It's hard to believe, but when the Viz App was first launched in 2023... there were no pictures. I think it was one of the very first features that truly felt missing.
Around the same time, I was starting to post more on social media to help attract some new contributors to the app. This is when I discovered the unique frustration of trying to post any picture on any platform! Weird size issues, slow uploads, and forced cropping into the dull and oppressive square. (But how will everyone appreciate my composition in a square?!)
As such, I felt obligated to add at least one place on the internet where pictures still felt truly welcome.
There are three main things about pictures that I think my fellow underwater photographers will appreciate -
One - You can upload a photo with any aspect ratio. That includes the 4:3 that comes out of most cameras. Some people take screenshots of their videos or otherwise crop awkward shapes to zoom in on a critter that was far away, out of frame, etc. No matter what, you can view it's true aspect ratio in the Viz App.
Two - You can view other divers' pictures in full screen mode. This is handy if you want to pinch to zoom in on their subjects!
Three - The uploads are very fast! Last time I tested on wifi, it was about 10x faster than typical social media platforms. That's because we actually want you to share your neat pics with us in the Viz App!
Aside from enjoying each-others' lovely underwater photos... they serve a greater purpose. While everyone might disagree on what exactly 4-6m viz looks like - we can all make our own distinction when looking at your photos!
The secret goal of the Viz App isn't just to share more accurate conditions with each other though. It's also meant to motivate folks to actually get in the water!
Too many times I've convinced myself out of a dive or snorkel by looking at the weather report and saying - "ahh, probably won't be worth it today".
Here's the magic though - if bad conditions are posted along side a really cool picture... we're still encouraged to get in the water. Maybe the viz was only 5m - but if you were able to find that cute octopus hiding out there... then so too will I try!
Thanks for listening to my TED talk! I hope you give the photos a try and upload your top shots in the Viz App. Enjoy what others have posted there - and please drop some likes on your fellow divers!
- Chris from Viz App
