With macro photography, the dynamic range is rarely very wide, as there are typically no extreme highlights if an image has been properly exposed, so virtually all modern digital cameras are eminently capable of doing a good job of macro with the right lenses and in the right hands.

Get close wide-angle

This is the most important rule in underwater photography. When you think you are too close, get closer. Water is denser than air, and even the clearest water has particles floating in it. So, the less water we put between our lens and our subject the better. It is best to never be more than two feet (0.6m) from the subject. The closer one is to the subject the better the images.

 

When it comes to cameras, traditionally, gear is divided into compact point-and-shoot or single lens reflexes (SLR). By definition a SLR camera had a mirror and prism positioned inside the camera, so the photographer could look directly through the lens. This way, they could see the exact framing of the image. When the shutter opens, the mirror quickly moves out of the way, so the film or sensor could be exposed to light. SLRs are advanced cameras with manual exposure control and interchangeable lens systems.

Compact Cameras and Housings:

The production of cheap poly carbonate housings for consumer level cameras such as the Olympus C7070 and Canon S70, has made it inexpensive for the first time to submerge camera’s which offer features which in the past were only available on more expensive SLR’s. Housings for compact cameras are produced by the cameras own manufacturer, and also appeal to the outdoors market, making them much cheaper than if they were just being used by divers.

Through trial and error, as well as a significant investment in time and money, we feel we have found how to improve your underwater photography through travelling a certain way and properly configuring your dive equipment. These simple tips could prove to make your diving and dive travel more enjoyable, as well as more productive photographically.

 

There are a couple of different types of URPRO available. The original CY filter has an effective range of around 5-20 metres, and is designed for use in blue water. There are now a couple of other different models available, including one for use in shallow water and one for use in green water.

Checking your camera gear into the hold is often undesirable; baggage handlers are nicknamed ‘throwers’ for a reason; and the last thing you want to happen is your camera gear to arrive damaged, stopping you from shooting. You can also run the risk of getting charged large sums of money in excess luggage fares.

There are however a few tricks of the trade, and loops in the system you can use to get yourself and all your camera equipment safely without incurring those costly fines.

I was immediately hooked on the idea of using a continuous light source that illuminates at day light temperature – 5600 Kelvin like that of an underwater strobe or electronic flash.

Cameras are everywhere nowadays — on our computers on our phones. In fact, most people have a digital camera of some sort with them at all times. The same is now true for many divers. Entry-level cameras are now so cheap, compact and effective, that they can be carried on every dive — slipped into a BCD pocket for a quick snapshot if the opportunity presents itself. Most divers now enjoy early success with their photography. Whereas, in the past, entry-level film cameras took a lot of time and attention to get pleasing results.