Many of us sometimes are of the notion that to get the best underwater photograph, we need the best and biggest underwater photography equipment. This however, is not the case. Underwater photography is a talent and great photographs can be achieved with all the right techniques applied. I have put a few of the most basic underwater photography skills needed to achieve better photographs than the green and blue you are getting right now. To the end I will also give you a bonus and tell you about getting fantastic photos with a GoPro.
1. Keep It Steady!
When I say it, I mean you! Yes! Before even purchasing an underwater camera, I would first invest the time in getting the hang of buoyancy. To first enjoy photography underwater, keeping steady in various conditions and along with getting close to the subject which will be mentioned in step two, however, buoyancy is very important. Without buoyancy, all most of your photos will be of nothing or even blurry. Not to mention most importantly you would be destroying the reefs and that is not the way of an underwater photographer.
2. Get Closer!
Going underwater, colour loss occurs, as water absorbs light. Hence, in underwater photography, getting close will reduce the amount of water between the subject and the camera, allowing for the lights to reach the subject, bringing back the colour that is lost. This as well creates for excellent sharp focus, great composition an equally excellent photos. When getting close, some animals maybe more inviting than others. This is why you look for more common animals and creatures, as they make for a much more pleasant photo. Aside form those reasons, with all the particles in the water, getting closer significantly reduces the particles, or what we call backscatter.
3. Shoot Up Always.
When composing you photographs, try to fight the urge to shot down at an animal. Underwater photos makes for a better look if they are shot from an upward angle or at eye level. Try thinking of it this way. Alot of fish and creatures use camouflage as a major defence. Hence when shot from above, there is no angle at which you could sometimes tell what the photograph is about. Most times you would be thinking what you took a photo of yourself. Shooting upward creates shapes and allows for you and others to see and know what the photo is about, as well the water column gives a nice background which I’ll cover in another step.
4. Background Matters!
That is right. The background of the subject matters for a great photo. Especially if the subject is one which is very common. When diving taking a photo on a solid colour background (sponge, coral, ect) makes the photo really pop! The less the background is distracting, the better. the photo, and the subject will be the only thing highlighted. Which is what you want. Backscatter is also reduced. Avoid disturbing backgrounds, as they do take away from the subject, to where the photo is so busy you do not even notice the subject. The water column, which is blue is also a great background to capture. However, if the background is disturbing, creating a black background makes the subject the highlight. To get a black background, you close the aperture (f8 or higher if your camera permits) and a shutter speed of 250th.
5. The Eyes Have It
The saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul is no joke. The eyes are one things we have in common with these animals and creatures. Capturing the eyes, makes it really pop, as well as make the most unrelatable subject relatable with us. Capturing the eyes in full focus and sharply, draws the audience to your photo even more.
6. Why Are You Chasing The Fish?
Why are you chasing the fish? If you chase them, all you will get are fish butts. Remember step 5 that we try to get eyes focus. Therefore, with fish, you do the same. Going in with good buoyancy is key, along with moving slow. Some fish are very skittish and needs more time to warm up to our presence and some are just not interested in posing. Hence if the subject is skittish move on or wait a little to allow for them to get use to your presnce.
7. Light It Up!
Main ingredient in taking a great underwater photography is LIGHT! Whether you are using ambient light, strobe(s) or even both, the lighting is what makes or breaks the photo. With proper lighting, you can achieve the amazing black and blue backgrounds and prevent alot of backscatter. Depending on the positioning of strobes, you can light the subject and (or) particles in the water which could cause alot of backscatter and the photo would turn out horrible.
8. More Is Better!
When underwater, taking one photo is not a very good idea. You need to take multiple. I recommend atleast five (5), on the count that some may be blurry because you were adjusting your buoyancy. Some times you take the photo and might want to change the settings like the shutter speed. Out of all the photos you take there is a guarantee of getting atleast one great photo out of the few, rather than one poor photo.
9. Get Lens
Whether you are shooting a blenny or a wreck, it is very wise to get macro and wide lens. Having these lens allows you to make the most of your different photography opportunities. The lens as well especially for macro allows for alot of details to be captured in small creatures and fish. The wide angle will aid in getting the full view of a big wreck or large school of fish or even a huge fish itself!
10. Have Fun!
Most important thing to remember is to have fun while doing all of this. There will be good days and bad days, like times when you mat forget memory cards and more. The best part of taking photos is to have fun. Having fun with it will allow for better experience and also keep you motivated to continue to keep trying. Many times we focus so much on the technical and not enough of the reason why we do it. IT IS FUN!
These are 10 tips for underwater photography using any camera. Most of all practice ever chance you get as well. With practice, you will enjoy photography so much more! Happy Shooting!!