We've all seen stunning images taken underwater and perhaps you've wondered if you could take such beautiful pictures yourself. Underwater digital photography is not as hard as you may have imagined with the wide range of waterproof cameras and camera casings available today. There are cheap, disposable waterproof cameras available and a range of specially made underwater cameras, but take care that you do not exceed the maximum depth. Many are only guaranteed for around 10 metres. A number will also take video underwater! Of course, you're not going to take wonderful pictures with a $30 disposable camera but for fun on holiday for the kids they could be a good idea. If you really want to take fantastic pictures underwater you really need to buy a specially made underwater camera or fit your regular digital camera witha waterproof housing.
Image by Hamed Saber
Tips on Taking the Perfect Underwater Picture
Beneath the water light diffuses and the red part of the spectrum is absorbed when you are below three metres. Red will then appear brown in your pictures. Images will turn out darker than they would on land so you need to use the white balance to compensate for this. White balance can be set underwater by using a white tile. Some cameras also have a preset for underwater scenes that adds red to the image to comensate for the blue and green hues. Another option is to take the images and adjust them later using software on your computer.
Pictures taken underwater will also appear bigger with the same zoom effect that you would use on land. Make sure you check in the viewfinder carefully and compensate for this. A built in flash can also be aproblem underwater as the pictures can be blurry with white spots. An external flash does not cause this problem and is preferable for digital underwater photography.
Optional lenses are great for underwater photography. Macro lenses will allow you take images of the sea life from a distance so you don't disturb any of the creatures.
It is a good idea to test out the waterproofing of any casing at home before going to the water even if you've used it before. Submerge it for a few seconds and make sure there are no leaks. Also check that you didn't get any grains of sand stuck in the seals. You could also put some silica gel into the case to prevent any moisture forming and fogging up the viewfinder. After use wash off carefully to remove any salt. If the salt is left to crystallise it can cause leaks.
Underwater digital photgraphy is great fun and not as hard as you might have thought. With some practice you'll soon be taking fantastic underwater pictures!
Image by iMollo
For more information on white balance see Understanding Digital White Balance
