Summer means swimming pools and ocean depths, and those fun moments can be photographed even when everyone is wet! Aquatic photography does require a bit more planning and additional equipment, but for those who venture into this form of imaging, the results are well worth the effort.
Many of the same basic photographic principles apply regardless of whether your subject is in the shallow end of a pool or immersed in the Pacific. However, different environments do require different considerations. It’s important to remember safety above all, so make sure that you have the proper training and certification, and always be aware of your environment. Shooting underwater requires learning how to work within certain constraints and limitations such as a confined space, fast moving sea life and limited light.
Consider these tips the next time you consider shooting underwater:
Hone your Diving Skills: If you’re shooting in the deep, you’ll need to be able to keep yourself stable. Buoyancy control is very important in this environment and can have a great impact on the results you achieve.
Keep it Close: You’ll want to shoot your subjects closer than normal. Try to keep the distance less than two feet if possible. The water will ‘swallow’ light and getting well-illuminated shots is far more challenging if you’re shooting from farther away. You’ll also find that color fades the deeper you dive, so this is another consideration. Your flash won’t be as effective either, so try to close the gap between you and your subject.
Enlarge Your Subject: Try shooting upward to better capture your subject. This approach makes subjects appear grander and will allow you to show greater detail as well. This is a powerful technique in aquatic photography that adds scale and dimension to underwater life.
Pool Fun Photos: Try to shoot when the sun is overhead and strong, which is usually between 10am-2pm. This allows you to use the robust light to your advantage. You can also experiment with capturing action dive shots above and below water. Try a few test runs (kids love to ‘cannonball,’ so this shouldn’t be a problem) to make sure your placement allows you to capture the best shots.
Waterproofing Options: If underwater photography is something you’d like to pursue in a regular basis, consider purchasing a waterproof camera. There are a variety of models that can operate in wet conditions without fear of damage. If you prefer to use your existing camera, there are a number of watertight camera housings that will allow you to take your camera into the deep. Stop by our store and we’ll be put together the right solution for you.
