Diving into the Deep with Underwater Photography

Underwater photography offers a unique and mesmerising glimpse into the hidden world beneath the waves. Capturing the colours of coral reefs, the movements of marine life, and the play of light through the water requires a specific set of equipment and skills. Whether you’re an aspiring underwater photographer or looking to refine your technique, understanding the essentials of equipment and skills is crucial for success in this field.

Equipment and Skills for Ocean Photography

In this guide, we will cover the essential equipment and skills needed for successful underwater photography. We’ll look at the key pieces of gear, including camera housings, lenses, and lighting tools, and the skills required to handle these tools effectively.

We’ll also discuss techniques for managing light and colour underwater and tips for staying safe and respecting marine life. With the right tools and knowledge, you can overcome the challenges of underwater photography.

Underwater Photography Equipment

Underwater Camera Housing

Purpose and Function: Camera housings are crucial for protecting your camera from water damage while allowing you to operate it underwater. They are designed to keep out water at significant depths while providing access to all essential camera controls.
Construction Materials: Choose between aluminum and high-grade plastic. Aluminium housings are durable and offer better pressure resistance but are heavier and more expensive. Plastic housings are lighter and more affordable but may be less robust.
Controls and Accessibility: Ensure that the housing provides easy access to camera controls such as shutter release, aperture adjustment, and focus. Ergonomic design and intuitive button placement are important for efficient operation.
Depth Rating: Verify that the housing is rated for the depths you plan to reach. Common ratings range from 60 meters (200 feet) to over 100 meters (330 feet).

Camera

DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras: These offer superior image quality and versatility, with interchangeable lenses and extensive manual controls. Look for cameras with high resolution, good low-light performance, and reliable autofocus systems.
Compact Digital Cameras: These are more portable and user-friendly but may offer limited manual control and fewer lens options. They are suitable for less technical shoots and casual underwater photography.
Key Considerations: Consider cameras with robust build quality, good performance in low-light conditions, and compatibility with your chosen underwater housing.

Lenses

Wide-Angle Lenses: These are Ideal for capturing expansive underwater landscapes, coral reefs, and schools of fish. They allow for a broader field of view, making them essential for wide scenes and large subjects. Look for lenses with a focal length between 8mm and 15mm for crop sensors or 16mm to 20mm for full-frame sensors. Wide-angle lenses often feature a large aperture to allow more light, which is critical underwater.
Macro Lenses: These lenses are designed for close-up photography of small marine creatures and detailed textures. They enable high magnification and fine detail. Lenses with focal lengths between 60mm and 105mm are common for macro photography. These lenses should allow you to get very close to your subject without disturbing it.

Strobes and Lighting

Purpose and Function: Underwater lighting is essential due to the absorption and scattering of light in water. Strobes and underwater flashes help illuminate subjects and correct colour balance.
Types of Lighting: External strobes provide powerful, adjustable light that can be aimed and positioned. They help reduce backscatter (particles that reflect light back to the camera) and enhance colours. Video lights are continuous lighting sources useful for video. They also work well for still photography, especially in shallow water.
Features to Look For: Adjustable power settings, wide coverage, and compatibility with your camera housing. Dual strobes can offer more even lighting and reduce shadows.

Accessories

Lens Ports: Protect the lens and ensure optimal image quality. Ports should be compatible with your lens and housing. Dome ports are often used for wide-angle lenses, while flat ports are suited for macro lenses.
Tripods and Stabilisers: These are useful for achieving stable shots, particularly in low-light conditions or when shooting stationary subjects. Lightweight and compact tripods are preferred for underwater use.

Mastering Underwater Photography Skills

Understanding Water Conditions

Colour Absorption: Water absorbs colours in the red spectrum first, leading to a blue-green cast in deeper water. Use white balance settings or underwater strobes to correct colour imbalances.
Light Levels: Light diminishes with depth, so consider using a strobe or adjusting your camera settings to compensate for low light.
Visibility: Water clarity varies with factors such as plankton, sediment, and weather conditions. Choose dive sites with clear water for better visibility and image quality.
Currents: Strong currents can make photography challenging. Plan your dives to coincide with favourable current conditions, and be prepared to adjust your position and settings accordingly.

Composition Techniques

Rule of Thirds: Place key elements along the grid lines or intersections to create balanced and visually engaging images. This technique helps in composing shots where the subject is placed off-centre for greater impact.
Leading Lines: Use natural lines, such as reef contours or fish swimming paths, to guide the viewer’s eye through the image and create a sense of depth and movement.

Colour Correction

White Balance Settings: Adjust your camera’s white balance to correct colour shifts. For many underwater environments, custom white balance settings are more effective than automatic modes.
Post-Processing: Use photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust colour balance, enhance sharpness, and correct any distortions. Techniques such as colour grading and contrast adjustment can further improve image quality.

Animal Behaviour and Safety

Respect Wildlife: Research the behaviour and habitat of marine life before your dive. Avoid disturbing animals or their environments. Maintain a respectful distance and use slow, deliberate movements.
Dive Safety: Adhere to standard diving practices, including monitoring air supply, depth, and no-decompression limits. Good buoyancy control helps prevent accidental contact with delicate marine environments and equipment.

Technical Proficiency

Manual Controls: Master your camera’s manual settings for exposure, aperture, and shutter speed. Adjust these settings to accommodate the unique lighting conditions underwater and to capture sharp, well-exposed images.
Focus and Depth of Field: Practice achieving precise focus and controlling depth of field. For macro photography, a shallow depth of field can help isolate your subject from the background, while wide-angle shots often benefit from a greater depth of field to keep the scene in focus.

Explore the Ocean with Leederville Cameras

At Leederville Cameras, we have everything you need to dive into the world of ocean photography. Our extensive range ensures you’re fully equipped to capture the beauty of the underwater realm. We’re your one-stop shop for all things ocean photography. Get in touch today.