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Underwater Photography: Equipment, Camera Settings, Tips & more

May 7, 2021June 23, 2021 by photobuddiesin

Life below water is mysterious and mesmerising! Adventure activities like scuba diving & snorkelling give you the opportunity to see the amazing life below water and share your experiences through photography to inspire others to do their bit in preserving the marine life.

Underwater photography is taking photographs while under water. It includes underwater wedding photos, underwater model photoshoot / underwater fashion photography, photos of the marine life (coral reefs, fishes, sea turtles), shipwrecks, portraits of divers, over/under shots (where part of the frame is above water while the rest is an underwater scene) & more.

Photos by Lawrence – Underwater Photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/seaslugs_n_stargazers

Cameras for underwater photography

GoPro cameras, waterproof point-and-shoot cameras (compact digital cameras) are good for snorkelling. You can check out the best underwater photography cameras here amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Electronics-Underwater-Photography-Cameras/zgbs/electronics/3350171

For professional underwater photography especially while scuba diving – you’ll need a mirrorless camera or a DSLR with underwater housing, dome port and 2 underwater strobes.

Underwater photography equipment

Underwater housing:

Underwater housing helps to keep the water out and your camera safe. It is customized for each DSLR and different housing models offer different levels of control; choose a housing specifically designed for your camera. A housing includes pushbuttons, knurled knobs/dials, and levers to access the camera functions. Make sure to clean it with fresh water after every use to protect your camera.

Dome port:

Wide-angle lens (at least 18mm or wider/fisheye lens) is ideal for underwater photography. But, due to the refraction of light in water (light bends as it goes between water and air), everything looks closer/ is magnified under water. So, you won’t get the full wide angle; your wide angle lens will give a zoom effect.

A dome port aka wide-angle port is curved; when you place your lens behind a dome port, it helps to retain the wideness of the lens and the image comes out sharp with good colours. (You will need to correct the distortion caused by the ultra-wide-angle lens/fisheye lens during post-processing)

For macro lens/shots, you’ll need a flat port.

Underwater strobes:

If you’re taking a photograph of a sea turtle within 1-2 meters under water, you may still be able to see the colours on the turtle. But, the deeper you dive, lesser the light – you’ll find under water. After few meters down, much of the red and green wavelengths of light get absorbed; colours begin to fade, only blue light reaches down – so everything appears blue to your eyes.

Underwater strobe/flash/LED adds white light back which allows you to see and capture the beautiful colours of the marine life.

Underwater photography composition

To make your underwater photos stand out – use the Foreground Composition, Rule of Thirds and Golden Ratio.

How to shoot underwater photos

ocean photographer — Photo by Ollie Clarke

Photo by Ollie Clarke – Underwater Photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/ollie_underwater

Use the Live View mode of your DSLR for underwater photography coz it’s going to be difficult to look through the viewfinder with your diving mask and the housing.

Go for wide angle lens for scenic shots like the coral reefs, group/schools of fish and shipwrecks.

Use macro lens for macro photography to capture close-up pictures of the marine life that brings out the tiny details.

Photo by Thomas Heckmann – Award winning Underwater Photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/uwphoto_by_toso/

Recommended DSLR Camera Settings

Shoot with underwater strobes/flash,switch on the AI Servo AF (for a Canon DSLR) & AF-C (for a Nikon DSLR) to keep your moving subject in focus.

Aperture: f/8, ISO 100 or 200, Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec or faster to avoid motion blur.

Pro tip:

Backscatter in underwater photography — *Image source: Wikipedia*

Backscatter (seen in the space between the lens and the subject) is caused when particles in the water are illuminated by underwater strobes.

To avoid backscatter – keep your underwater strobes out wide, away from the lens port, and remember, not to point them towards the subject. (as shown in the above image)

We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo, an aspiring photographer

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Underwater Photography with the help of practical examples.

