Underwater Macro Photography 101 Part 1

in education •  7 years ago 

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Over the next few days and several post I’m going to dive into a specific photo subject relating with underwater photography. In previous posts I have talked about the basics of both underwater photography and underwater lighting as well as capturing images of underwater models. I will link those at the bottom of this post.

This first post is all about the basics of macro photography. This is a very large subject and I will be breaking it up into several parts over many posts.

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Let’s start with the simplest things. What is macro photography. By definition Macro photography is a form of photography in which the subject of the photograph is usually very small or is a very small detail of a larger object. The resultant photograph is larger than life size.

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Macro photographs are taken from extreme close-up range. This allows the image on the sensor plane to be equal to life size or greater. This definition is the same for underwater macro images as well.

At this point I will assume that as a photographer you are familiar with your camera, the functions that it has and using the manual features of your camera; aperture, shutter speed and ISO. As I mentioned in my previous post it is immensely important to achieve the best results you need to be very comfortable and proficient as a diver to achieve the best results possible.

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If any of you have any questions regarding any of the things I just mentioned above please post them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them and if necessary I will create a post about a specific subject as well.

Ok, on to the good stuff. Macro is arguably the most popular underwater photography category, attracting divers in all corners of the globe. Underwater macro photography has its own styles, techniques and objectives, this can lead to stunning imagery and looking at subject like you never did before.

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As will all underwater photography its starts with good research. What do I want to shoot and where can I find that animal? Talk to locals, hire a guide and plan everything out. Macro photography forces us to slow down and look at all the tiny details that surround us on each and every dive. It is not uncommon for discerning underwater macro photographers to confine themselves to one small area of the reef for the entire dive just to get the perfect shot of the creature they are after. Additionally, macro photography can be somewhat easier to get the hang of than wide angle, so it is a great place to start.

Once you’ve picked your subject and where to find it, now it’s time to understand how to shoot it. Capture that “moment” if you will. Watch your subject, is it displaying any unique behaviours, yawning, hunting or presenting a courtship display? Envision the best possible moment to snap that picture.

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A good example of this is if you are shooting a nudibranch that has retractable gills, you’ll want to make sure that their gills are extend when you capture your images.

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Next think about your setting and background. Are you shooting up? Do you want and angled composition? Are you filling the frame? Take all of these things into consideration before you create that desired dramatic image.

Lastly and most importantly you will need to consider your focal point and Depth of Field. These two facets of your image are very important and will set the mood, tone and impact of the image. Using your manual setting and adjusting your F-stop (aperture) are the keys to producing a spectacular eye catching image.

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In the end researching and understanding your subjects and camera settings, reviewing your screen once you’ve taken a shot and then adjusting is all that really matters. Have fun and more importantly be creative. Find something that you love and swim with it.

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Thank for reading and part two will be post soon.

Basic Underwater Photography: https://steemit.com/photography/@scottdphoto/8-basic-principles-of-underwater-photography
Basic Underwater Lighting: https://steemit.com/photography/@scottdphoto/let-there-be-light-basic-principles-of-light-underwater
Underwater Models: https://steemit.com/photography/@scottdphoto/strike-a-pose-underwater-models-101

Scott

For more stories and images - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/

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  ·  7 years ago (edited)

wow great photos. perfect color. i love them!

Gotta ask, did you mean to make that dive pun at the very beginning?

And, light, can't forget light. But I'm guessing that's in part 2?

Thanks for sharing these tips for people figuring out how to do underwater photography :)

Just threw it in there for fun. Thanks.

Wow! This post is really informative. Thanks man

Currently looking into purchasing a camera for underwater photos in the next week or so. If my photos come out half as good as yours @scottdphoto I will be happy! Great shots!

Let me know how it goes and tag me once you start posting your results.

Will let you know for sure! Doing a trip in March so I hopefully will be posting photos from the new camera after my trip.

Love the photos! How long have you been taking underwater photos for? I would love to get your thoughts and critique on my work.

I've been diving since the mid 90's and doing photography and dive instruction since 1998. I check out your stuff. Thanks.

Love it! Resteemed! It's fantastic to see you doing a post like this, like I've said before, I had no idea what thought has to go into what you do until I started reading your posts. Little things like looking out for the 'moment', something I'd never have thought of even though my whole job is about moments! Kudos dude

Thanks for reading.

My friend, you're just the best, I need you to send me the links of the underwater photography post, I make an effort to capture good shots, but I do not have the right equipment.
I would like to have good rewards for my photos just like you. Share your secret with me, I can become your student.


Amigo mio, simplemente eres el mejor, necesito que me mandes los enlaces de los post de fotografía submarina, hago un esfuerzo por capturar buenas tomas, pero no cuento con los equipos adecuados.
me gustaria tener buenas recompensas por mis fotos al igual que usted. comparta su secreto conmigo, puedo convertirme es su alumno.

You really taking photography to the next level.
I never dived deep in the beach to see that but you brought to me.
Keep up the good work

Incredible photos (Though there's something fishy about them. Hehe)
Keep up the amazing work
Here's an upvote for you

wow, this is awesome!

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Extraordinary underwater photos, keep it up man !

hello very interesting friend these sea creatures, your photos are excellent .. I love it. thanks for this valuable information

really useful content...... in our country there are no sea..... so i am so happy to know about these useful informations...... thanx @scottdphoto

Wow the beauty of underwater amazing ... where it ????

Hey stemian, how's everything? I am sarae. what i miss? please tell me something about steemit.

Wow, this is awesome

These are great shots!

Stunning photos of sea creatures!

oh my god.... it's beautiful. @scottdphoto people like you give me a lot of motivation to do something really outstanding with my life......... you have wonderful skills. And your photography is a piece that can educate people.... what else to love?

thanks you two will be post soon yes

Oh really! Beautiful pictures.
Almost speaking

Very good articlen, thank you @scottdphoto for sharing knowledge in steem public space

A completely different world to explore... And so colourful )

Stunning, outstanding photography. I'm blown away by your work!

Very nice...

rly awesome photos ! underwater is just so pretty and such a dif world not even compareable with the life above the oceans am i right?
thanks for sharing thos pieces with us <3