Underwater photography is one of the most exciting and complicated forms of photography, demanding specialized equipments and expert techniques. Despite the challenges, attempts to take photographs underwater began as early as the middle of 19th century and the technique has evolved tremendously over the last 20 years.
English photographer William Thompson is credited for taking the first underwater photograph, which he captured in 1856 using camera in a water tight box. The first images taken by him were those of seaweed and sand near Weymouth, England. However, German inventor William Bauer had previously attempted to take pictures through the portholes of a submarine built by him during the Crimean War (1853-1856).
Apart from these, other early attempts include those by Emest Bazin who tried imaging from within a diving bell in 1860s and by Eadweard Muybridge who used the camera in a watertight container in 1875. The advances in engineering and the development of submersible vehicles helped in recording objects underwater.
Louis Boutan is generally referred to as the father of underwater photography as he successfully captured the first, clear underwater photograph in 1893. Later, Jack Williamson, an American journalist, photographer and writer invented a device for underwater photography in 1900s, which made underwater cinematography practical. By 1920, still cameras were used for investigation of mines. In the next three decades (1930s-50s), developments in invention of aqualung equipment, exploration of deep oceans and design of stroboscopic lighting systems helped the technique grow further.
National Geographic published the first underwater color still photographs in 1927 and the development of Cousteau-Gagnan aqualung generator in 1943, by Jacques Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnan helped divers build their own photographic equipments that were less bulky and easier to handle. This brought about a huge transformation in diving and encouraged divers to experiment with the equipments.
Jean de Wouters, a Belgian inventor developed the CalypsoPhot 35mm underwater rangefinder camera in 1957, which eventually led to the development of Nikon’s Nikonos series cameras. 1970s witnessed the development of home-made housings which were optimized for underwater and wide angle photography. Chris Nicholson and Emory Kristof took underwater photography to greater heights with their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to shoot images and documentaries.
1990s witnessed a significant era of photography with the introduction of compact digital still cameras. Meanwhile, videography and cinematography also experienced similar advancements. Camcorders and housed IMAX and IMAX 3D cameras were extensively used for the purpose. The digital cameras marked the transition from film to digital in underwater photography. Digital cameras are suitable for underwater imaging and have proven to be successful with most of the photographers over the years.