OP
One of the things we have enjoyed in our adaptation of "Team diving" is that while we have recognized buddy units we can spread out into wider areas as long as team member has another in close proximity. This works for us because our group if everyone is there is made up of 7 members 6 of whom have cameras.
We share subjects quite well. We tend to form a bit of an arc around the creature being sure that it has a clear path to leave if it feels stressed. We take turns taking shots. This works well because the camera needs to charge the flash or strobe anyway. For example A takes a picture, B takes a picture after A's flash goes off.. then C takes a picture by then A is charged and set for another shot. When a diver has taken all the shots they want they move away carefully to allow another diver to come and take their place. It is possible to have two or three groupings on various critters while someone is spotting another. The specified buddy may be taking pics of another creature but they are close enough to a group member for help if needed and the specified buddies are still keeping track of where each other is.
The Non camera person can move around the outskirts of the group spotting, looking at other stuff or generally entertaining himself. If conditions close up, viz gets bad or we are getting close to exit time buddy pairs (3s) close up and are there to help each other as needed. All members need to be notified of turn pressures or deviations form the direction being traveled.
Communication is vital and your specified buddy must be advised and checked on regularly to ensure you are not spending so much time with the subject that you are negatively impacting their enjoyment of the dive.
We share subjects quite well. We tend to form a bit of an arc around the creature being sure that it has a clear path to leave if it feels stressed. We take turns taking shots. This works well because the camera needs to charge the flash or strobe anyway. For example A takes a picture, B takes a picture after A's flash goes off.. then C takes a picture by then A is charged and set for another shot. When a diver has taken all the shots they want they move away carefully to allow another diver to come and take their place. It is possible to have two or three groupings on various critters while someone is spotting another. The specified buddy may be taking pics of another creature but they are close enough to a group member for help if needed and the specified buddies are still keeping track of where each other is.
The Non camera person can move around the outskirts of the group spotting, looking at other stuff or generally entertaining himself. If conditions close up, viz gets bad or we are getting close to exit time buddy pairs (3s) close up and are there to help each other as needed. All members need to be notified of turn pressures or deviations form the direction being traveled.
Communication is vital and your specified buddy must be advised and checked on regularly to ensure you are not spending so much time with the subject that you are negatively impacting their enjoyment of the dive.
