9/18/2023 0 Comments Underwater iceberg photographySometimes using the surface movement can also work for split-level photographs to add a wave effect or ‘bend water’. Take a few moments to float around on the surface and watch the elements to see what you can use to compose your shots. On the water surface, you’ll find the wind, tides, light and waves all creating movement that can work wonders in a photo. It can be easy to look past tiny details that will add creativity to your shots in the water. Incorporating the edge of the reef against the sea or simply just the water surface and the deep sea below, portrait images allow for the feeling of ‘depth’ to enter your photographs. It can be tempting to take all of your photos holding the camera as normal however turning to shoot portrait images will enhance the colour and light in your images. Look for the unique elements of what you are photographing and then decide how it’s best to compose it to showcase all of its beauty. If you’re floating a meter or more away you’ll find what you saw in person won’t be transferred through your images. Taking macro shots of underwater details means zooming into the colours, patterns and textures. Of course, now that I’ve said that, please don’t go scrapping your arms on coral or harnessing fish just for a photo… just nudge that little bit closer to compose an image that focuses almost entirely on the subject. Taking photos of coral and fish is one of the instances where getting closer means achieving better images. When you’re underwater things can seem a little distorted, especially through your goggles so while you might think you are super close, chances are you can get even closer. The same goes for the seafloor too! Often the sand is chiseled by moving tides that create a lined carpet, with reflections from the light shining through the water, it can be a beautiful canvas to photograph. Just like a blue patterned blanket, it can look incredible in photographs so be sure to spend a little time trying to compose a shot using the ceiling! Because you will be pointing directly towards the light, you may find you need to adjust your settings to reduce the glow and really showcase the patterns and any sky that’s visible through the water. I call it the ceiling because when you’re underwater it can feel like the surface is like a watery roof and most times it looks pretty damn cool. Just like the previous tip of looking up, this time though take notice of the ceiling. You can use this technique when photographing people and fish too! Tilting the camera slightly up creates a more interesting composition #3 Use the Ceiling + Seafloor Incorporating this angle into your images even if it’s a slight tilt upwards will enhance the colours of your image and hopefully add some gorgeous light rays. The only light source underwater comes from above so dive down then float upside down and point your camera towards the surface for an interesting angle. Just as you do in a rainforest, don’t forget to look up every now and again. Simply sinking underwater and clicking the shutter won’t work, think about what you want to include in each photo and find a way to compose it creatively. Use that subject to compose your image and show the viewer where you want them to look. You can focus on marine life, water ripples, a person swimming, coral, interesting light funneling through the water or anything else that takes your fancy. I know when I first took a camera underwater I was seeing so much beauty through the goggles only to return and find a memory card filled with blue water scenes. To avoid 100 photos that all look the same it’s important to find a point of focus that will enhance your image. Having worked as a professional underwater photographer for over five years, I wanted to share some tips about composition that you can put into practice with any waterproof camera, big or small.
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