If you have been eyeing an underwater camera for some time, and have been considering trying your hands on underwater photography, here are some pro photography tips that will help you get started.
Tip #1
Direct your model to attaining an open body posture. Ask them to feel free and swim underwater like a ballerina or a flexible yoga guru. Just let your model pose freely.
Tip #2
When you take the plunge with your underwater camera, you will require natural light to capture images. This is why underwater photographers prefer to shoot between 8 and 11 in the morning—light is always abundant during this time. Of course, you can always go underwater and experiment shooting at any time of the day.
Tip #3
If you want to bring out the best in your model, and achieve rich skin tones, shoot somewhere within 1 to 5 feet of the water surface. If you go any lower than that, the warmth in the skin tone starts going down too.
Tip #4
The choice of photography gear is really important when you’re shooting underwater. Some photographers vouch for silicone water covers, which feature a tripod neck strap, and allow you to use different lenses. This helps in a lot of situations when you are underwater.
Courtesy: Elena Kalis
Tip #5
Most professional underwater photographers use a DSLR in an underwater housing, with which they can point the strobes as needed, and have full control over the camera settings. However, a good underwater photograph does not necessarily require an elaborate setup and a fancy camera. Photographers achieve great results shooting with a GoPro or any beginner digital underwater camera. If you want to use a basic point-and-shoot camera that comes in a waterproof case, go ahead—they are easy to use and economical. Stick to areas on the surface where there is abundant light, since you cannot direct light, and controlling exposure manually is a tough task.
Tip #6
Doing conceptual underwater shoots with clothes and props is a very challenging task. However, face the challenge and give it your best! Take whatever props you need underwater, but make sure you keep it all safe and don’t lose anything.
Tip #7
No matter how much you plan things for your underwater photography session, there’s only so much you can control. There’s always so much going on underwater that you need to look for beauty in all the chaos. Hence, you have to just go with the flow and let things be at times. Do not try to control things too much; find compositions on the spot, and just be in the moment.
Tip #8
Always protect your photography gear and take extra care of it. Go for water covers and surf housing, depending on your requirements and the conditions you are shooting in. So the key is to feel comfortable underwater and just float around with your camera and be attentive and fast—you might need to catch up with your subject at times! Armed with these photography tips, we are sure you will nail your underwater photography shoot!
Hope this article proves useful when you’re out to click pictures next time. If you like the article, please share it with your friends. Also, check out the range of cameras and accessories available at Unique Photo.
Also Read: BACK TO THE PAST: ANALOGUE PHOTOGRAPHY