Underwater Model Photoshoot/ Underwater Fashion Photography

Underwater model/fashion photography is done in swimming pools, seas or oceans wherein the professional underwater model(s)/artist(s) don’t wear any diving equipment.

underwater photography model — Photo by Thomas Heckmann

Photo by Thomas Heckmann – Award winning Underwater Photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/uwphoto_by_toso/

Pro tips:

Try photographing during noontime for strong natural light
The model can wear a swimwear or a long, flowy dress that allows them to easily move under water
Let the colour of the model’s dress be in contrast with the background to create an attractive composition
Show buoyancy in your photograph – ask the model to glide down or free fall
Use underwater strobes to create good lighting
Use wide angle lens for full body shots
Show reflections, silhouettes in your photograph to capture the viewer’s attention

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Underwater Model Photoshoot with the help of practical examples.

When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express to develop your own style as a photographer.

Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!

Have you tried underwater photography, yet? We would love to know about your experiences, do share them in the comment box below.

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Underwater Model Photoshoot

Underwater Photography

How to Earn Money in Photography: Wedding Photography, Newborn Photography, Fashion Photography, Product Photography & more

April 26, 2021May 26, 2022 by photobuddiesin

Passionate about photography? Thinking of ways to make money with photography? Well, by enhancing your artistic/composition, technical, communication and networking skills, you can increase your earning potential.

Wedding Photography

To start with, create a portfolio by practising at your friends or family weddings. You can also start as an assistant wedding photographer which will help you gain experience. Promote yourself – word of mouth, tell friends/family to recommend you, if they come to know of any requirement for a wedding photographer in their circle. Create a business account/page on social media – Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest etc. and showcase your best work to get wedding bookings.

A pre wedding photoshoot is a great way to know a couple; you get to know them – the poses they are comfortable with (open pose, V pose, closed pose, stacked on, the swing etc.), which helps you to create a photograph that reflects a mood: romantic, playful and so on. As you gain their trust and confidence; they may even ask you to shoot their wedding.

Some of the wedding styles you can incorporate in your wedding shoots:

Formal

You set up the photograph by giving poses/directions to the couple and ask them to look into the camera before taking the shot.

Candid

You do not give any directions instead observe and take shots that depict beautiful emotions/moments of the bride, groom or the couple.

Romantic

You use soft lighting to create a romantic mood in the photo; if outdoors you can photograph the couple during the golden hour for soft light wherein the couple can be shown embracing, looking at each other etc. You can also try capturing silhouette photos of the couple.

Photojournalistic

You document the day with Black & White photographs capturing the moments, the couple may not be a part of, which they can see later in their wedding album. People shouldn’t be aware of being shot, so use long/telephoto lens, do not use flash instead go for a high ISO, use wide angle lens and capture the different moments of the day as they unfold.

Pro tips:

Carry extra memory cards and batteries
Take informal/candid shots, formal portraits and detail shots
Try different angles, vantage points and variations in your images
If you have an assistant photographer, you can ask them to move around the venue and take candid shots of the guests while you capture formal shots of the couple and their family
For family shots – give directions, arrange everyone in a line and ensure there is balance & consistency in their heights
The wedding photos should tell a story – it should cover the moments prior to the wedding ceremony (haldi ceremony photos), wedding preparation, wedding venue – the exterior and the interior, wedding ceremony & couple shots, group shots of the guests and evening shots of the reception (formal & informal shots)
Recommended settings for group shots: aperture of f/8 to f/11 to keep everyone in focus, ISO 100 – 800, shutter speed of 1/125 sec depending on the lighting conditions (to avoid motion blur – do not use shutter speed slower than 1/60 sec)
In group shots, people may blink – so take multiple shots
Take detail shots which include photographs of the wedding rings, mehndi on the bride’s hands, betel nut used in 7 pheras, flowers at the venue, wedding cake etc. using shallow depth of field
Use Leading Lines, Rule of Thirds, Frame within Frame composition techniques in your shots
Take close-up, mid-length and full-length shots
With the fairy lights in the background, set the focus on the couple in front using the widest aperture to create a beautiful bokeh effect
Evening shots: To photograph the couple dance, take shots from different angles; recommended settings include wide angle lens, wide aperture, ISO 1600 – 3200 depending on the lighting conditions, shutter speed – not slower than 1/60 sec

Photos by Omkar Kadam, a professional wedding and fashion photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/pixelerphotography/

We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to an aspiring photographer named Jo.

