Photographs that have been taken underwater stand out and make a bold statement when displayed in your home. If you have taken the images yourself and you’re waiting for your next day delivery canvas prints to be delivered your home to see the final products, we have put a quick guide together for the top tips for underwater photography for you to read in the meantime.
Let’s take a closer look at what the top tips are, below.
Use Simple Gear To Begin With
Top photographers all agree that you don’t need the most expensive equipment when you start underwater photography. All you need is a simple camera with manual settings and ensure that it has waterproof housing and that’s it! You don’t need to spend a fortune to capture some excellent images or to have fun taking underwater photographs!
You Need The Right Lens
It’s important that you have the right lens for what you are going to shoot, so having an idea of what you’re looking to capture before you set out is a good idea. For example, for larger subjects, you will require a wide angle lens and for small stuff, you will need a macro lens. This is because the distortion of the water means that the closer to the subject you are, the clearer the shot will be. Know what shot you want before getting in the water, so you can switch to the right lens for the shoot.
Know The Settings Of Your Camera
The settings that work best for you underwater as a photographer is a personal preference, but you should get to know the settings before you go under water. While some photographers tend to use shutter speed more, others set their settings to aperture. You will need to take the speed your subject will be moving at into consideration when choosing your settings. Not only this, but you will also need to think about your color settings too.
Timing Is Everything
Not only do you need to think about timing in terms of your subject, but your oxygen levels and diving capabilities too. When you are dealing with wildlife, whether it’s underwater or on dry ground, the framing and adjusting of your settings will always take up more time than you anticipated.
Take Time To Learn About Your Subject
Before you dive into the shoot, quite literally, you need to get to know your subjects and your setting. You will need to know the types of creatures there are beneath the surface, learn how they behave and if they will pose any risk to your safety. It’s important to remember that every animal will behave differently, with some being very shy and others not afraid to come up to you and see what is going on.
Make Sure That You’re Comfortable
As well as making sure you know your subject, it’s important that you don’t forget about yourself during the shoot. Ensure that you’re comfortable with the environment, how to use all the diving equipment, as well as your camera, and stay comfortable physically too. You will need to stay warm in the water, so you can stay underwater for longer and get the best pictures possible. Therefore, it’s recommended that you invest in an entire scuba kit and have lessons before diving in!
Hopefully these top tips will help you with your underwater photography. Remember to stay safe and that preparation is key, especially when it comes to moving subjects!
