Still photography

Hugyfot housing for Nikon Z6/7 II

All Nikon Z6/7 II camera controls can be accessed (on/off switch, shutter release, shutter speed, aperture, program dial, main dial, push buttons, lens release, FN1, and FN2). As standard, the 100m depth-rated z6/7 housing is equipped with the HugyCheck system, one M16 accessory port, two optical outlets (for two fiberoptic cables), two rigid aluminium handles with one-inch ball mounts, soft neoprene handle for one-handed photography, gearwheel drive for manual zoom or focus control, standard viewfinder, bayonet adaptor for port mounting, and a ball mount on top of the housing.

My Favorite Spots, Stripes & Stars: Contributors' Picks

Coleman shrimp on variable fire urchin. Photo by Anita George-Ares
Photo by Anita George-Ares: Coleman shrimp on variable fire urchin, Secret Garden dive site, Anilao, Philippines. Gear: Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera, Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 macro USM lens, Ikelite housing, two Ikelite DS161 strobes. Exposure: ISO 100, f/11, 1/200s

We asked our contributors what their favorite underwater photographs featuring spots, stripes and star patterns were, and they returned with a surprising range of subjects from delicate macro marine life to majestic manta rays.

My Favorite Black & White: Contributors' Picks

Salem Express wreck. Photo by Kate Jonker
Photo by Kate Jonker: Salem Express, Southern Red Sea, Egypt. Gear: Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera, Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens, Sea&Sea housing, two Inon Z240 strobes. Exposure: ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/60s

We asked our contributors what their favorite black-and-white underwater photographs were, and they came back with diverse and dramatic images and stories captured under the waves.

Selective Color in Underwater Photography

Coralscape, by John A. Ares
Photo 1 “After.” Coralscape, by John A. Ares. Selective color has been applied in postproduction. (See Photo 3 for the original image.)

Selective color is a multi-step procedure in postproduction of images, allowing certain colors to be highlighted while removing color in the rest of the image. Underwater photographer John A. Ares gives us a step-by-step look at how one can use this unique effect to transform underwater images into artistic creations.

My Favorite Color Contrast Pix: Contributors' Picks

Cassiopea jellyfish, Dumaguette, Philippines. Photo by John A. Ares
Photo by John A. Ares: Cassiopea (upside-down) jellyfish, Dumaguete, Philippines. Gear: Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens set at 18mm, Ikelite housing, twin Ikelite 161 strobes. Exposure: ISO 400, f/16, 1/160s

We asked our contributors what their favorite images of color contrasts were, and they sent back photos and stories revealing the diversity of color contrasts found under the waves.

My Favorite Underwater Progeny Pictures: Contributors' Picks

Manatee calf with mother, Florida, USA. Photo by Don Silcock
Photo by Don Silcock: Manatee calf with mother, Florida, USA. Exposure: ISO 800, f/11, 1/60s. Gear: Nikon D800 camera, Nikon 16-35mm lens, Nauticam housing, dual Ikelite DS160 strobes

We asked our contributors what their favorite images of broods and juveniles were, and they sent us photos and stories about the offspring and parenting behaviors of a variety of marine species.

My Favorite Underwater Portraits: Contributors' Picks

Gentle Soul, photo of Australian sea lion by Celia Kujala
Gentle Soul, photo of Australian sea lion by Celia Kujala

We asked our contributors what their favorite underwater portraits were, and they sent us photos and tales of intriguing marine life. From sea lions to hammerhead sharks, manatees to sea turtles, dolphins to pilot whales, lemon sharks to pufferfish, wrasse and seahorses, and even kids, X-Ray Mag contributors share their favorite images showing a range of faces and personalities found under the waves.