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Wedding Photography with the help of practical examples.

Newborn Photography / Baby Photography

As a parent, getting your baby photoshoot done is a great way to capture and preserve the best and precious moments of your life. As they say – it’s not possible to travel back in time, but in the future, these beautiful photographs of your newborn can certainly help you relive those amazing moments!

Photo by Shamiya Khan – Photographer: Newborn-Baby-Mamma-Family. For more such amazing images, do check her Instagram profile here instagram.com/stockbylovephotography/

Baby photoshoot includes taking photographs of babies from birth till they are 1 year old.

Pro tips:

Good time to photograph the newborn is just after they have been fed; they are sleepy which makes it easy for you to capture some amazing shots
Go for a wide aperture to create shallow depth of field that will give a dreamy look to the image
Use fast shutter speed of 1/125 sec or 1/200 sec to avoid motion blur
Avoid using flash, it can upset the newborn; carry your studio lights to the client’s place and set up a studio there
Use lots of props like soft toys, cushion, wraps, headbands, baskets, etc. to add another element the baby can interact with

Photo by Nancy Bindal – Photographer: Baby whisperer | Memory maker. For more such amazing images, do check her Instagram profile here instagram.com/nancy_bindal_photography/

Fashion Photography / Portrait Photography

Fashion photography

It is used to sell a product/lifestyle; it is a glamorous, fast-paced industry. A very creative field, it requires good communication skills to give directions & explain different poses to the model. Good understanding of lighting is needed –knowledge of how to use natural lighting, operate studio lights and how to use reflectors to create visually appealing photos. Technical skills are also required for post-production.

Portrait photography

Portraits can be for weddings, for family, or to capture the personality of a person.

Photo by Omkar Kadam, a professional wedding and fashion photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/pixelerphotography/

Pro tips for Portrait Photography:

Make your subject/model feel comfortable and communicate/suggest different poses for the shoot
Go for a wide aperture/opening (small f/number) to create a Shallow Depth of Field that will keep the subject in sharp focus and make them stand out and blur the background (you can also use aperture priority mode)
Your subject can blink/move, so use fast shutter speed of 1/125 sec depending on the lighting conditions, try to use a low ISO of 100 – 200
Use props to add some visual interest and context
Natural daylight is the best light for a portrait photography or else you can create light with flash or use studio lighting
Focus on the eyes of the subject; the eye contact between the subject and the viewer makes for an engaging and powerful photograph that could tell a story about your subject or reveal your subjects’ mood or personality
Crop above any joints (avoid cropping through neck, elbow, knees)

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Fashion/Portrait Photography with the help of practical examples.

Product Photography/ Food Photography

Product photography is used to attract customers to buy a product by showcasing great photos that give important information of the product – its shape, colour, size and so on. Product photography could be for a hotel that can be displayed on their website, it could be for real estate or food of a restaurant etc.

Pro tips for Food Photography:

Depending on the height, size & shape of the food, you can either photograph it from the front or from the top that best highlights its qualities
Use cooking utensils, tableware, ingredients, sauces, herbs, spices, spoons, jars, glasses, pepper grinder & other related props in the foreground or background to add depth to your photograph
Colour Theory will help you decide on what background to use to make the food photo visually appealing
Go macro, go close
As per your comfort, use natural light or club it with studio light and reflectors to avoid shadows that hide the details of the food

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Product/Food Photography with the help of practical examples.

