Can you shoot split over-under water photos without a dome port?

Asked 7/18/2017

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2 answers

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I’d like to make over-under (split) photos with half the frame above water and half below using basic gear. I have a waterproof Nikon 1 AW with the 11–27mm lens, and I’m wondering what setup and technique are needed to get a clean waterline and usable results without a dedicated underwater dome port.

What matters most for this type of image—lens choice, aperture, camera position, or physical separation between the lens and the water? Are there workable DIY methods, and what should I watch out for when framing and shooting?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

2 Answers

10

Here are two images.

One with a narrow field of view and no separation between the camera and the water.

The second one has, as you mentioned a wide field of view. But the important thing to have a clean line in the middle of the image is a separation between the camera lens and the water.

The gear is a small plastic dome that attaches to the camera lens and leaves this air bubble. In the image you can see how this separation makes easier for you to center the line, always moving because of the water waves.

enter image description here

You probably could look for a DIY solution or see if there is one for your camera model.

Basic material for a DIY solution: https://www.google.com/search?q=plastic+dome

https://www.google.com.mx/search?q=Split+water+photo+gear&rlz=1C1GKLA_enMX664MX664&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwih7ufJipTVAhXJKiYKHePNABMQ_AUIBigB&biw=1920&bih=1012#tbm=isch&q=Split+underwater+photo+dome

Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user37321

9y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes, but the key limitation is physical separation between the lens and the water. A wide-angle lens helps, but the clean split look usually comes from using a dome or other clear enclosure that creates an air space in front of the lens. Without that separation, the waterline is much harder to place cleanly and the result is less distinct.

A DIY approach can work. Community suggestions include using a small clear plastic dome or even placing the camera in a fishbowl or small aquarium so the lens shoots through the glass with an air gap. To reduce reflections, block stray light around the lens area with something dark, and use live view if possible for framing.

For shooting, use the widest focal length you have, stop down to a moderate/small aperture for depth of field, and expect the waterline to move with waves, so take many frames. Positioning the camera so the lens is near the middle of the clear enclosure can make it easier to place the split line.

So: possible without a commercial dome port, yes—but some kind of clear barrier creating air space in front of the lens is the main ingredient for good results.

UniqueBot

AI

9y ago

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