We have all seen those outstanding close-up shots of marine life. Crisp, clear, and larger than life, with colors that pop, they're like a kind of holy grail for underwater photographers. Luckily, macro photography is something that is easy to learn. Here are some important tips for developing your macro photography skills.
Understanding When to Use Macro
Understanding when to use macro photography is the first key to success, and to do that, it's important to learn the definition of macro photography. Simply put, it involves taking close up photos of animals, fishes, and other little things we see while diving. It works best for items that are no larger than 8 inches (21 centimeters) in size. By positioning the lens close to the subject and filling the frame with the object we're photographing, we can produce a large, extraordinary-looking photo.
Getting the Right Equipment
Back in the early days of diving, producing images underwater was a tricky proposition. Today, we've got a lot of choices, ranging from simple point-and-shoot water resistant cameras to very elaborate cameras in custom housings. You can get great macro photos with just about any underwater camera:
-
Point and Shoot Cameras - Simple and inexpensive, these cameras are a great way to get started. All you need is a macro lens accessory kit and strobes, and you'll be off to the races. Learn how to use your camera topside before heading underwater with it for even greater success.
-
Extension Tube Photography - When using this type of photography, everything is pre-set before the dive even begins. Necessary equipment for the popular Nikonos system includes a Nikonos camera, a 28mm or 35mm lens, a strobe and a synch cord, plus a set of extension tubes and framers, which come in a few sizes, and which attach to the extension tubes to frame the subject and ensure it is the right distance from the lens, which is vital to success. Using framers can be difficult, even when fish and other subjects are feeling cooperative.
-
Macro Lenses - These lenses provide the same function as extension tubes do. Positioned in front of the primary camera lens, they alter the focal length and optical properties of the primary lens, enabling it to focus closer.
-
Housed Macro Systems - Take advantage of your SLR camera and a macro lens built for use topside by purchasing a watertight camera housing designed specifically for use with your camera. You will need a strobe and a strobe synch cord, too. This system does cost more than other options, but it provides a huge range of options, and allows you to look through the viewfinder to see the subject exactly as it will appear in the resulting photo.
Learning how to take macro photos is important, since most desirable subjects tend to be smaller than our hands. In addition the results are often dramatic, even after just a little practice.
When photographing marine life, ensure the animal's eye is a central part of the photo if possible, and always try to get a shot from the same level as the creature, or from a lower level, if possible. Finding subjects to photograph might seem like a challenge at first, but the more you practice, the easier you'll find it. Beneath the light from your strobes, even the humblest subject takes on new life. Last, but not least, remember that you're going to need to get close to your subjects. Practice using your camera while maintaining buoyancy control, and remember not to let your bubbles interfere with your photos. With just a little practice, you'll find yourself enjoying successful photography on one dive trip after another.