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This photo may not seem like much at first glance. When you take a look at it, you may wonder what makes it so special. It is simply an underwater photograph. So what, right? We’re so used to them from magazines, documentaries and Insta.
Well, the fascinating bit is that this is one of the oldest underwater photographs ever taken! It was actually captured almost 100 or so years ago. If we were to be precise, between 1893 and 1899. The image is believed to be from the South of France, in Banyuls-sur-Mer and is among the countless masterpieces presented by Romanian oceanographer and French photography trailblazer Louis Boutan.
Louis inherited his love for diving at an early age when he worked for a marine biology lab. Since then, he has shared his underwater experiences with the rest of the world through photography, experimenting with a myriad of techniques and locations.
In 1893, with his brother’s help, Louis designed an underwater camera – the first of its kind at the time, with then-advanced features such as being able to alter plates, diaphragm, and shutter while underwater. In spite of that, creating the ideal lighting setting proved to be a challenge and it took as long as 30 minutes to get the perfect lighting for the picture.
Louis’ initial underwater camera was succeeded by an oxygen-filled drum and burning alcohol lamp which included a rubber bulb to blow magnesium into the lamp creating a unique, never-before-seen flash effect but this came with the downside of being extremely large, impractical for underwater photography. Louis spent the majority of his life continuing his work on more compact underwater cameras with more practical flashes and refined lenses. Needless to say, Louis Boutan is one of the most dedicated underwater photographers who viewed underwater photography in a new light and gave life to it.
Image by Getty
The Queen of England’s Outrageous Christmas Tree
As Christmas approaches, the Queen’s glorious Windsor Castle stationed in the English countryside is brimming with staff members decorating the castle and preparing for the year’s most awaited holiday, Christmas. On top of the innumerable other decorations, the extravagant Christmas tree has historically been the star of the show in the Castle.
As an annual custom, a towering 20 feet tall Nordmann Fir tree decorated with mirrored and glass ornaments is placed in St.George’s Hall at the castle. Despite the tree growing in the Queen’s courtyard, it was originally cut from Windsor Great Park in Berkshire before it was delivered to the hall.
Each year, the decorations feature a new theme and the Christmas tree takes on a new face, never failing to blow people away with its breathtaking décor. In the past, themes have been based on decorations such as Chinese lanterns, bringing a new dimension to a beloved holiday.
The theme in 2017 revolved around sparkling gold pine cones and stars with the color scheme bringing forth a uniquely elegant appearance. The cherry on top of the cake – or should we say, perch on top of the tree, was the distinctive traditional angel. As if the spectacular Christmas tree wasn't enough, the State Dining Room is beautifully decorated and screams festive spirit. The table is set with exorbitant silver pieces commissioned by King George IV over two centuries ago.
Monarchs have celebrated Christmas in Windsor Castle since the 1100s and the tradition understandably continues to this date in lavish fashion. The holidays are also one of the rare opportunities the royal family spends quality time together as a family. Unfortunately, the Christmas lunch doesn’t help this issue with barely 50 minutes allocated for the entire family to spend together on the year’s most festive day.
