The Beginner S Guide To Underwater Photography

An introduction to underwater photographic equipment and techniques with a discussion of past, present, and future developments in the field.

Simplifying the seemingly difficult and expensive art of underwater photography, this accessible investigation outlines the four elements of success: focus, exposure, composition, and subject. Beginning with an overview of necessary diving skills, this survey reviews these four categories in detail, depicting how to obtain superior results even without the latest and greatest equipment. Maintenance and first-aid tactics are presented as well, reducing the chance of disappointing malfunctions during a dive. Also covered is the importance of developing a photography plan beforehand—both for the safety of the divers and the protection of the underwater environment. Concluding with post-shoot techniques for choosing the best frames, cropping photos for printing, and the top methods of presentation, this examination demonstrates how underwater images can be used to share the world of diving while promoting important conservation efforts.

The award-winning third edition of 'The Underwater Photographer' dragged the topic kicking and screaming in to the digital age and with the fully updated fourth edition highly respected photographer and tutor Martin Edge takes you deeper in to the world of Underwater Photography. Practical examples take you step-by-step through the basic techniques from photographing shipwrecks, divers, marine life and abstract images to taking photographs at night. Brand new chapters cover not only highly specialist Underwater Photography techniques such as low visibility/greenwater photography, but also the digital workflow needed to handle your images using the latest software such as Lightroom. Packed with breathtaking images and an easy to read style honed from over twenty years of diving photography courses, this book is sure to both educate and inspire underwater photographers of all skill levels.

Designed for photographers who already have strong diving skills and understand basic photographic techniques, this reference defines what advanced underwater photography is while teaching the skills necessary to create professional-quality images. Opening with a quick overview of the basics—such as exposure, focus, subject selection, and composition—the author then expands on each of these topics, showing the techniques pros use to achieve truly stunning images. A major factor in advancing beyond the basic level of underwater photography is moving from a point-and-shoot or semi-adjustable camera to using a full-featured digital SLR camera. The myriad equipment choices available when making this transition—including cameras, lenses, underwater housings, and the lighting units designed to be used with them—are explained, as are their respective advantages and shortcomings. Because both beginning and advanced underwater photographers can have equipment-related issues, a trouble-shooting section is included to ensure that minor equipment problems won’t ruin a costly dive trip.

There is an astonishing world just waiting to be photographed underwater. With marine biologist Dr Alexander Mustard as your guide you can learn all you need to know to explore the amazing creatures and landscapes that lie beneath the surface. From information about diving equipment and cameras, to crucial advice on understanding and controlling light underwater, this book provides all the background you need before you take the plunge. Topics covered include wide-angle light, macro lighting, ambient light and macro techniques

Simplifying the seemingly difficult and expensive art of underwater photography, this accessible investigation outlines the four elements of success: focus, exposure, composition, and subject. Beginning with an overview of necessary diving skills, this survey reviews these four categories in detail, depicting how to obtain superior results even without the latest and greatest equipment. Maintenance and first-aid tactics are presented as well, reducing the chance of disappointing malfunctions during a dive. Also covered is the importance of developing a photography plan beforehand—both for the safety of the divers and the protection of the underwater environment. Concluding with post-shoot techniques for choosing the best frames, cropping photos for printing, and the top methods of presentation, this examination demonstrates how underwater images can be used to share the world of diving while promoting important conservation efforts.

Beginning underwater photographers may be surprised to find that there are numerous tools—from fully automated cameras, to smart phone cameras, to sophisticated DSLRs—that can be used to create incredible underwater photographs. In this book, author Larry Gates (of Aberdeen, South Dakota) “dives in” to the topic of underwater photography and teaches the skills beginning photographers need to explore saltwater and freshwater environments. Beginning with a look at the equipment used, Gates explains how to keep your camera water-tight, choose lenses and accessories, and assemble your system. You’ll learn which lenses are best for photographing large versus small creatures, reef scenes, wrecks, divers, and more. You’ll also learn how to work with a strobe, ensure sharp focus, and increase the odds of getting images with vibrant color. Finally, Gates provides strategies for managing your workflow and doing basic image editing after the dive. With images and tips from numerous contributors, a look at innovative capture options, and interesting facts about aquatic life, divers and photo enthusiasts will learn the skills they need to embark on their first oceanic (or river, stream, or lake!) adventure.