Underwater Photography – Two Ways to Get Started
The first time you take an underwater photograph you’ll likely find that the thrill of this type of photography is addicting. You’ll soon find yourself forking out for diving lessons, buying expensive gear, and planning diving trips off the coast of Mexico.
Underwater photography can be a truly rewarding hobby, and it can also be an excellent addition to any photography business. There are, of course, some special considerations to get started with underwater photography. Simply jumping in the nearest river with your digital SLR in hand is a good way to ruin your camera.
To help you get started I have developed this guide.
Underwater Photography: The Guide to Gear
The first thing that needs to be considered before embarking on that underwater photo expedition is your equipment. There are actually two ways to get ready for taking images in the water. Your budget will likely be the deciding factor in this case.
The Cheaper Route: The cheapest way to get started in underwater photography is actually buying a new camera. A basic digital camera that is capable of underwater photos can be had for about $200 US.
If your budget was $800 you could have a good 8 megapixel underwater camera that included a light.
This route may be cheaper, but you will be limited in photos you are able to take. These point and shoot cameras are built for amateurs and not for professional photographers.
The Better Route: If you already have a good camera it can also be used in underwater photography. After all, you spent $2,000 for that high quality digital SLR, and you would love it’s capabilities for your first underwater expedition.
The better way to get started with underwater photography is to buy an underwater housing for your existing camera. This will allow you to keep using the camera you know well. It will also extend your photo taking capabilities while you swim. The drawback to this route is its cost.
A good underwater housing for an SLR will cost you $1,000 or more, and that doesn’t include the lighting. The best dive housing may actually cost you three of four times that. There are additional costs to this route as well.
Along with your camera housing you will need some underwater lighting. Professional strobe lighting for underwater use starts at about $300 per light. You will want a lighting arm to attach your light to your camera so add another $100 or more to the cost.
After you have your underwater gear, it’s time to take some pictures. The skills required for taking great pictures under the sea aren’t all that different than the skills you already have. For the most part you will point and shoot. Where the real differences come in is getting used to handling your camera while you are under the water.
Whatever route you choose for setting up, one thing is certain. You will very likely enjoy underwater photography. Along with that, if you get good at it, you will add a whole new dimension to your photography business.
