At its core, underwater photography falls broadly within the realm of wildlife photography. Wildlife photographers will frequently find themselves in a situation where they need to take photographs underwater or in wet conditions. Here are some handy tips for getting the best shots beneath the surface.
When photographing creatures underwater, it’s essential to get as close to your subject as possible in order to capture a clear, detailed image. It’s also advisable to keep your flash switched on in underwater environments, as conditions below the surface tend to be quite dark.
If you’re planning to take photographs underwater, it’s just as important to be a confident diver and a strong swimmer. In many instances, you’ll need to react quickly to seize the perfect shot, and hesitation could mean missing the moment entirely.
To achieve the best results, set your camera to the highest resolution and start with a low ISO. It’s well worth learning to shoot in manual mode, as this gives you full control over your settings in response to the available natural light. You should also familiarise yourself with the minimum focusing distance of whichever lens you’re using.
When using flash, ensure your white balance is set to auto. If you’re shooting without flash, switch to manual white balance instead. It’s also worth experimenting with different angles whilst shooting underwater, as varied perspectives can produce some truly striking results.
When taking photos in the rain or in wet conditions, it’s always important to keep your camera lens clear of mist and condensation, as the cold and damp can cause fogging on the glass. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be well placed to capture outstanding underwater images.