For many of us, the idea of toting lots of lights along while focusing on underwater photography is a bit off-putting. While there are some times when you really do need strobes and other artificial light sources, there are certain situations in which ambient light is sufficient, and in which adding more light would cause less than desirable results. Here, we’ll take a look at some techniques for making the most of natural light while photographing marine life and other subjects that are frequently encountered beneath the surface.
Don’t Shoot on Overcast Days
As much as we wish the opposite were true, shooting on overcast days without some help from artificial light sources just doesn’t work well. When using natural light in underwater photography, the sun is the only light source available to you. Brilliant sunrays create dramatic effects within the water column, they help to add depth to objects you’re focusing on, and they help viewers get a feel for what you’re experiencing. To effectively use ambient light, you really do need the sun.
Shoot in the Afternoon
In most places, the best time to take underwater photos using natural light is afternoon, when the sun is at its strongest. Not only is light usually brighter in the afternoon, the sun’s rays enter the water at a slight angle, creating beautiful effects, leaving dappled patterns on marine animals, and making colors a bit more intense. During the morning and evening hours, and even in the late morning, the sun’s rays just are not quite strong enough to provide adequate light.
Shoot Subjects Which are Easy to Identify
There are three words most photographers can’t stand hearing: “What is that?” To avoid unwelcome queries, focus on subjects which are easy to identify – the larger, the better. Sharks, dolphins, and big fish are great subjects to focus on, and so are wrecks and large structures like dock pilings – particularly if visibility is excellent.
The Closer the Better
The same rule most photographers follow as much as possible holds true with using ambient light for underwater photography. The closer you are to your subject, the better your photos will turn out. Here’s where dive skills are important – perfect buoyancy control makes a huge difference in the way your photos turn out.
Approach Your Subject with an Artistic Eye
Before heading out on your next photo dive, take some time to look at the underwater images you enjoy most. Maybe they’re fish portraits, or perhaps they are silhouettes. Take some time to imagine yourself behind the lens and consider how the photographer in question must have positioned himself or herself. Getting underneath a subject is usually an excellent way to capture it, either from a head-on position or a slight side angle that will still allow viewers to see plenty of depth and get a feel for the creature’s personality – even if that creature is just your dive buddy!
Separate Subjects from the Background
In some cases, photographing subjects that blend in well with their backgrounds can be an excellent tactic – particularly if you’re focusing on highlighting patterns or certain colors. When using ambient light, this can backfire as everything will turn out in various shades of blue. Work to find an angle that allows you to create as much contrast within your image as possible, and it will turn out much better.
Use the Background to Your Advantage
Take the background into consideration when composing photos. Dark subjects look best against light backgrounds, and vice versa. Be patient if you’re trying to capture a certain creature; eventually, it is likely to move to an area where the background allows you to get an ideal shot.
Use the Widest Lens You Have
Most of the time, macro photography and ambient light don’t work well together in underwater applications. Choose a wide lens to allow as much light as possible to enter your camera, and get close to your subjects instead of trying to zoom in on them. Most professional underwater photographers use either 28mm, 24mm, 20mm, or 16mm lenses for taking photos using natural light only.
Start with 1/60th at f-5.6 or f-8 for Great Results
If you are taking an underwater photo with the sun behind your lens, go with an exposure of 1/60th at f-5.6 or f-8 to start with. When using this setting, select ISO 100 speed. When you select these settings, your subject should appear light with a dark backdrop. If you want the opposite effect, take the same shot with the sun positioned in front of the lens. Try taking two shots of the same subject using the same camera settings and different sun positioning, and you’ll be surprised at how differently the two images turn out.
Don’t be Afraid to Change f-stops
Experiment with your camera’s settings if your housing allows you to do so. When taking several shots of the same subject, take one shot at your usual f-stop position, then try another with a lower f-stop and yet another with a higher f-stop. You’ll get interesting results this way, particularly if you are using a shutter speed of 1/125 or faster (1/250).
Use White Balance Adjustment
Your camera’s white balance adjustment can help you to get better images. Readjust your white balance when the quality of light changes; for example, if you’ve been taking photos in a bright area and you move into a darker space, changing the white balance can make a difference between good photos and bad ones. Some cameras adjust automatically, which can be very helpful particularly if you’re new to underwater photography.
Carry Accessories
If your goal isn’t to lighten your load while taking underwater photos, and you’re mainly interested in capturing great shots, carry accessories such as lights and filters with you! This will help ensure you get great images no matter what happens with the sun overhead. As anyone who spends time underwater knows, the sun can be quite a fickle partner, flitting in and out of clouds and sometimes disappearing entirely.
With a bit of creativity and an adventurous spirit, you’ll find that taking underwater photos in natural light is fun and simple – and it can yield fantastic results! Keep practicing – the more shots you take, the better you’ll get at the art of underwater photography.
Comments
Great Tips! Thanks