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Great Pictures Made Easy
Taking underwater pictures is much different that taking land pictures. Here are the most important tips to taking
great pictures underwater:
1. Crystal Clear water.
Crystal Clear water is essential for good underwater pictures. Remember the human eye can see more detail than
a camera. In other words, your eyes see the water as being clearer than it actually is. Floating particles like algae,
and silt cause low visibility. Avoid stirring up the sandy bottom with your fins. These floating particles cause small
spots to appear in your picture, known as “backscatter.”
Always remember to limit your shooting distance to 1/10 of the water visibility. For example, if the visibility is 60
feet (18 m), you should keep your shooting distance to within 6 feet (1.8m); in 30 feet (10 m) visibility you should be
no further than 3 feet (90 cm) away from your subject.
2. Stay within the ideal shooting distance of 2 to 6 feet.
The ideal shooting distance is between 2 to 6 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters). This distance will result in detailed, colorful
pictures. The closer, the better. Use your stretched out arm as a measuring tool to keep your minimum shooting
distance of 2 feet (0.6 meters). Remember that light does not travel very far underwater. For best pictures, use a
3X Macro Lens at distances from 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm).
3. Move calmly and control your buoyancy before taking a picture.
It is very hard to take good pictures when you are moving. Look around for great picture opportunities. First position
yourself at the best angle, and neutralize your buoyancy. Second, use the LCD monitor to perfectly frame your subject,
check your shooting distance and keep the camera steady. Third, be calm and patient: Sometimes you have to wait a
little bit so the fish that were frightened away, come back. Don’t chase the fish, let the fish come to you.
Always be in control of your buoyancy before taking pictures and observe all safe-diving rules.
4. Shoot and review - If you don’t like it, delete it.
One of the key advantages of the SeaLife digital camera is that the monitor displays the picture you’ve just taken. The
monitor will display a message “DELETE?” for 3 seconds. If you don’t like it, delete it by pushing the shutter button again.
One of the best ways to learn underwater photography is from your good pictures and mistakes.
PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 6:00 PM Page 48