergen

WHEN
October 2019
WHERE
Montague Island,
New South Wales, Australia
HOW
Nikon D7200, 105mm macro lens,
Nauticam housing, Inon Z-240 strobes
(f/10, 1/320s, ISO 100)

AaronSINGAPORE Wong

ADEX Speaker (2020, 2010–2019)

ADEX AMBASSADOR
Photography/Ocean Citizen
ADEX VOICE OF THE OCEAN
Judge 2019

Where most saw just a vast ocean, you
saw a canvas on which you told your
stories. Where most saw just the sun,
you saw art in between light and
shadows. A pioneer, an educator, and
more importantly a true friend. Your
warmth and passion inspired all who met
you. I will cherish the wonderful times we
had around the world and will remember
your words of wisdom you gathered
through the decades. The Ocean and all
who love her will miss you.

The Beautiful Dance
by Aaron Wong

WHEN
2018
WHERE
Maldives
HOW
Nikon D5, 15mm lens,
Seacam housing
(f/9, 1/200s, ISO 200)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

SThoemCeitricmleesofyoLiufeju. st have to
stop and look around you...
by Aaron Wong

WHEN
June 2014
WHERE
Palau
HOW
Nikon D3, 10–17mm lens,
Seacam housing
(f/7.1, 1/180s, ISO 200)

AUSTRALIA Great Hammerhead Shark
by Michael Aw
Michael Aw
WHEN
ADEX Speaker (2020, 2010–2019) May 2015
WHERE
In your eyes, I see the light. Bimini, Bahamas
You have taught us to see HOW
colours between the black Nikon D800E, 15mm lens
and the white. In your eyes (f/20, 1/250s, ISO 800)
I see beauty, I see grace,
I see harmony, I see the Swimming in the
best of humanity. In your eyes I see joy, Jellyfish Lake
I see love, I see kindness, I see happiness by Michael Aw
ever after. We love you, Ernie. You are WHEN
the very best. Our world is beautiful but
it is more beautiful because of you. September 2019
WHERE
64
Jellyfish Lake, Palau
HOW

Nikon D5, 15mm lens
(f/18, 1/200s, ISO 200)

TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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Polychaete (bristleworms)
by Michael Aw

WHEN
September 2008
WHERE
Celebes Sea
HOW
Nikon D3, 16mm lens
(f/16, 1/125s, ISO 250)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

BUSeAcky Kagan Schott

ADEX Speaker (2020, 2018, 2017)

Ernie Brooks was not
only a kind person, but he
inspired so many of us to
push our own personal
creative boundaries and
strive to really capture the
places we love. His encouragement will
never be forgotten, and his legacy will
live on forever with those who had the
privilege of knowing him.

On the wreck of the Cornelia
B. Windiate in Lake Huron
by Becky Kagan Schott

WHEN
July 2020
WHERE
Michigan, USA
HOW
Nikon D850, 15mm lens,
Aquatica Digital housing,
Light & Motion Sola Pro 15000
(f/8, 1/160s, ISO 400)

Whale Shark TYAoIWrAkN o Summer
by Yorko Summer
ADEX Speaker (2020, 2014–2017)
WHEN
August 2019 ADEX Most people can appreciate the world
WHERE AMBASSADOR of colour, but only a few can see the
Derawan, Indonesia delicate levels of black and white. Many
HOW Photography will never forget the presentations
Sony a7R Mark III, 8–15mm lens Ernie gave and how he shared so
(f/4.5, 1/160s, ISO 250)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

generously. Through the ADEX shows, Just breathe – you will never
I was fortunate enough to meet Ernie a experience this moment again
number of times, and the conversations by Yorko Summer
I had with him were always inspiring.
I will miss him. WHEN
October 2014
WHERE
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
HOW
Canon EOS 5D Mark III,
8–15mm lens
(f/8, 1/200s, ISO 250)

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Moments with a humpback
mother and calf
by Yorko Summer

WHEN
September 2019
WHERE
Vavau, Tonga
HOW
Nikon D800E, 16mm lens
(f/7.1, 1/160s, ISO 220)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

AUSAmanda Cotton

ADEX Speaker (2019, 2018, 2015)

Ernie touched the lives
of many through his
extraordinary use of black
and white imagery to tell
a story and connect on an
emotional level, but it was
his kind heart and gentle soul that made
the biggest impact on all of us. We will
miss you dearly, Ernie.

