10 Underwater Photography Tips For Beginner Divers

GEAR | TEXT BY MARYKE PACE

Underwater photography presents an entirely new world of infinite photographic opportunities. Even experienced photographers can find it challenging to start, as every aspect of the craft is more complex underwater. You might like to consider some of the top tips for getting a handle on the basics of this type of photography and avoiding those initial struggles.

1. Being comfortable and safe underwater

If you are just starting to explore the ocean, whether, on scuba or freediving, you need to feel comfortable and safe doing so. Diving safety begins with having proper working gear and a good dive buddy. It's vital that you remain aware of your surroundings underwater and not get too immersed in the photography, be safe! Have your dive buddy check on you, as you can easily forget where you are and how long you've been underwater while filming or photographing the mesmerising scenery and creatures underwater.

2. Plan the type of photography!

Your first question here is, do you want to take photographs, or do you want to film? This will determine if you add strobes or video lights to your camera system and therefore scale your camera system down and make it more simplified and less confusing/distracting when underwater Once you have decided that your next question is Macro or Wide-angle? Choosing the lens, you will shoot with is better done the night before. Ensuring your camera system and diving gear are ready gives you peace of mind and a relaxed feeling to enjoy your underwater adventure.

3. Take that test shot!

A test shot can save you from reaching your depth, finding that perfect scene wanting to take the shot only to realise your lens cap is still on or your camera battery is flat. It allows you to check multiple things at once, (1) it checks that your lens cap is off, (2) that your SD card is in and working, (3) your strobes are firing, (4) the battery life of your camera, strobes and video lights are all good to go.

4. Practice makes perfect!

Get to know your camera and your camera housing! The more familiar you are with where all the buttons are on the housing, the easier and less frustrating it will be when at depth wanting to take that perfect shot. If you have a pool, jump in and test and play with the system If you don't have one, don't worry; your camera system also works topside. The bottom line is that the more you have your camera system in your hands, the more you will learn where all your buttons are. This will help you with muscle memory for when you're underwater and make it easier to concentrate on the beautiful scenery instead of which button to push.

PHOTO OF PJ KOTZE TAKEN BY ROGER HORROCKS

5 Setting up your camera system!

When setting up your camera system, remember to put your camera system together before you leave the house or if pushed for time in the car. Avoid putting your system together on the beach or boat. This can cause sand or water to go into your camera system, and if not cleaned properly, it can cause corrosion. Setting up your camera system at home gives you plenty of time to ensure that there's nothing caught on the O-ring and to lubricate them before putting the camera system together. You can then do your vacuum check and have peace of mind that your camera system is adequately sealed. Another thing to remember is to always work with the port side (the open side) of your dome port facing down to avoid anything falling into it and needing to clean the inside of the dome port. With Nauticam they have a special multilayer broad-band anti-reflective coating inside, and therefore you will want to avoid rubbing on the inside to try and clean the dome as it might cause the coating to come off.

PHOTO TAKEN BY ROGER HORROCKS PHOTO TAKEN BY ROGER HORROCKS

6 Fogging!

Fogging inside the dome port, especially in summer, is a big issue. Fogging occurs when the temperature on the inside of the camera system is much warmer than the temperature on the outside of the camera system. There are a couple of ways of preventing/minimising it, (1) is to set up your camera system in a cool airconditioned room, be it inside your house or inside the car, (2) if spending the whole day on the boat or the beach doing multiple dives pack your camera system into a cooler box with ice packs that will cool down your system, (3) you can also use silica gel sachets on the inside of the housing however you would need to be careful as to where you place it so that it doesn’t interfere with any of the buttons, levers, gears or that it doesn’t fall around inside the dome port.

7. Be mindful!

Remember that it doesn't matter if you're doing underwater photography or diving; all the diving principles still apply to not touching the reefs and scaring your subjects. Respect nature! Buoyancy is essential! Ensure your buoyancy is correct before attempting to take your camera system underwater.

8. Gear maintenance!

Maintaining your gear in good condition is critical to the longevity of your camera system, let alone your diving gear. Many people don't spend time cleaning their gear correctly and only do a quick rinse and assume it is clean. By only doing a quick rinse, you could be left with a grain of sand or debris stuck between a button or lever, which can cause corrosion over time. It is best to submerge it in a bucket of fresh water, and while it's in the water, press every button, lever or gear to ensure that there's no debris or that none of the buttons is stuck.

9. Shooting angle!

The angle at which you are shooting is very important. Shooting upwards or at the least level to your subject allows you to use natural light, especially if you don't have lights or strobes. The light will give more depth to your subject. It can also help frame your subject against the blue water and declutter the background. Remember to get up close, but at the same time, be respectful of the ocean habitat.

10. Enjoy!

Most importantly, your camera system should not stress you out Diving should be a fun and exciting experience!

PHOTO OF PJ KOTZE TAKEN BY ROGER HORROCKS

Parting shot!

Hopefully, these tips make it easier for you to progress in your underwater photography. It can be challenging but incredibly rewarding if you master the basics. Please feel free to share any other tips with us at Dive Action and other underwater photographers.

Email: info@nauticam.co.za or info@diveaction.co.za

PHOTO BY HELEN WALNE PHOTO BY HELEN WALNE