Underwater photography tips with model

Shark and diver. Photographer Maris Binde. Diving club DIVING.

Instructor of the International Diving Club "Diving", who teaches a course of underwater photography and is often seen on filming grounds, PADI coach Valters Preimanis, advises on the underwater photo and the frame with the model- “Make an underwater shot so that the divers can see the eyes well so that their eyes are visible in the picture. Have the diver turn the camera and look at the subject. ” Adding a diver increases the interest in your underwater shots, but it needs to be arranged by the photographer before diving.

Divemaster Liene Muzikante was engaged in ice diving, photo Valters Preimanis
Divemaster Liene Muzikante was engaged in ice diving, photo Valters Preimanis

History of underwater photography

We go back in history when, in the summer of 1893, the Frenchman Louis Bhutan was the first to take a camera underwater. His theme was a diver in his environment. In all the pioneering years of diving, the most exciting story from this other world was the man who explored it, and divers were a very popular topic at the time. Nowadays, anyone who can make a living can be an underwater photographer Open Water Diver Course (Open Water Diver) and we also recommend that you pass Underwater photography course at the former Photo Academy teacher Walter Preimanis. Many underwater photographs have been photographed, and those in which the scuba diver forms a relationship with the underwater world always stand out. The person shows the scale of the underwater object in the picture and it is much more interesting to observe them in the underwater environment.

Winter ice diving with diving club DIVING
Ice diving in winter. Diving club DIVING

Underwater photography of people

Usually, creating a scene with people is quite simple, because the communication between the model and the photographer takes place continuously. People are usually responsive and easily understand what the photographer wants. However, if underwater photography is taken in an underwater environment where we can't talk, it's usually a solo action. For a diver, even a simple tip and suggestion for photo changes is relatively complicated and communication can be cumbersome. Arrange for teamwork in advance and wear diving if possible Full Face Mask , which provides verbal communication with the model. In this case, the photographer uses a full-face diving mask, in which he can speak and commands the model, who has a receiving walkie-talkie. The diving skills of the full face mask, its correct and safe use, as well as the paid maintenance course and the mask can be learned by going Full Face Mask course in a diving club.

A full face mask is used by a diver photographer to communicate verbally
A full face mask is used by a diver to communicate verbally

Communications and signals for underwater photography

It is often impossible to give your model clear signals about movement if it has not been discussed before immersion. The photographer's work, if not discussed, is often more difficult and requires prior preparation and cooperation, because otherwise the model does not understand what the photographer wants from him. We need to show the underwater world in its best form and together with the other diver it can be done in the best way possible. Inclusion of people in our underwater images has become the norm.

Shark and diver. Photographer Maris Binde. Diving club DIVING.
Shark and diver. Photographer Maris Binde. Diving club DIVING.

Should the model's eyes be visible in the underwater photograph

There are different types of photo framing and tasks, one of which is to show the model's eyes. The inclusion of model eyes in underwater shots is important so that they can see it is recommended to use a diving mask with large glasses. To achieve a good effect, the model can put on the oldest type of oval mask, which was very popular 50 years ago to draw attention to the eyes. The model must be close to the photographer. Before diving, I always let the models look at how wide the camera lens is, and remind them that they can judge their position by the reflection in the lens. During shooting, take the time to display the captured underwater images on the screen so they understand what the shots look like. The model becomes more discerning when looking at the photos taken the next time they dive, they encourage and allow you to correct things that could make the shots better.

Creating a frame with the help of a diver's silhouette

The dive shots created in the silhouette are easier to achieve for both the model and the photographer. They are the best way to start shooting this type of shot, also because divers will be much freer knowing that they will not be recognizable. The best instructions to give is to ask the model to pose about 2-3 meters from the subject so that you can easily frame their silhouette against bright open water when shooting from the side or bottom. At this distance, divers will be small enough to fit neatly into the photo frame and far enough away from the flash. Divers should swim parallel to the camera, not against it, and try to adjust to the guide line of the frame. Underwater photography is exciting for both the photographer and the model, and each shot taken underwater is a great joy for everyone.

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