By Jillian Morris Brake
If you are an avid snorkeler or scuba diver, the next logical step usually involves bringing a camera on your adventures. I often get asked for advice about cameras and techniques, so here are a few key things to think about whether you are just toying with the idea of underwater cameras or already own one.
Budget
The first thing to think about is how much you want to spend. Cameras can range from $300 to $50K, with price points everywhere in between. If you are just starting out there are some other things to think about regarding how much you want to spend, what type of camera (point and shoot or DSLR) you want or if you already have a camera and are looking for a housing.
If you already have a camera it is worth checking out what housings are available for it. The housing is the waterproof case for a camera. If you do not have a camera you want to find one that either comes as package with the housing or one that has housing options.
A great camera for anyone, whether experienced or not, is a GoPro. These cameras are extremely versatile and shoot in very high quality. You can use them for snorkeling or diving, but also for boating, fishing, skiing, skydiving or any adventure activity. There are numerous attachments available for mounting them to your board, your head or wearing on your chest. They are very user friendly and can be ordered online or purchased at most sporting good stores or places like Best Buy. They take photos and video, so this gives you even more of an option for getting creative.
Olympus makes a really good waterproof camera that is small and can be used topside as well. I have had two of them and was really happy with the results. They are waterproof to a certain limit (not real deep) and are shock resistant (great if you drop it on the deck of the boat). Olympus also makes a line of housings for many of their cameras and these can be purchased as a package at many dive shops.
If you already own a DSLR there are lots of housing options, but you are moving into a more expensive price bracket. Because these cameras have multiple lens options, there are also options for fitting these in the camera housing. The front part of the camera is housing is called the dome port. This is the viewing port for the lens. If you have a longer lens you will need an adapter to increase the length of the port or a different port. When considering a housing for this type of camera, it is best to consider what you will be photographing. A great lens underwater is the Tokina 10-17 available for both Canon and Nikon cameras. All the images here were taken with that lens and it is my favorite. They are a great lens and reasonably priced (less than $600.00).
It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which housing or camera package is best for you, so going to a specialty shop is a great option for some advice and guidance through the process. Reef Photo & Video in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has a wide range of camera and housing options teamed with an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff.
The Technique
Once you have your camera, there are a few things keep in mind.
1. Get to Know Your Camera and Housing
This is really important! Take the time to learn the camera on the surface before you attempt to take it in the water. It makes life a lot easier and you will definitely find the experience far more enjoyable if you are not swearing underwater because you cannot make something work right.
2. Practice
Shoot, shoot, shoot. The more your shoot, the easier it will get to capture the images you are looking for. Like anything you need to practice in order to be efficient.
3. Avoid the Fish Butt
For many underwater photographers their first images are of fish butts. Yes, a fish swimming away from the camera as you frantically try and snap a shot. Start with subjects that cannot run or swim away from you. I spent hours photographing flamingo tongues (a spotted snail usually attached to sea fans or soft corals) when I got my first underwater camera. I could concentrate on the camera settings without worry about the movement of the creature. Once you have the hang of an underwater still life, so to speak, you can try moving objects.
4. Get Closer
On land it is easy to zoom in if you cannot get close to the subject, but this is not the best idea underwater. Water, unlike air, is filled with particulates that the camera will pick up or even focus on. If you zoon in these become magnified. The best option is to move closer to the object if possible. This does not mean chase the animal, but a slow movement towards the animal is acceptable. The exception to this is usually when photographing larger animals like sharks or dolphins. Patience is the best virtue in these situations, although much easier said than done. No animal wants to be chased and if you decide to do this you are probably going to end up with a butt shot and maybe ruining the interaction for anyone else in the water.
Find a space and be patient. On a shark dive the animals are usually pretty accustomed to cruising around the divers and you will get your moment. The world’s best underwater photographers are probably some of the most patient people on the planet and this has allowed them to capture stunning and unique images.
If you are freediving or snorkeling, the challenge of holding your breath creates an entire new dimension to getting the shot. Practice and patience are still critical, but stillness is also an advantage. Unlike scuba bubbles, freediving leaves you silent and less intrusive. This can allow for some beautifully peaceful encounters with animals that might otherwise be scared off.
These are just a few key points and pointers, but hopefully you find them useful. The ocean is an incredible place so get out there and enjoy!