[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” inline_fonts=”Poppins” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to understand one thing about underwater photography: A great camera is not always going to create great images.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Personally, I love when people see my photos and say, \u201cOh my gosh, your camera is so good!\u201d I never fail to respond with a curt, \u201cthanks. I taught it everything I know\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n While you definitely need a camera, there are so many other factors that go into creating great underwater images! When you have a good grasp on these 10 things, you\u2019d be surprised what sort of images you can get even with small compact cameras!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for information about which cameras are best for underwater photography, see my <\/span>blog post here.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n After more than a decade of teaching scuba diving and underwater photography experience, here are my 10 Essentials for Underwater Photography you need to get great images (that\u2019s aren\u2019t a camera):\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Comfortable and control in the water\u00a0<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n When you feel comfortable in the water, your shots will be better planned and executed. In-water training and experience is important to being comfortable and also better at swimming with your photo gear. Whether you\u2019re freediving, scuba diving, or snorkeling – the more in-water time you have under your belt, the more comfortable you will be.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n To capture that perfect moment, you will need to be able to move freely. So make sure that you pay attention to your equipment too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I recommend keeping the following tips in mind when choosing the right swimming gear:<\/span><\/p>\n Set yourself up for success by paying attention to water and environmental conditions. Plan ahead and choose the appropriate diving locations and time of day for photography.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n TIP –<\/span><\/i> when walking in off the shore, an incoming tide is usually better visibility as the tide is bringing in clean water from the deep.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Learn the basic photography principles such as composition, exposure and lighting. Also make sure you understand how they are different in underwater situations. Check out my underwater photography online mini course here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Many underwater photographers carry out preliminary dives before taking their camera gear down with them. Having local knowledge of the different underwater sights can give you an idea of the different equipment necessary for each dive.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n Oftentimes, the problem is not your camera. Often times we just need to learn of its capabilities! So dust that operation manual or pull up a YouTube video to learn more about your particular device.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Do some research on your underwater subjects. What are you looking for? What does their habitat look like? What is the best angle to shoot from for that subject? These are the questions to ask. I mean, imagine shooting a pod of dolphins with a macro lens! Impossible!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n I can not stress this more, lighting is so important, because the deeper you go, the less colour and light will be visible.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Great quality lenses make for great photos! If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you\u2019ll have the choice of lenses. Prime lenses are usually recommended, and you\u2019ll want at least one for Macro and one for Wide-angle. If you have a small compact camera, you don\u2019t have to miss out! You can buy wet lenses for underwater, these attached to the front of your underwater housing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n This is where a lot of the magic happens! Mad post-production skills can really bump up the look of your photos. You can improve everything from a photograph\u2019s vibrancy, brightness, and contrast. Learn to use a popular software such as Adobe Lightroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Now that you have these 10 things sorted, you\u2019re ready to get shooting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to learn more, sign up for my Underwater Photography Online Mini-Course – you\u2019ll have lifetime access to 10 lessons and all for only $59 AUD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you have specific questions, may it be how to use your own gear or on how to improve your editing skills, click <\/span>here<\/span><\/a> to book a private lesson where I can answer anything underwater photography related.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe right SCUBA Diving, Freediving or Snorkeling equipment<\/b><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
\n
Timing & Circumstance<\/b><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Understanding of the basics of photography<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Local knowledge of the site\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Knowledge of your camera<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Knowledge of your subjects<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Lighting!!!<\/b><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Good Lenses<\/b><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Post-production skills\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Ready to roll!\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n