Why Are My Underwater Photos All Blue?
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Those just starting out as aspiring underwater photographers generally run into the same basic problems. The good news is they are relatively easy to fix and once mastered will likely make an astounding improvement in your results.
A common complaint is that pictures turn out blue, not very sharp, and perhaps spotted. What that really says, especially when folks cite how great their topside snaps are, is that they haven’t figured out how to deal with the water.
Think about how the 200’ viz that’s so fantastic underwater would seem on land – pretty dismal. That’s because water is a very good filter and extraordinarily capable of sucking up color and light. Your pictures are blue because that’s the last color to go. Reds disappear first and within just a few feet, followed by orange, yellow and so on across the spectrum.
The solution is to add the light back by using a strobe or flash, but again light won’t travel too far through water. So you’ve got to get close – real close – the closer you are to what you’re photographing, the less water you have to shoot through.
Starting out you should be no more than 2 or 3 feet from your subject. This will also help make images sharper and more likely to stand out against a background, especially if you get down low and shoot upwards as well.
Of course this may tax your diving skills if you’ve not yet become proficient at moving smoothly through the water and mastered buoyancy control. Getting close to critters that can swim or scamper away will take practice at approaching low and slow, and even waiting for them to approach you.
In fact you may want to start with shooting something incapable of moving at first, like a reef or a wreck. That will allow some mastery of the lighting and distance judging before adding the complication of fish that won’t hold still.
Yes distance becomes important. You’ll no doubt recall from your scuba certification course that objects appear about 25% larger and closer underwater. While the apparent size isn’t relevant, since the camera will just capture what it “sees”, the distance could be a problem if you think you’re within effective flash range but are actually beyond it.
On the topic of using a flash, they’re pretty much mandatory unless incredibly shallow, but they can cause problems too. Like those white spots where you thought the water was clear. That’s called backscatter and usually happens when using an underwater cameras internal flash.
The light has reflected off particles suspended in the water directly back into the camera lens resulting in blurry circles covering the image. The solution is an external flash or strobe mounted well away from the lens. Light from the flash will still reflect off any particles, but off somewhere else, thus not spoiling the shot.
If you remember the mantra, to get close, get low, shoot up, and use a strobe, you should see dramatic improvement in your underwater shots. The rest is fine tuning and tons of experimenting and practice.
Octopus – Master of Disguise
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The camera captured this octopus in the midst of changing color. Not sure what color it was going for because shortly hereafter it gave up deciding and darted away in an inky cloud.
Location was on one of the pilings underneath the cruise ship pier in Frederiksted, St. Croix. In fact it was a great all round macro site, probably due in no small part to the fact that the cruise ships had stopped visiting. Something about the economy.
Anyway, the circumstances left this magnificent pier vacant and quiet, perfect for all sorts of critters to take up residence.
The octopi, normally nocturnal, were easy to spot even during the day. A couple were out in plain sight, and others under rocks, but the best hiding spots were inside cans or bottles. I never cease to be amazed at how these guys can squeeze into the tiniest places.
This white one here in the bottom picture pretty much ignored us, deciding we weren’t worth changing color for. You can also see a tentacle of another shy one under the rock there about dead center and below the white octopus and the arrow crab at the far right.
As an aside, I heard the cruise ships are once again visiting St. Croix. While good for tourism, there will no doubt be more commotion around the pier. Hopefully the diving won’t feel too much of an impact.
Sea & Sea DX-2G with YS-27DX UW Camera Kit
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The Sea & Sea DX-2G Underwater Digital Camera is actually a kit that includes a Sea & Sea housing that is rated to a depth of 180′ (55 m), along with the Sea & Sea DX-2G camera. Since this camera has a shutter lag time of only 0.1 sec, it is well suited for underwater use.
The camera features a large 2.7″ TFT LCD monitor that makes framing underwater easy and fun. Since the camera has manual as well as program exposure modes you have complete control of balancing the available light to strobe light. The large buffer allows you to shoot 5 consecutive images with a 3 sec write time in raw mode.
These features along with exceptional macro capability of a 1/2″, makes the DX-2G functionality and performance close to an SLR without the bulk, hassle and weight.
The YS-27DX strobe is designed for multipurpose underwater photography, providing spread and power for subjects that range from wide-angle to macro. It has nine different light level settings, a pre-flash cancel mode, and is an ideal slave sub-strobe.
