Best Techniques Of Undersea Images

By Mike Aquinas

Undersea images can be one of the most tricky areas of photography for most people. Not only is there special equipment that is required, but divers need special training in order to successfully photograph underwater scenes. But despite the challenges of capturing underwater images, many people look to this as a career. Not only because of the exciting photographic opportunities, but because of the challenge as well. Fish and marine mammals are the most commonly photographed undersea images. However, as diving equipment as well as photography equipment gets more sophisticated, we are seeing more photos of shipwrecks, underwater caves and landscapes.

One of the biggest troubles when it comes to underwater images is the unfortunate lack of light in photographs. Lack of light can cause distortion and loss of contrast. As sunlight enters the water, it is quickly swallowed up, leaving everything in blues and greens. Distance is an issue as well. Subjects that are far from the camera can also suffer from color loss, even in the clearest water.

This is easily solved though using a couple techniques. First and most obvious is to get as close to the object as possible that is being photographed. This will help to minimize the horizontal color loss. The best way to take these close photos without losing some of the object in the photo is to use a wide angle lens. This also allows for a very close focus and the ability to catch detail.

Another technique is to use the camera's flash to help restore any of the color lost. A fill flash will help to fill in or paint in the missing colors. It provides a full spectrum of light to the eye and helps with the overall exposure.

Most undersea images are done while on scuba diving expeditions. Because of the possible complications that can arise during scuba diving, photographers must be quite skilled as divers as well. This will help to maintain safety and since the diver will be handling more equipment than normal, safety is essential. A skilled scuba diver will also show when photographs are taken. Calm divers tend to cause less disturbance when underwater and know how to remain calm in order to achieve those one of a kind shots.

Things like poor visibility and tidal flow along with a heavy current can impact an underwater expedition and really mess with a scuba diver. Along with the extra equipment and added stress, there can be quite a lot of things to go wrong under water. Focus is the key to success in capturing undersea images.

People that spend their time taking undersea images have a whole assortment of special equipment available to them. These state of the art digital cameras are a point and shoot type. But these cameras require special waterproof casings.

These waterproof casings are made special for each camera. They can be made from anything from cheap plastic to very expensive aluminum. With these housing units, cameras are usable underwater or above. There are special control knobs that help with your cameras functions and some types are equipped with external flash units. Refraction can be an issue however with these casing units. When a camera is in its waterproof casing, refraction and distortion can be an issue. Another problem might be the camera doesn't have a wide enough lens to be used properly in the housing. There are wide lenses that can be attached to some cameras though and these can be installed easily under the water and changed out. - 31520

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