The opening question is posed by me and is to be read as you asking for advice, and I will remain as unbiased as possible whilst giving suggestions, at the same time explaining my gear choice and thoughts. This is a bit of a step away from my blog to date which has focused on sea life and ethical behaviour, but in reality it all merges into one along the way.
I have been an amateur photographer for more than 30 years, and during that time I have had many experiences, good and bad. I have taught photography for the last 18 years, and have done so using the skills and knowledge, along with those experiences, to give what I think is very important advice on capturing images and the equipment used. There are many techniques that people subscribe to when capturing images, and each one can have its success or failure which is governed by the ability of the individual to apply themselves. There are some very basic so called rules that apply to all situations, but then in general, the final images are the interpretation of what the individual sees.