The YS-27DX’s power source is four AA batteries, which provide strength and endurance for a full day’s shooting without changing batteries. The recycle time of YS-27DX with using 2700mAh nickel-metal-hydride batteries is only two seconds, providing speedy recovery for a rapid series of images.
Product Features
1/1.7-inch CCD with approximately 12.1 effective megapixels. High image quality with low noise and rich smooth gradation range that lets you capture perfect underwater images from highlights to shadows
Large, high definition 2.7-inch LCD monitor with 460,000 pixels. Vivid and bright display that lets you see even the finest details in the picture. The monitor features a wide angle of view (160° in any direction) and high contrast, and offers excellent visibility underwater
24-72mm, 3.0x optical zoom lens that demonstrates excellent optical qualities for any lighting situation and focal length
Capable of RAW image photography. A newly-developed image engine and enlarged buffer memory allow you to take up to 5 continuous shots in RAW mode. The recording speed has improved to 3 seconds
Up to three individual settings of the My Setting function allow you to customize recording settings to your preference. This is convenient to assign frequently used functions to these customized settings
Get more details on the Sea & Sea DX-2G camera or the DX-2G w/strobe.
SeaLife DC1000 10 MP Underwater & Land Camera in Removable Housing
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SeaLife’s new DC1000 10-megapixel camera now has features specifically designed to allow for the best possible photographs, both in and out of the water, including a 5x optical zoom.
When outfitted with all the “must have” accessories, this ultimate dive camera system called the Maxx, is complete with the DC1000 camera itself, a wide angle lens, two Digital Pro Flashes, and a 2GB memory card, all in a deluxe travel case.
The easy 1-2-3 graphic on screen guide-takes the guess work out of setting up the camera for great pictures, and dual flashes eliminate shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides. Light up the deep and capture spectacular underwater images with the brightest colors you ever imagined.
Set the camera to Ext Flash Auto mode for automatic exposure control with the Digital Pro Flash, resulting in vibrant colors and reduced backscatter. The Ext Flash Manual mode offers advanced underwater photographers manual aperture and shutter speed controls.
It has a quick shutter response for fast action photography, and a long lasting lithium battery for a full day of diving. Automatic focus goes from 2″ to infinity. Large format continuous video recording with sound. Depth tested to 200ft. Fully rubber armored for shock protection. The one year warranty covers the underwater camera and flash accessory.
- 10 megapixel image resolution
- 5x optical zoom
- 2.7-inch LCD viewer
- Rubber armored housing
- Easy set-up mode w/ on-screen guide eliminates guess work
- Four underwater modes for automatic color correction at depth
- 640 X 480 AVI video mode with sound
- High capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Up to 2 hour or 200+ underwater photos
- SD and SDHC card up to 16 GB
- Ext Flash Auto mode for automatic exposure settings w/ 1 or 2 external flashes
- Ext Flash Manual mode for manual aperture & shutter speed control w/ 1 or 2 external flashes
- Ergonomic design w/ large shutter button & well-spaced controls
Learn more about the DC1000, the DC1000 Elite, and DC1000 Maxx.
The Tough-6000 Goes Everywhere
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Ready when you are, this is a great little 10 megapixel camera that doesn’t need to be pampered. Shockproof to the point it can withstand even a drop from 5 feet off the deck, means you never have to miss a shot for fear of damaging your camera.
Especially helpful when you’re on the boat, out on the water in bright sunshine, the Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 has a 2.7 inch LCD that boasts an extra-wide viewing angle along with anti-glare technology for easier composing & shooting.
Besides having the resolution to create photo-quality, poster-sized prints, it has a 3.6x wide-angle optical image stabilized zoom, and face detection technology that can track up to 16 faces while automatically focusing and optimizing your shot.
Add in 25 shooting modes, including those for underwater; in-camera panorama mode; 42mb of internal memory, expandable up to 2gb with a picture card; long battery life with a fast recharge time; and weighing not much over a quarter pound, it’s hard to believe you get so much in such a small package – not to mention at a super price.
Equally comfortable on land or sea, or underwater as well, the Tough-6000 can be submerged to 10 feet without a housing. Of course getting way deeper is not problem either – just pop it into it’s custom Olympus PT-047 housing and you’re ready to explore down to depths of 130 feet or 40 meters.
