Whether you are at a diving stop or in open water, it is not uncommon to encounter unexpected marine creatures. Photographing these moments, whether organized or spontaneous, requires a specific technical approach. Here are practical tips for capturing memorable underwater images.
1. The equipment
During your dives, the main challenge is to reduce the water layer between your lens and the subject to avoid a blurry appearance and obtain detailed photos. Opt for a wide-angle lens, whether it is an accessory for a compact camera, a 20 mm, or a fish-eye for SLRs. Getting closer to the subject also optimizes lighting.
2. The right settings
Underwater, even seemingly calm animals can move quickly. Set your camera to a high shutter speed, around 1/250 s if using a flash. If working solely with natural light, consider increasing this speed. Opt for shutter priority mode to focus on shooting. Also, consider underexposing to compensate for your camera’s automatic surface adjustments.
3. Being calm and patient
No matter your physical condition, you will never match the speed of a sunfish or turtle. The animal chooses whether to show itself or not. Stay still, control your movements, and have patience to capture the perfect moment.
4. Know the behavior of the subject
Understanding the behavior of marine animals is crucial for anticipating their movements. For example, a manta ray feeds by circling. A turtle often surfaces to breathe. Learn to recognize their habits.
5. Perform a test
Before entering the shooting area, test your camera settings: speed, aperture, and sensitivity. Use an aperture like f/16 or f/22 for front-lit subjects. Watch out for exposure, as too much light can lead to overexposure.
6. Focus on a subject
Did you enjoy this excerpt?
Read the full article.
READING TIME ≈ 5 min
Dive into the heart of Magazine PLONGEZ!
To access this article and its exclusive content, a modest contribution is required.