Underwater photography is the most interesting and exigent area of photography. It requires special type of lenses, different camera, the distance, the visibility and many more. Unlike the land water is blue in color and is 600 times denser than air so there should be a perfect understanding of the philosophy of light underneath the water. There is limitation of communication, light, visibility, equipments and time as one can’t reside beneath the water for long span of time. Basic obstacles faced underwater are the color loss and the sunlight absorbed by the water.
Following are the basic tips for underwater photography-
- Before proceeding for underwater photography one should learn efficient diving skills.
- As water reduces color and sharpness of the image one should be at least 12 inches close to the subject matter.
- For good images the subject should be shot from an upward direction and not from downward angle.
- The one who have just started underwater photography should locate the camera at low ISO and high resolution.
- For controlling the natural light and the flash light learn the usages of manual mode or aperture priority mode.
- For sharp images the shutter speed should be in the following way; 1/30th for tranquil objects and 1/125th for fast moving objects.
- In the presence of sunlight, images should be captured 20ft below the water.
- The camera flash should be in forced flash mode.
- Custom white balance should be used when flash is inactive and while using flash auto white balance should be active.