Introduction
Underwater photography is a captivating form of art that allows photographers to capture the beauty and mystery of the underwater world. One of the goals of underwater photographers is to elicit a “wow” response from viewers, often achieved by photographing interesting animal subjects. However, there is another approach that can create a similar impression – focusing on underwater seascapes. While these scenes may lack a tangible subject, they have the power to captivate viewers by showcasing the mesmerizing underwater environment. In this article, we will explore the concept of underwater seascapes and learn how photographers can create visually compelling images even without a primary subject.
What Are Underwater Seascapes?
Underwater seascapes can be described as images that showcase the surrounding underwater environment rather than focusing on a single subject. To illustrate this concept, let’s imagine an image of a beautiful crystal-clear underwater scene in the Caribbean. In this scene, a few heads of coral are scattered over a white sandy bottom, seemingly disappearing into an endless horizon of blue. Now, envision adding a dolphin somewhere visible in the image. You’ll notice that the image transforms from an underwater seascape to a marine wildlife image. By adding a focal point, such as the dolphin, the viewer’s attention is drawn away from the surroundings, which then become a complimentary backdrop to the main subject. The viewer’s gaze initially focuses on the dolphin and then takes a quick glance at the background to appreciate the context. This illustrates how humans tend to focus on the primary focal point in a scene and only later explore the rest of the image to understand the whole picture.
Finding Underwater Seascapes
When it comes to underwater seascapes, there are no real limitations on what makes a great location, apart from having decent visibility. Whether you are exploring a local backyard dive site or venturing to an exotic reef, underwater seascapes can be found in a variety of settings. The key is to embark on a little exploration and discover captivating scenes worth photographing. From the vast expanses of the ocean to more intimate views of seagrass fading into a mist of murky visibility, there are limitless possibilities waiting to be captured through the lens.
Equipment for Seascape Photography
The beauty of shooting underwater seascapes is that you don’t need elaborate equipment to get started. In fact, even a simple action camera like the GoPro can be used to capture visually striking images of breaking waves on the shore. However, if you’re looking for more versatility and control, consider using a surf or water-sports housing. These housings are ideal for shooting in shallow conditions and offer durability in rough conditions. Another option is to use specialized underwater camera housings like those from Ikelite, which combine the lightweight form of a surf housing with the depth-rating of a dive housing.
When it comes to lighting underwater seascapes, strobes play a crucial role in adding color and contrast to the scene. While not necessary, strobes can illuminate darker crevices in the reef and are perfect for capturing details underneath overhangs. For optimum results, using fish-eye or ultra-wide angle lenses is recommended to maximize the field of view. Additionally, utilizing a larger dome port (six inches or larger) can facilitate over-under photography, allowing you to combine landscape and underwater seascapes into a single shot. To further enhance colors, color-correcting filters can be employed, especially at greater depths where strobe lights may have limited impact on large seascapes.
Seascape Photographic Settings and Techniques
In underwater seascape photography, shooting in manual exposure mode offers greater control over the final image. This enables photographers to fine-tune settings based on water depth and lighting conditions, which directly influence exposure. To ensure a large depth of field and encompass as much of the scene as possible, it is advisable to use a small aperture value such as f/11 or higher. Slowing down the shutter speed (but not less than 1/100s to avoid motion blur) and adjusting the ISO accordingly can compensate for the smaller aperture. This combination of settings allows for the capture of intricate details in both the foreground and background of the seascapes.
For photographers who are less familiar with manual exposure mode or have cameras that do not provide this option, there are still ample opportunities to achieve stunning results using the auto modes and creative filters offered by modern digital cameras. Some cameras even have specific settings tailored for shooting in shallow water. By exploring these features and experimenting with different variations, photographers can produce unique and compelling seascapes.
When it comes to focusing, underwater seascapes provide a welcome change of pace from the fast-paced nature of capturing moving subjects underwater. Take advantage of the relative stillness and ample time available to compose the perfect shot. One effective focusing technique is to focus on a point roughly two-thirds into the distance of the scene. By utilizing autofocus on a single focal point rather than a matrix mode, photographers can achieve sharp and well-composed seascapes.
Seascape Composition and Adding Secondary Elements
Composition plays a pivotal role in creating compelling underwater seascapes. Drawing inspiration from top landscape photographers, photographers can experiment with fundamental composition techniques such as the rule of thirds. This approach serves as a springboard for capturing captivating seascapes. To enhance the sense of space and depth in the scene, including a definite vanishing point or horizon can be effective. This visually guides the viewer’s gaze and adds a sense of scale to the image.
While the focus of underwater seascapes is typically on the environment, it is possible to enhance the scene by incorporating secondary elements. However, it’s important to strike a balance and ensure that these elements do not overpower the overall composition. For example, a school of fish can add interest and depth to the scene without becoming the dominating focal point. Distant divers, swimmers, or marine life can also contribute to the backdrop and provide context without distracting from the primary subject – the underwater seascape itself.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the realm of underwater seascapes opens up a world of endless possibilities for photographers. By shifting the focus from individual subjects to the surrounding environment, photographers can create visually captivating images that evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the underwater world. Drawing inspiration from the techniques employed by landscape photographers and experimenting with different approaches, photographers can further develop their creativity and unique style in capturing stunning seascapes.
Whether it’s through black-and-white photography, capturing motion, or embracing minimalism, underwater seascapes offer countless avenues for photographers to express their artistic vision. So, grab your camera, dive into the depths, and let the fascinating world of underwater seascapes inspire your creativity and passion for capturing the beauty of the underwater realm.
The article is compiled and compiled by tipcamera.com
