logo

The Global Domain Name (url) Families.com is currently available for acquisition. Please contact by phone at 805-627-1955 or Email for Details

Spring Break Through Your Camera’s Lens

After the 19.8 inches of new snow that fell on our city yesterday I’m not surprised that there is a mass exodus going on right now. Who wants to spend spring break digging out from nearly two feet of wet, heavy, sloppy snow?

Many of our friends are heading to sunny destinations this weekend. Two families are driving to Florida where they plan to scuba dive and swim with dolphins. I begged them to take photos of their underwater adventures. They laughed and said they’d pay for the resort’s staff to snap their pics.

Not for nothing, but it doesn’t take a ton of talent to snap amazing underwater shots. Just employ some of these simple tips and you’ll be well on your way to capturing all the fun under the sea:

Use the Proper Equipment

If you are shooting on a budget, then purchase an inexpensive waterproof camera. Most sell for less than $20 and can be pitched after a single photo shoot. If you are serious about documenting your undersea adventures, then use a high-quality, waterproof digital camera or buy a housing unit for your existing camera. Most units come with special wide-angle lenses and can be supplemented with a separate flash or strobe.

Zoom In

Since water reduces color, clarity and contrast, you need to get close to your subject before shooting. Experts recommend that you be within two feet of your subject before hitting the shutter button. If you can’t move in physically, then use your camera’s zoom function or consider attaching a wide-angle lens onto your camera housing.

Get Creative

You don’t always have to place your subject in the center of the viewfinder in every shot. Get creative with your composition underwater. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles or modify the rule of thirds when shooting underwater.

Related Articles:

Basic Photo Tips for Digital Camera Owners

Cameras: Knowing When To Upgrade

Telling A Story With Your Shots

Natural Framing

This entry was posted in Photography Lessons by Michele Cheplic. Bookmark the permalink.

About Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. She spent the next ten years as a television anchor and reporter at various stations throughout the country (from the CBS affiliate in Honolulu to the NBC affiliate in Green Bay). She has won numerous honors including an Emmy Award and multiple Edward R. Murrow awards honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast journalism. In addition, she has received awards from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for her reports on air travel and the Wisconsin Education Association Council for her stories on education. Michele has since left television to concentrate on being a mom and freelance writer.