Scuba Diving Photography

Likewise, any camera or video camera destined to be used underwater requires a housing, i.e., a sealed box or casing designed to prevent the water from getting in. The housing can either be part of the equipment, such as the casing of a waterproof camera; or it can be a separate item designed to enclose a piece of equipment which is not otherwise waterproof. There are two basic types of housing: flexible housings, and hard (or pressure-resistant) housings. Depending on whether you are going for the amateur snapper or the professional shooter approach, you may decide you need some lights to enhance your photography or video work. In reasonably clear water and moderate sunshine, video lights are of little use because natural sunlight provides all of the necessary illumination for most low-lux camcorders. Video lights are useful for night diving and for bringing out natural colors and detail to close-up shots Speaking of close-ups, the best results in underwater photography and video are achieved when the zoom is set to full wide angle, because it allows a closer shooting distance with less water between the camera and the subject. As a general rule the closer you are to your subject, the better the image will be (better light, clarity and colour)! Aside from periodically checking a viewfinder or getting a frame reference, continuous viewing through the rear port/viewfinder is difficult with most camcorders underwater and is an awkward position to shoot in. The more natural and preferred approach is to sight over the top of the housing in a "point and shoot" manner. This method provides for accurate framing and following of the subject, and allows you to view the scene ahead and anticipate where to shoot next. All these things take practice, and as always, scubadex recommends that you take an accredited photography or videography course in order to achieve the best results. (see our Beginner's guide)