Underwater photography.

[lars2923]

Hello Paula,

I have a little 5 megapixel point and shoot pocket digital camera. It's a Canon Powershot and it has an underwater setting, which adds red back in a little bit.

When I shoot photos with it, I recognize its limitations. I try to take photos in waters as shallow as possible so natural sunlight helps, and I try to get as close to the subject as possible.

If I am shooting a small subject like a nudibranch, I get as close as the camera's lens will focus, and I always use forced flash. This is a must, set your camera so it fires the onboard flash no matter what. For subject within 1-2 feet, this will really help.

Other than that, one or 2 external strobes will help, but using external twin strobes on a cheap point and shoot is sort of odd, better to wait till you have a pro camera.

I use Photoshop too to add red back in, and it really helps. I think there are economy style photo programs out on the market.

With the above steps, you should be able to get decent pics.

If the camera supports white balance and you have no filter, try setting the white balance against something green before the dive. This will have the effect of a redish filter making the pictures look more natural. It does not compensate for lack of lighting, just the loss of red, orange spectrum you experience loosing after about 3 feet of depth.

[acelockco]

Paula, you never mentioned what your camera setup was. Maybe that would help determine the best steps you can take.

[robert35]

Hey!! wow, really this underwater photography is really very nice. I also want to do this.

[scubapaula]

Hi guys. Thanks for your input.
I have a Canon IXUS 990 IS with an underwater housing. it does have an aquarium mode which is actaully quite good. But not really good for diving. Ok for snorkelling. Still ended up tweaking all my pictures though which took hours.
Anyway one know of a quick way to do this.
thanks

[scubapaula]

If the camera supports white balance and you have no filter, try setting the white balance against something green before the dive. This will have the effect of a redish filter making the pictures look more natural. It does not compensate for lack of lighting, just the loss of red, orange spectrum you experience loosing after about 3 feet of depth.

Thanks for that thats the sort of info i was hoping for.. cheers.
I was also told by someone to take a slate down and balance on that to set the levels up better.

Does that actually work ????

[The Publisher]

Well, for video I have found white balancing electronically against a white balance slate doesn't seem to do much...

Trying borrowing one and see what works best. You can also get a white piece of cheap plastic, then one that is light blue-green and try it. You should be able to get 2 of these about 5" x 10" for under $15 at a plastics supply place.