Silky shark of Cuba
by Amanda Cotton

WHEN
January 2017
WHERE
Cuba
HOW
Nikon D800, 10–17mm lens
(f/11, 1/100s, ISO 1000)



Orcas on my mind...
by Amanda Cotton

WHEN
November 2016
WHERE
Norway
HOW
Nikon D800, 24mm lens
(f/1.6 1/125s, ISO 2500)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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School for days at Cocos
by Amanda Cotton

WHEN
October 2015
WHERE
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
HOW
Nikon D7000, 8–15mm lens
(f/7.1, 1/125s, ISO 250)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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RFReENnCHePeOLCYNaESpIAozzola A green sea turtle takes a
dive beneath the surface at sunset
ADEX Speaker (2020) by Renee Capozzola

In 2018, I had the pleasure WHEN
of meeting Ernie on the August 2016
Ocean Geographic Elysium WHERE
Heart-of-the-Coral-Triangle Maui, Hawaii
Expedition. Familiar with HOW
Ernie’s beautiful black and Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 16-35mm lens,
white photography beforehand, I was Nauticam housing, Sea&Sea YS-D2 strobes
thrilled to hear we would be on the (f/18, 1/200s, ISO 400)
same boat together. Not only did Ernie
share his photography tips with us, but
he also livened up the dinner table each
night with his amazing life stories and his
photography notecards as personal gifts.
After meeting Ernie, I was truly inspired
and converted some of my colour images
to black and white.

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A couple of cuttlefish PITaALsYquale Vassallo
in the Gulf of Naples
by Pasquale Vassallo ADEX Speaker (2020, 2016)

WHEN To Ernie, with love and
November 2018 admiration and in
WHERE appreciation: Only Ernest
Gulf of Naples, Italy could convey what he saw
HOW underwater, the way he did.
Canon EOS 5DS R, His photography was all
8–15mm lens about the quality of light. His images were
(f/16, 1/80s, ISO 200) instantly recognisable as being his work
because of the unique way he could
conjure up an image in black and white.

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BAUrSeTRtAtLIALobwein

ADEX Speaker (2020, 2017 - 2019)

Like many underwater
photographers, I was
deeply inspired by Ernie’s
images. They create a
emotional connection that
goes right into your soul.
I was lucky enough to shoot with Ernie
in the Arctic and the Coral Triangle for
the Elysium Epic series. Those moments
shooting sunrises and sunsets with Ernie
sharing advice and stories of his life are
something I will never forget. My camera
will never stay in its housing between
dives again thanks to Ernie inspiring
me to always be ready for that single
moment to press the shutter. RIP my
dear friend.

I remember Ernie coming back
to the boat after diving on this
reef with the biggest smile on
his face and he couldn’t stop
saying ‘how beautiful’

Peak hour on the reef
by Brett Lobwein

WHEN
October 2018
WHERE
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
HOW
Nikon D850, 8–15mm lens
(f/7.1, 1/125s, ISO 250)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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Silky Sharks
by Brett Lobwein

WHEN
February 2016
WHERE
Gardens of the Queen, Cuba
HOW
Nikon D7200, 10–17mm lens
(f/10, 1/200s, ISO 100)



GERMANY

Gerald Nowak

ADEX Speaker (2020, 2019)

A great underwater
photographer has
passed away. He shaped
the scene with his
extraordinary black and
white photographs and
interpretations of the underwater
world. He influenced many of us with
his works and showed us that not
only the colours of the sea, but above
all the shapes and structures of the
underwater world impress us people
who live on land. I wish Ernie a fantastic
time in this new world that he is now
immersed in.

The European sturgeon (Acipenser
sturio), also known as the Atlantic
sturgeon or common sturgeon, is
one of the largest of its genus
by Gerald Nowak

WHEN
July 2019
WHERE
Bayern, Germany
HOW
Nikon D850, 15mm lens
(f/13, 1/160s, ISO 200)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)
hang out in the water together
by Gerald Nowak

WHEN
April 2019
WHERE
Mauritius
HOW
Nikon D850, 15mm lens
(f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 100)

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

A tope shark circling
a huge baitball
by Gerald Nowak

WHEN
September 2019
WHERE
Azores, Portugal
HOW
Nikon D850, 15mm lens
(f/8, 1/250s, ISO 400)

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SMAhLDaIVfErSaz Naeem Manta Ray
by Shafraz Naeem
ADEX Speaker (2020, 2014 – 2018)
WHEN
I have always been 2015
fascinated by the work of WHERE
Ernie Brooks and it was an Ari Atoll, Maldives
honour to finally meet him HOW
at ADEX 2017 for the first Nikon D300, 10–17mm lens,
time. We kept in touch and Nauticam housing, Zen mini dome,
he always gave me advice whenever Inon Z-240 strobes
I asked him. He always told me, “Shaff, (f/5, 1/100s, ISO 200)
be yourself, and take photos the way
you want to without any rules.”

