Underwater Photography - Dealing With Low Light
Life underwater is awesome and in it lies dark beauty.
It has a cluster of colors, light that you could play with and a lot more.
Many amateur photographers and even pro photographers may have faced difficulty taking photographs in low light conditions under the sea.
The color intensity changes with every meter down as the light reduces.
The Light: The water is not gin clear under the surface and has many minute and suspended particles in it.
Because of this factor, the limit of the distance one can see and cover reduces.
So, a photographer needs to get as close to the subject as possible in order to reduce the dark in the photographs.
The next factor is the color.
As you plunge down, the color fades out.
The reds are the first to go.
And further down, the more muted the colors will be.
So, a flash is the best accessory to carry underwater.
The Technique: A good shot needs a good technique, especially underwater.
Since you are dealing with low lights, the main concern in your photograph is the exposure and lighting.
All you need to do is to set your camera in aperture priority mode and the rest, your camera takes care.
The shutter speed also matters.
In low light, you should set your camera to a slower shutter speed, so that it absorbs the maximum light in the scene.
Restrict your exposure! A longer exposure is sure to produce grained results and muted colors.
It's better to stay on the safer side by using slowest film speeds.
When photographing fast-moving subjects like dolphin and sea lions, it's better to choose a higher ISO.
But, it will increase the noise in the image, which can be corrected in post processing.
The Equipment: Wisely choose the right kit for underwater photography.
Even in low light, getting the desired amount of light and water color is often possible.
Create an accurate exposure with the help of strobes, dive lights and focus lights.
And it's better to choose a camera with auto exposure to get a clear picture.
You should keep away kelp, dive gear, bubbles, etc.
from floating in front of the lens as they may affect the shot.
Underwater photography is loads of fun and the possibilities of capturing strange and colorful photographs are endless.
Dealing with low light underwater is a hard-to-do task, but with the right equipment and apt techniques, you can surely take jaw-dropping, stunning photographs.
It has a cluster of colors, light that you could play with and a lot more.
Many amateur photographers and even pro photographers may have faced difficulty taking photographs in low light conditions under the sea.
The color intensity changes with every meter down as the light reduces.
The Light: The water is not gin clear under the surface and has many minute and suspended particles in it.
Because of this factor, the limit of the distance one can see and cover reduces.
So, a photographer needs to get as close to the subject as possible in order to reduce the dark in the photographs.
The next factor is the color.
As you plunge down, the color fades out.
The reds are the first to go.
And further down, the more muted the colors will be.
So, a flash is the best accessory to carry underwater.
The Technique: A good shot needs a good technique, especially underwater.
Since you are dealing with low lights, the main concern in your photograph is the exposure and lighting.
All you need to do is to set your camera in aperture priority mode and the rest, your camera takes care.
The shutter speed also matters.
In low light, you should set your camera to a slower shutter speed, so that it absorbs the maximum light in the scene.
Restrict your exposure! A longer exposure is sure to produce grained results and muted colors.
It's better to stay on the safer side by using slowest film speeds.
When photographing fast-moving subjects like dolphin and sea lions, it's better to choose a higher ISO.
But, it will increase the noise in the image, which can be corrected in post processing.
The Equipment: Wisely choose the right kit for underwater photography.
Even in low light, getting the desired amount of light and water color is often possible.
Create an accurate exposure with the help of strobes, dive lights and focus lights.
And it's better to choose a camera with auto exposure to get a clear picture.
You should keep away kelp, dive gear, bubbles, etc.
from floating in front of the lens as they may affect the shot.
Underwater photography is loads of fun and the possibilities of capturing strange and colorful photographs are endless.
Dealing with low light underwater is a hard-to-do task, but with the right equipment and apt techniques, you can surely take jaw-dropping, stunning photographs.
