Underwater Photography has been a favorite pastime for countless divers. It is a way of bringing the beauty and mystery of the underwater world home with them to share with family and friends that don't dive. Maybe you've considered picking up a camera and trying it yourself but have been intimidated by the vast selection of underwater cameras out there? Maybe you question whether or not you could take a good picture yourself?
Well, don't fret! With the digital revolution, taking photos underwater has become easier than ever. Technology has come so far in the underwater camera world that almost any entry-level underwater camera is going to be good enough for learning on, so don't stress too much about which one to purchase. First, focus your energy on practicing our photo taking tips so you can learn how to take good underwater images first.
Step 1: Dive with a buddy who IS NOT also taking photos
This is probably the MOST important tip to follow in staying safe while taking underwater photos. Especially as a new photographer, you are going to be very absorbed in attending to your camera, face in the viewfinder, taking pictures instead of paying attention to your buddy. Now imagine if your buddy was busy doing the same thing? Our advice, if you both want to take photos, is to switch off, and each take photos on different dives. This also frees up your buddy to become your model too if you have the opportunity for those types of photos as well.
Step 2: Shoot Up
One of the easiest and most important rules in underwater photography is to shoot your photo upward, instead of downward. All the natural light is coming from the surface so your photo will be much better lit if you point your camera towards the surface. If you shoot downward, from above your subject, the photo will be much darker since the deeper water offers no ambient light for your picture.
Step 3: Don't chase your subject
If you chase after fish to take their picture all you're going to end up with is a bunch of what we call "fish butt" pictures. Instead, consider hovering in a single spot for a time and see if a fish will swim into your frame and then shoot it head-on. Or, if you encounter a larger aquatic creature like a turtle, shark, or ray that you want to photograph try outsmarting them by recognizing their swim path trajectory and swimming out and around from it, trying to head it off. You're going to have to swim fast here so be aware that you may use up a chunk of your air, but it will be well worth it when you get around him and have good photos of this amazing animal swimming right toward you.
Step 4: Get as close to your subject as you can
Since colors dissipate in water quickly, it is important to get as close to your subject as possible; otherwise, your photo will turn out very blue. Consider using the Macro function on your camera to get even closer, allowing the camera to focus on an object just inches away from the lens. Most basic cameras have this function.
Step 5: Use the Rule of Thirds
The "rule of thirds" is one of an essential composition technique used in photography. This involves mentally dividing up your image using two horizontal lines and two vertical lines, and then compose your image by placing your subject(s) of interest along the lines or where the lines meet. Keep in mind that the horizon should be put in the top 1/3 of your frame, if applicable.
Step 6: Show Scale
Showing scale makes it easier for your view to understand how large an object is underwater. Consider using your dive buddy as a model to show scale.
Even if you're the novice of all novices at underwater photography, by following these 6 simple rules to shooting underwater images, you will quickly get nice photographs to share with your family and friends. Another notable way to quickly improve your underwater photography skills is to enroll in one of our Digital Underwater Photography Specialty Courses. Ask us about one today!
