Underwater Photography Tips

This week’s photo tip is a quick one…
Take a look at these two pictures submitted for this month’s photo challenge theme — Fins, Fangs, Feathers and Fur…


Underwater photography can be fun and you don’t need expensive equipment to do it.  A simple disposable, waterproof point-and-shoot camera with a flash will work fine.
Here are some things to keep in mind…
** 1. Unlike regular outdoor photography, mid-day sun is perfect for underwater photography.  The more sun the better.  You need a lot of light to stop action in a fish or fellow snorkeler so the closer you are to the surface (where the light is strongest), and the brighter the day, the better.
** 2. Use the Rule of Thirds when you’re framing your shot.  See this issue on Improving your photos with the Rule of Thirds.
** 3. Get in close. A lot of those disposable underwater cameras make things appear farther away than they are.  Get in close to get the shot.
** 4. Watch for patterns (and interrupted patterns) and colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.  For advice about exactly how, see Floating Leaves and PVC Pipes.
Of course, if you’re really into underwater photography, you’ll find all kinds of special equipment out there — expensive cameras, waterproof bags with a special lens hole so you can use the camera you have underwater, etc.  But if you apply the tips I mentioned here, you can get great shots without spending a lot on gear.
Remember — this month’s challenge is your last chance to enter for this year’s $2,000 grand prize. Send us your best shot before the end of this month.
ENTER TO WIN!
This month’s photo challenge theme is “Fins, Fangs, Feathers and Fur.”  If you have a picture to submit, log on to our website and click on the Enter to Win tab.  (Note: First-time users need to register on the “register” link on the right side bar first. Once you have a username and password, click “Enter to Win” to upload your photo. Only one photo per applicant will be considered. No purchase necessary to register.)
[Editor’s Note: Learn more about how you can turn your pictures into cash in our free online newsletter The Right Way to Travel.  Sign up here today and we’ll send you a new report, Selling Photos for Cash: A Quick-Start Guide, completely FREE.]