NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver
88 Underwater Photography
LEARNING GOALS
In this chapter you will:
1. Learn what it takes to get started in underwater
photography.
2. Be introduced to the equipment used by underwater
photographers.
3. Understand the basic principles of underwater
photography.
4. Learn some picture taking techniques that will
improve your photographic results.
5. Explore a typical Advanced Scuba Diver course
photographic dive.
INTRODUCTION
Underwater photography appeals to many, whether
they are interested in transferring already award winning
photography skills to an underwater application or just
desire to record their diving memories. It allows you to
share sub-aquatic experiences through images, where
truly, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Taking photos
in “inner space” is also challenging and rewarding.
Furthermore, this special activity requires and develops
a high degree of proficiency in the fundamental skills of
diving.
The adage, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing
but bubbles,” is becoming more and more appropriate
as an ever-increasing number of people are visiting
the underwater world. In addition to all of this, photography
can be a source of profit to those who develop
the ability to capture images worthy of being published.
Quality underwater pictures are always in demand (figure
9-1).
This chapter will familiarize you with an exciting,
enjoyable pastime so you can determine if you would
like to learn more about it by taking a NAUI Underwater
Digital Imaging course. You can always learn more about
photography, but during the specialty course you can
learn the basics and quickly develop your ability to consistently
capture high quality images on film or digital format.
If any or all of the above aspects of underwater photography
appeal to you, then you will very much enjoy
your introduction to this special interest area of diving.
GETTING STARTED
Under the right conditions–namely clear water–it
is easy to take photos underwater. This can be done with
simple, waterproof snapshot cameras, or excellent pictures
can also be obtained quite easily with more expensive
amphibious cameras by using natural light.
When the water isn’t clear, it is still possible to obtain
good photographs, but simple cameras usually do not
produce good results, and the point-and-shoot technique
may not be effective. The use of wide-angle lenses, closeup
attachments, artificial lighting (strobes), and proper
picture-taking techniques can produce good results,
however.
FIGURE 9-1. Underwater photography appeals to many divers and
requires good basic diving skills to be fully enjoyed.