Underwater Photography - Tips & Techniques

• Start with a disposable and reloadable Underwater Camera before moving on with something that has a housing system. Starting off with the simple camera type allows you to gradually have the knack of using a photographic tool while simultaneously operating your Scuba Diving Gear.


• Master buoyancy and diving skills first. Flapping around while holding your housed Underwater Camera is not only potentially risky. It can also lead to damages such as diving head-on to coral reef.


• Disposable and reloadable Underwater Cameras provide striking pictures when used in shallow waters. As you go deeper into the ocean, the pictures will turn blue due to the absence of light. Sunny days are the perfect times to bring these cameras underwater. If the sky gets unfortunately cloudy, wait until the clouds have parted and the sun comes out.


• It is important to know the recommended distance between the disposable Underwater Camera and the subject in order to get well-focused pictures. The recommended distance can be found in the specification papers of the disposable camera. Shooting upwards makes striking results, so positioning yourself quite below the subject is recommended.


• Wide-angle and macro lenses are good ways to see the aquatic environment in a different angle. Wide-angle lenses are for medium or long shots, while the macro lenses allow you to have close-up shots. Lenses should be securely attached to your camera that is strapped around your neck. Most underwater photographers use one lens at a time for practical reasons.


• External flash units help light marine subjects located way below the water surface. Though on-camera flash comes in handy, external flash units, such as far flash and macro flash, will really give striking images of the aquatic environment. This can be done by setting the camera’s function to its external flash, which switches off the pre-flash automatically.


• Beginners are advised to always experiment when taking photographs underwater. This will make them more adept about the technical know-how and they will be more creative when it comes to capturing images.