The Most Significant Tips for Underwater Photography on the Coral Reef

Underwater photography on the coral reef can be quite challenging, and even if you ask some of the most experienced photographers out there, they will tell you that you’ll need a lot of practice to get it right. As follows are some of the most important guidelines to keep in mind when photographing marine life near coral reef formations.

Important Guidelines to Keep in Mind

One of the most important things about underwater photography on the reef is to keep focused on lighting. Your lighting situation can make the difference between a great shot of a fish or other marine creature, or a dark photo that will not reveal anything. Forced flash mode or increased exposure can help, and you also want to make sure to keep the creature’s eyes in focus at all times, if you’re trying to catch a fish or a sea turtle on camera.

A good additional tip about keeping your camera focused is to shoot upwards. This angle is important if you want to get the best images, along with another handy guideline that says you need to try and motion the frame of the photograph to include the entire item or subject you want to shoot.

Another important – and somewhat surprising – tip regarding underwater photography on the coral reef that you will get from professional underwater photographers is to get your diving and swimming skills sorted out. Remember, you’ll need to keep as still as possible to get the best shots, and that’s not easy to do when you’re 10 feet or more underwater.

“Pacific Warriors” photo/ courtesy of Discovery Channel

Finally, remember to keep your camera set up to the highest possible resolution and the lowest possible ISO to get clear, vibrant pictures; and if you’re shooting in natural light, never go deeper than 20 feet, and make sure the sun is shining bright above the water, while the clarity of the water allows you to see objects clearly with the naked eye at close range.

Research the Best Underwater Cameras

Underwater photography on the coral reef can be tough without the appropriate equipment at hand, and of course, the main item you need is a good waterproof underwater camera that will be capable of taking focused pictures, while being durable enough to resist even deeper waters.

Depending on whether you want to stay in shallow waters or not, you can, of course, limit yourself to a cheaper camera, however, it’s always important to buy the type of device that has precisely the features you require.

Also, don’t underestimate the importance of a camera that can take good enough video recordings, since – especially if this is your first time taking underwater stills – you might want to alternate taking snaps with the recording of some good quality videos that will be much easier to take in most cases.

Of course, getting a single good shot can be easy, if it’s only one in a few hundred, but getting it right all the time requires a combination of skill, experience and the right equipment. Following these guidelines, however, should give you a clearer picture on how underwater photography on the coral reef should work.

Guest Author: Mariia Lvovych

photo/ Discovery Channel