Elementary photography is many things to many
people. For me it has been a vehicle to new lands,
a medium for self-expression, and a gateway to
adventure. It has always been part of my life

ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

SUKteve Jones

ADEX Speaker (2014)

They say a picture
is worth a thousand
words. Yet, a
conversation about
imagery with Ernie was
worth so much more,
revealing knowledge beyond that
of countless books. I will always
remember this kind, gentle man’s
willingness to share what he knew
as he imparted snippets of priceless
wisdom like gifts to the keen
listener. He was truly a master.
He will be greatly missed.

The largest fish in the sea and
one of my favourite animals,
the gentle whale shark
by Steve Jones

WHEN
October 2019
WHERE
Cenderawasih Bay, Papua,
Indonesia
HOW
Nikon D700, 16mm lens,
Seacam 150D strobes
(f/8, 1/160s, ISO 400)

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BUSrAet Gilliam Exploring ship and plane
wrecks
ADEX Speaker (2020) by Bret Gilliam

I was privileged to meet WHEN
Ernie Brooks nearly 50 years October 2005
ago in 1971. We shared a WHERE
common interest in using Solomon Islands
black and white film to HOW
capture certain photos and Nikon D100, 12mm lens
he was a valued mentor and lifelong (f/5, 1/200s)
friend. Ernie was an inspiration to all
who knew him, and his legacy will live
on forever. Fair winds and following
seas, ol’ buddy.

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

Mother and calf humpbacks
by Bret Gilliam

WHEN
2017
WHERE
Tonga
HOW
Nikon, Subal housing

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

Whale shark in Triton Bay
by Bret Gilliam

WHEN
February 2015
WHERE
Triton Bay, Indonesia
HOW
Nikon, Subal housing

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

The Presence DSRIhLAaNrKsAhana Jayawardena
by Dharshana Jayawardena
ADEX Speaker (2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015)
WHEN
August 2010 As an underwater
WHERE photographer, I have always
Baa Atoll, Maldives sought to give life to my
HOW pictures using colour. But
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, seeing Ernest H. Brook’s
15mm lens amazing underwater photos
(f/6.3, 1/25s, ISO 100) inspired me to think of the ocean in black
and white. I realised that by stripping the
colour away, I could lay bare the very
soul of a picture. Thank you, Ernie, for
this valuable lesson!

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TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY ERNEST H. BROOKS II

MMAoLDhIVEaSmed Seeneen Whale shark and manta rays
swimming in crystal-clear
ADEX Speaker (2020, 2019) waters near the surface
at Derawan
This is an image I shot by Mohamed Seeneen
during the last few days of
manta season at Hanifaru WHEN
Bay, Maldives on December August 2019
12, 2020. The whale shark WHERE
made a dramatic entrance Hanifaru Bay, Maldives
as the mantas were getting ready for HOW
a feeding frenzy. I would like to join Sony ILCE-7RM3,
everyone who is remembering a legend (f/4.5, 1/160s, ISO 200)
and dedicate this image to Ernie. If
you look at his remarkable images long
enough, you can almost sync into that
special moment and you would never
want to leave. There is so much depth,
clarity and peace captured in those
moments. That’s what I see in
Ernie’s work.

Spot for Ernie MUSAary Sayre
by Mary Sayre
ADEX Speaker (2020, 2019)
WHEN
2019 I was very honoured to paint
a commission for Ernie Brooks.
“Spot” is a famous photograph
taken by Ernie which hangs in
seven museums in the world.
I painted “Spot” with acrylics
on black marble and tried to capture the
movement of the kelp, the sweet personality
of Spot and Ernie’s light.

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MonicaMALAYSIA Chin Always Look Up
by Monica Chin
ADEX Speaker (2018–2020)
WHEN
Ernie Brooks told me: “Always look September 2019019
up, keep doing all your awesome WHERE
work and inspire more people like Dinawan Island,
how I inspired you. I love you and Sabah, Malaysiaabah
never give up on our ocean.” HOW
Olympus Tough TG-4
(f/8, 1/640s, ISO 100)

Ernie and me I was destined to
by Monica Chin spend my life doing
what was meant to be
WHEN
ADEX Singapore, 2018 ERNEST H. BROOKS II

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