By: Colin Hartness (http://www.asaphotography.com )
The world of photography is an amazing one. It's been with us
for quite a while now but it is constantly changing. Cameras are
changing and improving. Methods of developing are changing and
improving as well. We have digital cameras that allow people to
take a view of their pictures immediately without traditional
developing. Another change in the world of photography is
underwater photography.
What do you think brings us those great shots of saltwater fish
and movies that film in the ocean and under the sea? What about
shots taken in swimming pools? You see those in the movies a lot
but may not have thought about how they take those pictures and
videos.
You probably never thought about it because for a long time
underwater photography was not really an option for everyday
people. But now it is not just an option, it's really easy to
achieve.
What is Underwater Photography?
Underwater photography is as the name implies photos that are
taken under water. This is pretty interesting since early
cameras could not function if wet. But as people started
discovering the wonders under the sea, they wanted to be able to
share that with others or even just to prove what they actually
saw. So we began creating cameras that could work under water.
It is no surprise that underwater photography is a favorite
pastime for scuba divers. The idea could have come from those
few people that were able to experience the joys and beauty of
underwater life and a desire to share that beauty with others.
There are many different occasions where people use underwater
photography. As we mentioned earlier, underwater photography is
used in Hollywood for movies. You have probably also seen it
used on documentaries and national geographic type programs
about underwater life.
But it is still most commonly used by divers. There are many
websites dedicated to all the ins and outs of underwater
photography; which cameras and lenses are best, which film to
use, and much more can be found on these sites.
How to Take Underwater Photography
Equipment is an important factor in taking great underwater
photography. Of course you will need an underwater camera but
there is more than just that.
You can take some amazing pictures using underwater photography.
There are now even disposable use underwater cameras and you can
take them on vacation with you and get that great underwater
look. Even an amateur can do it. Disposable underwater cameras
can typically be developed at your local Wal-Mart or other film
developing center. You can also purchase underwater cameras for
more of a price but they last whenever you need one. Some people
find this more economical than disposables, especially if they
want to take these pictures often.
Just like other venues of photography, you will probably start
off with a cheaper and less advanced camera and work your way up
if you continue underwater photography for a long time. There
are two basics kinds of cameras; the underwater or waterproof
camera and the encased camera which is inside a housing that
protects it.
When taking pictures, you are going to need to be familiar with:
Your camera Your lens Your film Your flash There are different
things in your environment that will affect the quality of your
underwater photography. Such as:
- Depth of water and transparency of water - Light - The angle
of the sunlight on the top of the water - The backscatter -
Water has a magnifying effect
These are some things to help you get started in the world of
underwater photography. If you are lucky enough to be swimming
in the sea, you should get some proof to share with others.
About the author:
Looking for information about Photography? Go to:
http://www.asaphotography.com 'ASA Photography' is published by
Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Photography! Check
out more Photography articles at:
http://www.asaphotography.com/archive
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