Underwater Photography Tips: Get Great Wide-Angle Photos

Mastering the close-focus wide-angle is well worth the effort. Read on to see our underwater photography tips for perfecting this tricky shot.

1. Why It Matters

A close-focus wide-angle image exploits the best of natural and artificial light to make a close-in subject pop against its natural background. It’s a tough shot to master but worth
it for getting great images. You’ll need a wide-angle lens and an external strobe to make this one work best.

2. The Technique

Think of the image in layers — a foreground subject and background context — and use manual mode (M). Aperture controls both foreground and background exposure, so set one and stick to it (e.g., f/8). Then get the background blue or green color just right by using shutter speed alone, slowing it down if necessary to 1/10 second or less to brighten up the blue. Then add your strobe, adjusting power until the foreground is well lit.

3. In the Water

The hardest part is controlling the strobe light to create a well-lit but natural-looking foreground. As always, get close to the subject first, and then play with strobe position and power until the foreground looks exposed but realistic. Don’t point the strobes directly at the subject unless you are very close; reduce backscatter by pointing strobes parallel to the camera lens.

Paul Colley is an award-winning underwater photographer, compact-camera instructor and author of Winning Images with Any Underwater Camera.

To find the latest in underwater compact cameras, visit SeaLife Underwater Cameras.

To view more underwater photography tips for your compact camera, visit our Guide to Underwater Photography.

Check out more underwater photography tips at Sport Diver online, including how to photograph the elusive anemonefish!