Operated by Mark Thorpe, Manta Visions offers a fully professional underwater video and photographic service to the customers of Manta Ray Bay Hotel and Yap Divers.

Mark, who hails from England is no stranger to the world of underwater film and video production. Previous to his relocation to Yap he furnished production companies and conservation groups, mainly around Europe, with stock imagery for underwater productions and television commercials
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Equipment

Manta Visions, with its dedication to customer satisfaction, use only the best in underwater filming and photographic materials. Mark, who specializes in the video field, uses a Sony VX1000 3CCD digital Camcorder housed in a Sealux housing with lighting from both Sealux and Watervisions. For editing he uses a state of the art non-linear, computer based, editing system that comprises of DVMaster Pro with Speed Razor 4.7DV. For photographic requirements Mark relies on the proven track record of the Nikonos photographic system. Using a wide array of lenses and strobes he can be seen collecting pictures when not filming.

Personalized Diver Videos

The ultimate in souvenirs from "The Land of The Mantas". This service allows clients to take home a wonderful souvenir of their dives with these wonderful creatures that are present all year round in Yap. However, Yap has more to offer to divers apart from the Mantas including Grey Reef Shark Nurseries, Hawksbill Turtles, Spotted Eagle Rays, Moray Eels and much, much more.

Mark will accompany you on your dives and film your encounters in the crystal clear waters of the dive sites of your choice. The images are then edited to a soundtrack and coupled with an introduction highlighting the island of Yap which upon completion results in a film with a duration of some 35 to 40 minutes. In addition a weekly compilation film will be available at the end of each week of diving. This will highlight the best of images attained during that particular week.

Please also note that all images contained on this page are stills taken from actual video footage, this to give you an idea of the quality of the service avaible.

Special Interest Videos

Yap offers not only some of the best diving in the world but is also a destination where the local population maintain and continue to adhere to a way of life that is, unfortunately, almost non existent in other such island destinations. With the riches of the Oceans lapping at his doorstep Mark is currently aiming to embark on the production of special interest videos that will also be available for purchase via the Manta Visions office in the hotel.

The fascination with the "small stuff" has given rise for the planning of a video entitled Manta Visions Macro Madness, a video that will showcase some of the smaller, yet incredibly diverse, macro life that offers itself to divers who like to take a closer look at the coral reef systems of Yap. Future films are also planed to showcase the Shark species of Yap and of course The Mantas.

Night diving will also receive special attention as this, apart from diving with Mantas and Sharks, is one of Marks favoured diving environments. The opportunities that exist to witness the "night shift" of reef species is one that is more than catered for on the night dive sites visited by Yap Divers.

Periodic films will also be released for sale that will be a celebration of the previous six months filming around the shores of "The Island of Stone Money".

All of these films will be available for sale at the Manta Visions counter.

Whatever your requirements may be whether it concerns videographic or photographic services Manta Vision strives to supply a service that is both efficient and professional. For any further queries on equipment evaluations or if you wish to simply discuss techniques for both filming and photography Mark can generally be found either in the Manta Visions office, located next to the reception, or mingling with the guests between dives. He is more than happy, and willing, to discuss your imagery requirements.