Photo Samples
Wet Look Gets a New Look: Kodak Sea Processing
Brings Underwater Photographic Prints to Life with Digital Technology
ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 15 - For too long underwater photos have
been, well, simply all wet.
Inherent problems with underwater images meant traditional optical
processing often produced prints with exaggerated green or blue
tints. In addition, the images frequently appeared blurry and
underexposed. A new processing service from Eastman Kodak Company
is about to change all that.
Appropriately called Kodak Sea Processing, the patented photofinishing
process uses a blend of digital and traditional silver halide
technology to optimize underwater prints, putting the same life
and color in the print that the photographer saw on the dive.
Kodak Sea Processing will be available through select North American
dive specialty shops in mid-June.
"We believe it's time for divers to have photos that really
capture what they see underwater. Kodak Sea Processing produces
photos that 'pop,' changing underwater images from boring to brilliant,"
said Rick Voight, Manager, Business Development, Consumer Imaging,
US, Eastman Kodak Company. "The time has also arrived for
dive stores to take part in the growing imaging business, and
this service offers them a terrific entrée."
Underwater photography presents a number of challenges. The water
tends to filter out reddish tones, an effect that worsens at greater
depths and distances. In addition, underwater light is often less
than ideal for picture taking.
Traditional photo processing has sought to remedy these problems
with filters and other light corrections with mixed results. The
traditional approach is often expensive, time consuming and varies
greatly with different labs. The correction process of traditional
photo processing also can produce false colors and prints may
appear fuzzy.
In contrast, Kodak Sea Processing digitally enhances images and
a Kodak-trained technician makes three separate sets of corrections
to ensure that the color matches that of the underwater world.
Then the images are printed on Kodak Ektacolor Royal VIII paper,
and negatives are placed in individual sleeves. Additionally,
Kodak Sea Processing includes a convenient index print to help
divers store and identify their pictures, making it easier to
order reprints, enlargements and other photo gifts.
"Our research shows that nine out of ten underwater images
are shared with family and friends," stated Jeff Mondle,
sales and marketing manager of Sea & Sea Underwater Photography,
U.S.A., Kodak's dive industry partner. "Now the quality of
those images will be greatly improved upon and the dive industry
will have the opportunity to share the underwater world with more
non-diving consumers."
"We see this service as a real opportunity for dive shops
to gain incremental business and increase customer loyalty,"
added Voight. "In addition to being able to provide customers
with Kodak Picture CDs and other digitization services that make
it easy to manipulate and share images via personal computers
and the Internet, Kodak Sea Processing delivers great prints even
from affordable Kodak Max Sport and Kodak Max Waterproof one-time-use
cameras."
Wholesale photofinishing of Kodak Sea Processing will be provided
by Dale Laboratories, one of the first photo labs in the United
States to adopt Kodak Photo CD technology. Since 1974, Dale Laboratories
has been internationally recognized as one of the highest quality
photofinishing laboratories in the U.S., providing advanced amateur
and professional photographers with special application processes
not available through conventional labs. Sea Processing is a logical
extension of Dale's services to photographers in both sports photography
and digital imaging. For many years the laboratory has been processing
the official slides from the World Series and All Star game as
well as developing film from team and freelance photographers
from throughout the NFL. Headquartered in Hollywood, Florida,
Dale laboratories is family owned and operated by Dale and Elaine
Farkas.
Sea & Sea Underwater Photography (U.S.A.), Inc., a subsidiary
of Sea & Sea Products, Ltd., is one of the largest international
manufacturers and distributors of underwater photo and video equipment.
They offer an extensive line of products for underwater photographers
of all skills and interest levels. From the world's most popular
amphibious cameras to cutting edge housings for SLR cameras and
video camcorders, sterling lenses and strobes to an array of accessories,
all products incorporate innovative design, precision engineering
and ease of use. For more information on products and services,
visit your Sea & Sea dealer or the Web site at www.seaandsea.com.
(Kodak, Sea, Ektacolor, Royal, Max and Kodak Select are trademarks.)
Editor's Note: For additional information about Kodak, visit our
web site on the Internet at: www.kodak.com.