We are thrilled to announce another spectacular entry in our Mobile Underwater Photography Contest. The Excellent Work Award goes to Chen "Jayden" Yidong for his captivating piece, "The Gaze of Cthulhu."
Captured in the vibrant waters of the Maldives, this image is a testament to the power of modern smartphone photography combined with the right skills and equipment. In this feature, Jayden takes us behind the scenes to reveal how he spotted this unique subject, the lighting techniques he used to dramatize the moment, and how the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max played a crucial role in securing the shot.
The Story Behind the Shot
The encounter happened on September 30, 2025, in the Maldives. It was the third dive of the day, and Jayden was drifting along a colorful coral reef in a gentle current.
"About 10 minutes into the dive, my eyes were initially drawn to a stingray resting on the reef. I snapped a couple of standard 'ID shots' and was about to move on when something in the corner of my eye caught my attention."
Hidden in a crevice was a massive silhouette—a sea snail, much larger than the usual ones, with its shell opening facing upward. It sat quietly, embedded in the reef.
"I slowed my kick, approaching slowly to avoid disturbing the peace of the deep," Jayden recalls. "To my surprise, this snail wasn't shy at all. It slowly extended two small, round eyes and stared right back at me. It was an unexpectedly cute and 'Cthulhu-esque' moment."
Once he realized the animal was comfortable, Jayden circled the reef gently, admiring the spiral patterns of its shell and its warm, lustrous color, before finding the perfect angle to lock focus on those curious eyes.
Technical Breakdown: Lighting & Settings
Capturing a clear, dramatic macro shot in a drift dive requires precise control over both the camera and the lighting. Jayden used a "mix and match" lighting strategy to isolate the subject while maintaining a sense of the environment.
The Lighting Setup
- Key Light (Top): A snoot light was positioned from the top at close range to illuminate the snail's face and shell texture specifically.
- Fill Light (Side): Two DIVEVOLK SL50 video lights were used from the side at a medium distance.
Why this works: "The top snoot highlights the subject, while the side fill lights ensure the background isn't completely pitch black," Jayden explains. "It suppresses the ambient light enough to make the subject pop, but retains enough environmental detail to give the image context."
Camera Settings (vivo X200 Ultra)
Shooting in Professional Mode allowed Jayden to freeze the action and control the exposure precisely:
- Focal Length: 35mm (Standard Wide)
- Shutter Speed: 1/2000s (Fast shutter to freeze motion in the current)
- ISO: 71 (Low ISO for maximum image quality and minimal noise)
- EV: -1 (Underexposing to protect highlights and deepen shadows)
- Focus: Manual focus locked on the subject's eyes
Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Trim & Touch
The biggest challenge for this shoot was the environment. Unlike typical macro photography where a diver might stabilize themselves on a sandy bottom (muck diving), this was a drift dive. Jayden had a very limited window of time to get the shot while moving with the current.
"I couldn't just lie on the ground," says Jayden. "I had to rely on precise trim control to hover stably in the water column."
This is where his gear choice became critical. Using the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum V2, he had full access to his phone's touchscreen.
"The full touchscreen function is accurate and essential. Even in a complex environment with limited time, I could adjust my ISO, shutter speed, and focus manually with one hand, while using the other to adjust my strobe angles. It allowed me to focus purely on the creative process."
In Jayden's Gear Bag
- Smartphone: vivo X200 Ultra (Chosen for its lightweight and extreme imaging capabilities)
- Housing: DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum V2
- Lighting: DIVEVOLK SL50 (x2) + Scubalamp ST01
- Accessories: DIVEVOLK Optical Fiber Remote, Dual Handle Tray, and Float Arms.
About the Author
Chen "Jayden" Yidong is an avid adventurer who discovered his dual passion for diving and photography six years ago. For Jayden, the camera is his way of conversing with the world. Whether he is driving across mountains, camping in the wilderness, or exploring the deep blue, he is always looking to capture the grandeur of nature.
His holidays are planned months in advance, revolving entirely around dive sites and gear preparation. "From the shifting light under the sea to the creatures on land, I use my lens to freeze these precious encounters," Jayden shares. "I hope my images convey the silence of the deep sea and the warmth of the journey to everyone who loves life."
Follow Jayden on Xiaohongshu: ID: 腰突斗士陈阿东
More Works by Jayden
Check out more of Jayden's stunning underwater portfolio, showcasing his versatility with the DIVEVOLK system.
