Dean Burman

Forum username: DeanB
Real name: Dean Burman
Posts: 2,947
Active years: 2005—2013
Primary forums: Video Gear and Technique, General Chat, Shooting Technique/Workflow/Editing, Photo/Video Showcase
Specialization: Underwater videography, freshwater wildlife filming, HDV and XDCAM EX systems

Note: The person_matrix.json database lists this user as “Dean Behrens,” but multiple forum posts confirm his real name is Dean Burman (^[1], ^[2], ^[3]).

Biography

Dean Burman was a UK-based underwater videographer and one of the most prolific contributors to Wetpixel’s video forums during the late 2000s. By profession a decorator (painter), he pursued underwater filmmaking as a serious parallel career, earning the affectionate nickname “The Diving Decorator” from the community (^[4]). In January 2008, the BBC Natural History Unit broadcast a 10-minute programme about him on BBC2 titled “DEAN…The Diving Decorator,” documenting his filming of pike (Esox lucius) at Stoney Cove in the UK (^[5]).

Dean was known for his direct, irreverent, and humorous posting style, frequently signing off with “Dive safe, DeanB” and using self-deprecating humor. He was an outspoken advocate for dedicated videography as distinct from stills photography, and was vocal about the importance of not overspending on gear beyond one’s actual needs (^[6]).

Community Role

Dean was among the most active members in Wetpixel’s video-focused forums, contributing to discussions about HDV cameras, Gates Underwater housings, and underwater filmmaking technique. With 2,947 posts across nine years, he was a consistent presence who helped shape the videography community on the site.

His contributions were concentrated in the Video Gear and Technique forum (324 threads), where he was a knowledgeable voice on Sony HDV and XDCAM EX systems. He also participated heavily in General Chat (289 threads), Shooting Technique and Workflow (219 threads), and the Photo/Video Showcase (178 threads), often sharing his own work and providing feedback to others.

Dean was particularly engaged in community-building efforts. He organized Wetpixel meetups at the Antibes Underwater Film Festival, arranging for members to gather socially during the 2007 edition (^[7]). He also sparked a significant ethical discussion when he raised concerns about the festival being held at Marineland Dolphinarium in Antibes, questioning whether underwater photographers and conservationists should attend an event hosted at a facility keeping cetaceans in captivity (^[8]). The thread drew responses from Alex Mustard, Drew Wong, and other prominent members.

Notable Contributions

Gates EX1 Housing Thread

Dean started and sustained what became the definitive community thread on the Gates housing for the Sony PMW-EX1, with 175 replies. He posted early details from Gates about the housing design in February 2008, including its control specifications and $7,000 retail price point. The thread became a long-running resource for XDCAM EX underwater shooters, with contributions from Gates engineer John E. and other video professionals (^[9]).

”Do You Really Need All These Gadgets”

In June 2007, Dean started a provocative discussion questioning the gear acquisition culture in underwater videography. He cautioned amateur shooters against going into debt trying to match professional equipment, noting that many professionals actually rent their gear. The thread drew thoughtful responses from Alex Mustard, who agreed about the risks of keeping-up-with-the-Joneses but also defended amateurs’ right to buy whatever gear they want (^[10]).

Video vs. Stills Advocacy

Dean was a vocal defender of underwater videography as a distinct discipline. In January 2009, he started the bluntly titled thread “Stills cams that do video… Who cares!!!” arguing against the trend of stills cameras adding video capabilities and the resulting crossover into the video forum (^[11]). While delivered in his characteristic provocative style, the thread reflected genuine tensions in the community as DSLR video began to blur the lines between still photography and filmmaking.

BBC Wildlife Filmmaking

Dean discussed BBC natural history programming frequently, including the BBC’s Galapagos series (October 2006), noting that some of the underwater footage appeared to have been filmed with a Sony Z1 (^[12]). He also started a thread about the BBC “Life” series in October 2009 (^[13]). His own BBC appearance in January 2008 filming pike at Stoney Cove represented a significant professional milestone, with community members like Drew Wong suggesting he get an agent (^[14]).

”Lair of the Waterwolf” DVD

In March 2010, Dean shared a trailer for his DVD production “Lair of the Waterwolf,” a film about pike (Esox lucius) continuing his work with the species that had led to his BBC appearance (^[15]).

Personal Life

Dean announced he was expecting his first child with his partner Jacky in November 2009 (^[16]). He was socially active within the community, visiting Moscow with fellow videographers in February 2008 (^[17]) and attending the Antibes festival. Eric Cheng posted a thread highlighting Dean’s Facebook photos, including images from 1998—1999, calling one of them “fantastic” (^[18]).

Activity Profile

• Peak years: 2007—2009
• Forum focus: Video Gear and Technique (28%), General Chat (25%), Shooting Technique/Workflow (19%), Photo/Video Showcase (15%)
• Threads started: 174
• Comments on articles: 33
• Activity score: 3,535

Timeline

• 2005-10: First appearance on Wetpixel forums (^[19])
• 2006-10: Discussed BBC Galapagos series, noting Z1 camera use (^[20])
• 2007-06: Started “Do you really need all these gadgets” discussion (^[21])
• 2007-07: Organized Wetpixel meetup at Antibes 2007 (^[22])
• 2007-09: Raised ethical concerns about Antibes festival at Marineland (^[23])
• 2008-01: BBC broadcast “DEAN…The Diving Decorator” on BBC2 (^[24])
• 2008-02: Posted Gates EX1 housing details, launched 175-reply thread (^[25])
• 2008-02: Visited Moscow with fellow videographers (^[26])
• 2009-01: Started “Stills cams that do video… Who cares!!!” thread (^[27])
• 2009-11: Announced expecting first child with partner Jacky (^[28])
• 2010-03: Released trailer for “Lair of the Waterwolf” DVD (^[29])
• 2013-03: Last recorded forum activity