Few more ways to earn money in photography:

Sell your photos on stock websites like iStock (Getty Images), Shutterstock, EyeEm etc.
Enter photography competitions/contests and stand a chance to win prizes
Be a photography tutor on any online course platforms or design your own photography courses with/without photography tours, conduct photography workshops
Place ads in your photography blogs – get paid every time a visitor clicks on these ads or place sponsored links within your blog content – get paid every time a visitor clicks on these links or makes a purchase through these links
If you have good amount of followers onInstagram, you can collaborate with brands and take pictures of their products and sell/advertise them through your Instagram account
Some wedding photographers do need help in post-processing of the wedding photos – if you have good post-processing skills in Lightroom or Photoshop you can offer your services
Become a photojournalist or a freelance photographer for a travel magazine/portal etc.

When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express to develop your own style as a photographer.

Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!

Have you found your photography niche, yet? Do let us know in the comment box below.

Camera Settings for Astrophotography: Northern Lights Photography, Milky Way Photography, Star Trails Photography

April 8, 2021May 26, 2022 by photobuddiesin

Astrophotography is one of the best ways to break the routine and reward yourself with novel experiences that inspire beautiful creations. It transports you to another world while you photograph the astronomical objects, celestial events, and areas of the night sky on your trip to new & exotic places.

From Moon Photography and Star Trails Photography to Milky Way Photography and Northern Lights Photography, Astrophotography helps you discover, capture and reveal the mysterious beauty of our universe.

Photo by Chris Slagle, landscape photographer and Grand Prize Winner of the 2020 AAA World Photo Contest. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/chrisslagle_/

How to photograph the Milky Way

Milky Way Photography is capturing the band of light formed from the stars seen in the clear, cloudless night sky (with no moon) of remote areas/countryside that has minimal light pollution.

Below is the recommended setting for Milky Way Photography:

Camera Settings – A Tripod is needed, use a wide angle lens i.e. focal length of 14 mm or the widest focal length available in your camera, Aperture: f/2.8, Shutter Speed: 30 sec, ISO 3200, set the focus to infinity (you will find the infinity symbol ∞ on your camera lens).

Pro tip: To avoid a blur image caused by the motion of the stars (due to earth’s rotation) and use of long exposure/slow shutter speed, go for the 500 rule/focal length.

For instance – in the above mentioned setting, 14mm is the focal length, so 500/14 = 35 sec, so shutter speed should be lower than 35 sec, so you can use 30 sec.

How to focus to infinity without indicator

If you don’t have the infinity symbol ∞ on your camera, then you can find the infinity focus and mark it on your camera. Here’s how:

Turn your AF (Autofocus) mode on
Go for Single Focus Point and select center focus point
During daytime, point your camera (preferably mounted on a tripod) with the Single Focus Point on the top of a pillar, lighthouse, tree, mountain or a tower that is set against the skyline (Keep the top of the pillar in the center of the frame)
The AF mode will try to find focus on the top of the pillar
Through the viewfinder/Live View Shoot Mode, when you see your subject/pillar appearing sharp, halfway press the shutter button to lock the focus (the focus has been set to infinity)
Now, quickly mark that point on the focus ring with a marker or a tape (you’ve marked your infinity focus)
Turn AF (Autofocus) mode to MF (Manual Focus) mode
When doing astrophotography, use MF (Manual Focus) mode, move your focus ring manually and stop at the marked infinity focus to capture a sharp image

How to focus to infinity without indicator

Note: After I marked the infinity focus on my focus ring (Canon 1500D) – I found out that when I move my focus ring to the extreme left (hard stop of the camera’s focus ring which is the place at which the focus ring will turn no further) and then move it back by a centimeter to the right, there lies my infinity focus.

(Always try to get sharp images coz if your images aren’t sharp, even post-processing in Lightroom won’t help to correct/enhance your image)

Photo by Daniel Damschen, Product Designer and a Photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/damschend/

How to photograph Star Trails

For Star Trails photography which is capturing the circular movement of stars in the night sky – choose a night with no moon, a dimly lit location, go for long exposure/slow shutter speed, use a foreground for better composition, wide angle lens & a tripod and set the focus to infinity.

