The Beginner's Guide to Underwater Digital Photography

Simplifying the seemingly difficult and expensive art of underwater photography, this accessible investigation outlines the four elements of success: focus, exposure, composition, and subject. Beginning with an overview of necessary diving skills, this survey reviews these four categories in detail, depicting how to obtain superior results even without the latest and greatest equipment. Maintenance and first-aid tactics are presented as well, reducing the chance of disappointing malfunctions during a dive. Also covered is the importance of developing a photography plan beforehandboth for the safety of the divers and the protection of the underwater environment. Concluding with post-shoot techniques for choosing the best frames, cropping photos for printing, and the top methods of presentation, this examination demonstrates how underwater images can be used to share the world of diving while promoting important conservation efforts.

Larry Gates is an underwater photography instructor. He is a former safety and support diver for Paramount Studios and has provided technical assistance on dives for Vogue magazine. He has been featured in Florida Scuba News, Skin Diver, and Water Line. He lives in Key Largo, Florida.