Photo Elements
To support photographers in crafting impactful and ethically responsible underwater images, we’ve gathered the following essential photography tips and suggestions. These guidelines will help you not only capture the beauty of the ocean but also highlight the importance of respecting marine life and environments.
Working with Natural and Artificial Light
- Natural Light: When possible, utilise ambient light to capture the natural beauty of the ocean without relying on artificial lighting that may disturb marine life. Natural light can add warmth and depth to an image, giving it a more authentic feel. Positioning yourself with the sun behind you will help ensure optimal lighting without casting unnecessary shadows on your subject.
Tip: Shoot during the golden hour when the sun is lower in the sky to achieve a soft, diffused light that can illuminate the underwater scene beautifully. - Artificial Light: The use of strobes and flashes should be minimal and always done with consideration for the sensitivity of marine life. Artificial light is a useful tool for illuminating deeper environments where natural light doesn’t reach, but it should be employed carefully, ensuring that it doesn’t overwhelm or stress the subject.
Tip: Use wide-angle lenses when shooting with strobes to illuminate more of the scene evenly, reducing harsh shadows or overexposed areas.
Capturing Natural Behaviour
- Patience is Key: One of the most important aspects of underwater photography is allowing the natural behaviour of marine life to unfold without interference. Patience and quiet observation will lead to capturing the most authentic and captivating moments, whether it’s the graceful glide of a manta ray or the delicate interaction between clownfish and their anemone.
Tip: Spend extended time in one area, minimising your movement. Marine life is more likely to become comfortable and act naturally if they don’t feel threatened.
Timing
- Right Moment, Right Time: Timing is crucial in capturing the perfect underwater shot. Whether it’s waiting for the right light, the exact moment a fish strikes, or a coral unfurling in the current, the ability to anticipate and capture fleeting moments defines a great photograph.
Tip: Plan your dive times strategically. Early morning or late afternoon dives often provide the best lighting and animal activity, adding natural drama to your shots.
Mood and Emotion
- Conveying Atmosphere and Feeling: Mood is an essential element in storytelling through photography. Whether the image feels serene, mysterious, or dramatic, capturing the emotion of the scene will resonate with the viewer. Judges will assess how well the photographer communicates the feeling of the moment—whether it’s through lighting, composition, or subject interaction.
Tip: Use shadows, colours, and contrast to evoke specific emotions. The natural tones of underwater environments often lend themselves to creating atmospheric and emotionally powerful scenes.
Storytelling
- Tell a Story with Your Image: Powerful underwater photography goes beyond technical merit to communicate a story. Each element in the frame should contribute to the overall narrative, whether it’s showcasing the relationship between species, highlighting the movement of a shoal of fish, or conveying the mood of the environment.
Tip: Consider the background, foreground, and your subject’s interaction with them to create depth and context in your story.
Movement
- Capture Motion and Dynamics: Movement is a natural part of the underwater world, and being able to convey that in your images can evoke a stronger emotional response. Whether it’s the flowing movement of a jellyfish or the serene drift of a school of fish, capturing the dynamics of motion adds life to your shot.
Tip: Slow down your shutter speed slightly to capture a sense of fluidity without sacrificing too much sharpness. Play with different shutter speeds to find the right balance for your subject.
External Resouces:
Disclaimer: The external links provided are for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with or endorsed by this competition. They are intended to offer additional guidance on sustainable and ethical photography practices. Participants should always adhere to the competition’s own rules and guidelines when preparing their submissions.
Nat Geo: Sustainable Photography Tips (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/sustainable)
National Geographic offers tips on sustainable photography, focusing on minimizing impact on the environment while capturing compelling images.
World Wildlife Fund: Photography Ethics Guidelines (https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/photography-ethics-guidelines)
This guide offers practical tips on photographing wildlife and nature responsibly, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.
Conservation International: Responsible Photography (https://www.conservation.org/projects)
While not strictly photography-focused, Conservation International provides valuable insights into the importance of ethical practices when interacting with nature.
Leave No Trace: Nature Photography Guidelines (https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/)
This organisation emphasizes the “leave no trace” principle in all outdoor activities, including nature photography, promoting minimal environmental impact.