Underwater Photography Basics: Mantas, Sharks, Turtles, and Shipwrecks!
Underwater Photography Basics: Mantas, Sharks, Turtles, and Shipwrecks!
We go back into the water to photograph giant mantas, big sharks, friendly turtles, and haunting shipwrecks. In this video we’ll learn the basics of underwater photography: how light behaves underwater, how to get close to animals, and when we should (and should not) use strobes (flash) for better images. Unlike wildlife photography on land, we’ll be incredibly close to the animals — sometimes inches away — for some wonderful encounters, but we’ll also see a diver get too confident and illegally harass a great white shark. If you’re not a scuba diver, don’t feel left out — we’ll look at the numerous opportunities available to snorkelers and why some of the best shots can be achieved at the surface. #underwater #photography #underwaterphotography #sharks #diving
My home base dive shop in the New York City area is Atlantis Aquatics in Bethlehem, PA. If you are interested in learning to dive or advancing your diving skills contact this full service PADI 5 Star dive shop http://www.atlantisaquaticsinc.com/
Original footage throughout most of the video. Additional clips thanks to Jim Folk and Deb Turgeon.
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Prerequisites
01:14 Light and colors
01:59 Artificial light
02:36 Visibility
03:20 Getting close
04:37 Being on level
05:17 Snorkeling opportunities
06:03 Camera gear
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bo.dabi/
My website: http://www.bdphotographs.com
Some links to underwater photo gear are below. It’s best to talk to a professional who has experience in the water with camera gear, not just a sales rep who knows the equipment.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
Universal Smartphone Underwater Case:
https://www.backscatter.com/Kraken-KRH08-Universal-Smart-Phone-Underwater-Housing-V2?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCWC137TCTICmjDoxN8cY64s=
GoPro Hero 12:
https://www.backscatter.com/GoPro-HERO12-Black-Action-Camera?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCWC137TCTICmjDoxN8cY64s=
Sony RX100 VII Compact Camera (recommended)
https://www.backscatter.com/Sony-RX100-VII-Camera?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCWC137TCTICmjDoxN8cY64s=
Compact Cameras:
https://www.backscatter.com/underwater/Compact?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCWC137TCTICmjDoxN8cY64s=
Professional Mirrorless Cameras (recommended)
https://www.backscatter.com/underwater/Mirrorless?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCWC137TCTICmjDoxN8cY64s=
Professional SLR Cameras:
https://www.backscatter.com/underwater/SLR?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCWC137TCTICmjDoxN8cY64s=
Hello sir
Not sure if you’re likely to reply to this as it’s an older video but would you have any recommendations for cameras for someone starting out? Was looking at gopros which seem useful but not sure about the image quality
In your honest opinion is this actually a good career path to choose? I have felt lost for so long but i just have a love for water and marine life. (good meaning being able to make a living)
Hello sir
Amazing video thank you!
Great video! Im considering buying a SeaFrogs housing for my A7c. Is it a good buy? What wideangle lens and strobes will you recommend? Thanks.
i am a scuba diver i want a job in under water
I’m interested in possibly pursuing this endeavor for I have signed up with scuba splashed out of Pittsburgh. I’m currently a steelworker near Pittsburgh
I am mohit from india
i am a scuba diver i want a job in under water
Nice video!! I study marine biology and I want to start making beautiful videos of sharks (because they are beautiful). Do you have any tips on cameras and what kind of people I should contact that might take me out to dive/photograph sharks?
Very good video!
is this wreck at 2.20 the „Kitty Wake“ at Grand Cayman?
Awesome! Very clearly explained, you might say good "viz" on all the explanations ;-D
Currently moving up the ladder in Scuba Diving.
Taking a diploma in biochemistry to get into an marine biology degree.
Will need to do a photography course too.
Increment progress to become a marine biologist and underwater photographer.
Can’t think of anything else I’d want to pursue 😍
Great video. I would love to see what advice you have on editing underwater photos, particularly with regard to back scatter and focus/sharpness.
I want to try this…..can i get that?
What a video, this is superb. Thanks a lot
Excellent video and superb photos. Thanks!
Michael E. Holtby VERY nicely done, Bo! Your still and video skills are excellent. I’ve done 200 dives, but mostly used a Nikonos film camera. The digital options are so much better. You’ve obviously had some awesome dive encounters with sharks, rays, turtles, and more.
What a awesome video, the quality is superb. Question: I’m starting with scuba diving, I’m taking my certificate and after a while I will start UW Photography, I already have a Sony a6000 with a couple lenses and my goal is to shoot still pictures with it while I record a video with a GoPro, do you think for a beginner like me would be enough? It will be a hobby for the weekends here in South Florida. Thanks buddy.
Really appreciated your points about respecting the animals
Why does commercial diving is more money ??
Brilliant content
Concise and informative intro to underwater photography. I will be coming back for more (: