A few things I’d like to point out (mostly for those that are newer to underwater photography). There a are a few things that can really help your pictures stand out and we see these being overlooked constantly! I understand that not everyone wants to be an underwater photographer and just wants to save memories. But a few simple steps will really step up your underwater photography game!
White Balance
(this is first for a reason) First thing I do on EVERY picture. Do your pictures come out of the camera with a green hue? Two clicks in Lightroom can turn a green picture into something that can “WOW” your audience.
Dehaze
This slider is GOLD (again in Lightroom). There are always particles suspended in the water column. Lights and strobes cause the particles to light up in your pictures. This is called backscatter. Get your lights/strobes as far from your lens as you can (within reason). Next, when your pictures are in Lightroom, increase the dehaze slider. You’ll be amazed (typically +30 is enough, don’t go crazy)!
Know your camera
If you are shooting macro, know your depth of field. This takes practice. There have been many dives that I missed ALL my shots because I had a too shallow depth of field. Now, I double-check my settings before starting to shoot. It’s what I do right after I extend the arms on my camera rig after jumping off the boat.
Don’t over-process!
A few post-processing adjustments are typically all that’s needed on MOST pictures. Don’t get crazy with the sliders. Keep it looking natural.
It took me a long time to learn these things (as well as others) to get my pictures looking “professional”. I would like to pass on a few things that I wish I knew going into the underwater photography hobby. I see a lot of great compositions out there that are green, and it hurts my head to know how easy it is to fix. Someone that knows their camera (and a few post-processing techniques) can take GREAT pictures without spending a fortune on a camera.
Keep shooting, Keep posting, Keep LEARNING! and check out our courses in Photography Specialty & Underwater Videography here at Big Blue Movies!
