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Dive Photography
Many
underwater photographers agree that Maldives is the best place in the
world to photograph fish. Mainly because nowhere else is there such
form and variety of fish and coral life. The best dive sites for
photographing large pelagic fish such as sharks, mantas or jacks are
the atoll passes or channels. Currents are often strong in the
channels and it may become necessary to hold on to something to remain
still.
For good
images of colorful fish and corals, dive in the ‘thilas’ or shoals
inside the atolls. The conditions in these often are suitable for you
to calmly and carefully frame your shots.
While Underwater cameras are available for rent at most dive schools
in the Maldives, you may not be able to get the exact equipment you
require.
Basic Tips
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Keep your camera still when shooting
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Shoot from the reef bottom whenever possible.
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Squeeze the shutter, don’t punch it.
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Exhale just before you shoot.
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Keep your arms in, stabilize your elbows against
your body.
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Maintain slightly negative buoyancy if there is a
surge.
In midwater, control your buoyancy with breathing only.
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The easy recipe for holiday
photographers
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Set the camera
to ‘A’ (Nikonos) or ‘Aperture priority’ (SLR)
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Set an aperture
of:
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f/11 between
the surface to 10 m (33 ft)
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f/8 between
10 and 20 m (33 and 65 ft)
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f/5.6 or f/4
in water deeper than 20 m (65 ft)
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Nikonos: preset
focus for 90 cm (3 ft), with either a 35 mm or 28 mm lens and
stay between that and 1.2 m (4 ft) away from the subject.
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SLR: Prefocus
50mm lens for 90 cms (3 ft) and get this distance from your
subject, then fine-tune focus.
Maintenance of photographic equipment
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Thoroughly
rinse all equipment after each dive.
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Leave them in
fresh water for a few minutes if possible.
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Spray an anti-saline liquid over all parts in order to eliminate
traces of salt crystals.
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Check all
accessible O-rings at least once a day, carefully clean their
seating and gently lubricate them to keep them soft and elastic.
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Get your
equipment checked by a specialist at least once a year.
Macro
Photography
Corals of every
shape and color are inhabited by a myriad of little animals in a
range of shapes, and incredible colors. These creatures are often
no more than a centimeter. The colorful gobies in the sea fans,
the little shrimps in the anemones and other small inhabitants
often form the best and most interesting subjects.
In order to
photograph these, you will need additional lenses, extensions or
micro lenses. With lighting, it is always better to use two
flashes in macro photography to avoid shadows.
With regard to
films, use low sensitivity emulsions in optimal lighting. The 64
ASA Kodachrome or the 100 ASA Fuji will do fine. |
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