Underwater photography is an incredibly specialised branch that focuses on capturing underwater images. For this, photographers can use traditional film cameras, digital cameras and even waterproof phones. They use glass enclosures or waterproof housings to protect their equipment and get clear photos.
This type of photography provides stunning images of underwater environments, including coral reefs and shipwrecks. It does present some challenges, including the limited lighting, water movement and need for specialised gear. Underwater photography, despite its challenges, is an extremely rewarding field. It combines technical skills with a deep appreciation of the hidden beauty in the underwater world.
Underwater Photography
The first step in capturing stunning underwater photos is choosing the right camera. One of the most important decisions to make is whether you want to use digital or film. Print film creates negatives that can be printed, while slide film is known for vibrant colours. Slide film produces beautiful images, but it can be expensive and requires precise exposure. Print film is forgiving, but it’s harder to organise and catalogue.
Due to their flexibility and convenience, digital cameras are becoming increasingly popular for underwater photography. You can get instant feedback and delete unwanted photos. They also eliminate the need to worry about running out of film. Digital models come in a variety of sizes, and many have great zooming capabilities. They also offer a wide depth of field. However, some do have downsides like shutter delays, slower startup times, and print size limitations–especially in entry-level models.
Gear selection is influenced by your budget and goals. For casual use, disposable point-and-shoot cameras are affordable. Mid-range digital camera models offer an excellent balance between performance and price. DSLRs and SLRs with interchangeable lenses are the best choice for serious photographers. They offer greater control over their images. After selecting your camera, you’ll need to ensure it is protected in underwater conditions by using the appropriate housing and accessories.
What to Shoot Underwater?
Knowing what to photograph is as important as knowing how to do it when diving into underwater photography. Here are some subjects to shoot underwater: wide-angle panoramics of coral reefs or schools of fish, detailed macro shots of small sea creatures such as nudibranchs or shrimp, and over/under images that capture both the above and below surface of the water in one frame. Underwater fashion and model photography can also add a creative touch. Whether you’re documenting marine life, exploring sunken wrecks, or creating artistic portraits, the underwater world offers a wealth of photographic treasures waiting to be discovered.
Macro and Wildlife Photography
Underwater photography can include everything from large animals such as sharks, mantas and whales to smaller creatures like nudibranchs and seahorses. The underwater macro world is often overlooked by casual divers, but it contains stunning details that are not visible to the naked eye. Macro photography is a skill that requires patience, careful observation and a macro lens. Strobes are also necessary for proper lighting. All underwater photography is done at close range to reduce distortion. Even wide-angle photos are usually taken at close range.
Scenic Wide-Angle Photos
One of the most iconic styles for underwater photography is scenic and wide-angle images. These images often feature large coral reefs and schools of fish. They also include shipwrecks underwater, underwater springs and cenotes. Wide-angle lenses allow photographers to get close to their subject while still capturing the entire scene. This reduces the amount of water that separates the lens from the subject and improves colour and clarity.
Underwater Modelling and Fashion
The niche of underwater fashion and model photography, particularly in commercial and social media work, is growing. The models are dressed in formal wear, street clothes, or swimwear and pose gracefully below the surface. These images require not only camera skills but models who have excellent underwater posing and breath control. However, the results are often breathtaking, transforming a dive into a surreal, elegant visual experience.
Over/Under images
An innovative subcategory in scenic photography, the over/under image is a shot that divides the frame into what’s above and beneath the waterline. To capture the two environments in sharp focus, you’ll need a specialised dome port and wide or fish-eye lenses. The biggest challenge is achieving a balanced exposure, since light levels are higher above the water than below. This technique requires a high level of skill to keep water drops off the dome and align the shot perfectly.
Equipment Essentials for Underwater Photography
Underwater Cameras
When enclosed in specially designed housings, standard cameras that are designed for land use can be used underwater. Housings are available for many different types of cameras, including digital point and shoot cameras, compact cameras that have full exposure control, and SLR cameras. Housings vary from affordable plastic enclosures to high-end aluminium enclosures that are designed for durability and precision.
Flexible underwater housings are a great advantage. The photographers can use their land-based cameras with compatible lenses and choose a setup to suit their needs. In underwater photography, wide-angle and macro lenses are used because they allow close focusing. This is important due to the reduced visibility and distortions caused by water. These lenses reduce the distance between the subject and the camera, which results in sharper images.
The large storage capacity of digital cameras gives them a distinct advantage when diving underwater. Digital media, unlike film, can store hundreds, or even thousands, of images. Digital cameras’ instant feedback and flexibility have led to a dramatic decline in underwater film photography.
Underwater Housings
Housings are a critical component of underwater photography. A housing’s primary purpose is to keep the camera safe and dry while submerged. The o-ring seal and clamp system must be cleaned and lubricated every time your camera is installed. Some housings have vacuum ports, which allow you to test seal integrity before diving. They also come with leak detection alarms.
Housings come with buttons and dials that are waterproof. This allows you to control your camera functions. Each control is equipped with its O-ring seal, which can be sensitive to sand, dirt, or salt. After every dive, it’s important to thoroughly rinse the housing with fresh water and follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Neglecting maintenance or skipping steps could cause serious damage to lenses and cameras.
Strobes
Artificial lighting and strobes are necessary to combat the loss of natural light under water. Strobes are preferred for still photography because they produce a concentrated, powerful burst that can be synced with the camera settings. They are more powerful than video lights and can help you restore clarity and colour to your photos. There are several ways to connect strobes. Newer models allow wireless synchronisation, which eliminates the need for floating cables. Direct connection via your housing is easiest for beginners. You can trigger a strobe using the hotshoe if your camera does not have a built-in light.
It is recommended that you learn to use strobes in manual mode. This method may require some practice but offers the most control over exposure and lighting. Try experimenting with the strobe position to see what it does for shadows, colours, and contrast. Be aware of the maximum sync rate for your camera, which is the fastest shutter speed that it can use when using an external strobe. You can find this information in the manual of your camera or by doing a quick search online.
Lighting
As you dive deeper into the ocean, light behaves differently. Reds and warm colours fade, leaving your photos looking dull and blue. As you move away from your camera, light and particles such as algae and sediment have to travel further, which reduces clarity and exposure. Underwater photographers can either use artificial lighting or stay in shallower water to combat this. If you are shooting video, continuous video lights will be essential. They provide a constant, adjustable beam, which is ideal for low-light situations like shipwrecks and deep crevices. Diver torches can also be used for distant subjects that strobes cannot reach. Combining strobes with video lights and torches will restore colour and brightness, while giving you greater creative control.
Conclusion
It’s no easy feat to take your camera below the surface. You need specialised gear, a lot of planning and practice. Underwater photography requires both technical expertise and creativity. From selecting the right camera to mastering buoyancy and lighting control, it is a challenge. Divers who love to capture the beauty of the sea will find the effort well worth it.
Underwater photography is more than just stunning pictures. It also plays an important role in raising public awareness of the fragile ecosystems that are hidden under the waves. These photos offer a glimpse of a world many people may never experience firsthand. These photographs educate, inspire and remind us about our deep connection with the ocean and its importance to protect it. Your images, whether you are documenting coral reefs, marine animals, or sunken ships, can help to create a better understanding of our planet and inspire a sense of responsibility to preserve it.