Option 1: Use the Bulb Mode

Bulb mode is a shutter speed option for long exposures/very slow shutter speed that you can use only in Manual mode. For instance, if you want keep the shutter open for longer periods than 30 sec, go for Bulb Mode. In this mode, as long as you keep the shutter button pressed before taking the shot that much long will be the exposure.

Shutter speeds for a star trail, ranges from anywhere between 10 minutes to several hours.

Camera Settings: Use the widest Aperture: f/3.5 or less, Bulb Mode: 30 min exposure/shutter speed, ISO: 200. You will need a remote shutter release/cable release that allows you to lock the shutter button for long exposures like 30 min without having to keep the shutter button pressed with your finger for longer periods.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to use a very long exposure/slow shutter speed, you can increase the ISO.

Option 2: Use the Intervalometer

Instead of Bulb mode, you can use an intervalometer which is an advanced remote shutter release that automatically triggers the shutter at timed intervals.

How to use Intervalometer/Recommended Setting

Set the Shutter Speed to 30 secs and set the intervalometer to take 100 shots continuously at an interval of 1 sec to avoid breaks between trails. Seasoned Photographers take many pictures using intervalometer and combine them during post processing to create the final star trail image.

How to photograph the Northern Lights

Photo by Chris O’Donnell, an Engineer and a Photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/christophurous/

Known by various names – northern lights, polar lights and aurora borealis, it is a natural light display in the dark skies of high-latitude regions. You can take pictures of this spectacular ballet of light with a colour palette of green, violet, blue, and pink in places closer to the Arctic Circle – Iceland, Norway, Alaska, Greenland, Sweden, Finland and Canada.

For photographing Northern Lights – you need a place where the sky is dark, clear with no clouds. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, mid-October through March (winter months) is the best time which increases your chances of seeing the northern lights due to extended hours of night time and clear cloudless night skies. You can check with the locals or check the aurora forecast apps/websites for predicted aurora activity.

For your Iceland winter trip, you will need layered clothing – thermal wear, wind and waterproof jackets with a hoodie, winter boots, woollen socks & gloves, a thermos for keeping hot tea/beverages. Remember to carry spare camera batteries (batteries die fast in cold climate), a rain cover for your camera and a flashlight.

Camera Settings:

Use a tripod, wide angle lens and set the focus to infinity. To avoid camera shake/blur images, use a remote shutter release or self-timer mode. Use Aperture: f/2.8 or the lowest f-number you can get on your camera, Shutter Speed: 20 sec, ISO 1600. Experiment with the settings – if the image has come out too bright, then lower the ISO or increase the shutter speed. On the other hand, if your image has come out too dark, increase your ISO or use a slower shutter speed.

Bonus: Night photography tips

Light trail photography settings

While photographing the street at night, the scene would look very dark. So, your DSLR camera’s light meter will brighten up the exposure to maintain 18% gray and result in a washed-out image. You will have to dial down Exposure Compensation (EC) to -3, -4 or -5 to make the photograph resemble the natural night scene. You can also use the self-timer mode to avoid camera shake/blur image.

Aperture: f/11, ISO: least ISO (Lo1), Shutter Speed: 25 secs, EC: -5

Fireworks photography settings

Aperture (mid-small) f/8 to f/16, ISO 100, Bulb Mode: keep the shutter button pressed until the firework sequence ends & then release the button. (Use a tripod and remote shutter release to avoid camera shake/blur image)

Alternatively, you can experiment with ISO settings from 400 to1600 using a wide aperture and fast shutter speed.

We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to an aspiring photographer named Jo.

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Astrophotography with the help of practical examples.

When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express to develop your own style as a photographer.

Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!

Have you tried astrophotography, yet? We would love to know about your experiences, do share them in the comment box below.

Tag: DSLR Camera Settings

Underwater Photography: Equipment, Camera Settings, Tips & more

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