Get more details or order the Tough-6000
Shop for all underwater cameras here
Canon Powershot D10 12MP Waterproof Digital Camera
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Life can take you almost anywhere. So Canon engineered a digital camera durable enough to go where you go and produce the kind of awe-inspiring images that will earn your respect. It’s the PowerShot D10 and it’s no ordinary camera.
The Canon Powershot D10
This unique camera is waterproof down to 33 feet so you can take it diving, snorkeling or surfing. It’s freeze proof and can withstand extremes of temperature from 14-104 degrees (F) so it’s also ideal for snowboarding, mountaineering and more. Plus, it’s shockproof to 4 feet, so when the going gets rough, the D10 will keep going strong.
Canon technology offers a world of advantages including their DIGIC 4 Image Processor. This is their evolved Face Detection Technology that tracks the faces of moving subjects and lets the shooter enter the frame seamlessly with the Face Detection Self-Timer.
Plus it also features things like intelligent contrast correction, blink detection and advanced presets for the best possible photos under certain conditions. With 19 shooting modes including 16 special scene modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.
Since you’re always up for any challenge, Canon designed the PowerShot D10 with a selection of versatile accessories (sold separately) that enable you to outfit the camera to meet the requirements of your next adventure.
The customized strap is a perfect choice for those who want to have their camera within easy reach, yet keep their hands free. The Canon faceplates let you distinctively mark the camera as belonging to you alone. The carabiner hook offers you a handy way to securely suspend the D10 from a belt, backpack or diving harness.
Get more details or order this Canon Powershot D10
Dragon Moray Eel – Smiles Are Deceptive
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So why is the Dragon Moray eel always smiling? Well they don’t actually have much choice since their lower jaws are curved and prohibit closing their mouth completely. Add in all those teeth and these guys are quite menacing to look at.
Of course the multi-colored body, nostril flares and horns above the eyes also add to the scary look. The Dragon Moray is also known as the Hawaiian Dragon eel, just plain Dragon eel, or sometimes called a Leopard eel. By whatever name, they are hard to mistake for anything else.
The Dragon Moray is a carnivore, eating fish and octopus. The menacing look is also realated to breathing as they have to keep their mouth open to do so.
They will grow to around three feet in length and will eat about any size prey they can get in their mouths. One in, the many razor sharp teeth keep a meal from escaping.
Living in the south pacific, these eels find suitable homes in caves & crevices, or along the reef in branching corals. They don’t have to eat often, and will not attack unless hungry or provoked. They can sometimes be found outside their lairs, but mostly stay concealed waiting for unsuspecting prey.
Stylus Tough-8000 Olympus Everything Proof Digital Camera
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Take your photos to the extreme. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 is virtually indestructible. Whether you’re kayaking in the ocean, riding whitewater rapids, or skiing a double diamond, it’s hard to hurt this camera. The Tough-8000 12 MP Digital Camera also boasts 3.6x Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and a 2.7-Inch LCD.
The Stylus Tough-8000, designed for active and adventurous people, features an impressive 12 million pixels of image resolution for poster-sized prints and can survive a 6.6-foot drop, venture 33 feet underwater, withstand 220 pounds of crushing pressure, and laugh at freezing temperatures. Tap Control makes it easy for skiers, divers and snowmen makers to control key settings without removing their gloves.
Features
- Shockproof: Life can be tough, this camera is tougher. Rugged metal body and revolutionary shock-absorbing construction are designed to withstand a 6.6-foot drop, bump or other mishap.
- Waterproof: A revolutionary system of waterproof seals and gaskets keeps water out so you can take pictures as deep as 33 feet underwater.
- Freezeproof: Boldly enter that winter wonderland without worrying about your camera. This camera is winterized to perform at below-freezing temperatures as low as 14°F/-10°C
- Crushproof: With a rugged body and reinforced LCD, the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 withstands up to 220 pounds of pressure so your camera and images are protected.
- Dual Image Stabilization: Forget about blurry shots with this 2-in-1 anti-blur solution. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization compensates for camera shake to keep your shots steady while Digital Image Stabilization captures crisp, clear images in any situation.
There’s really only one word to describe the new shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof Stylus 8000 camera from Olympus: Tough. Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on earth, the Stylus Tough series builds on the impressive specifications of the renowned Stylus SW Series by adding Dual Image Stabilization. Now, when the Stylus Tough-8000 arrives at the windy mountain peak or dive into choppy waves, it stays steady and ready to capture blur-free images in virtually any condition. Available in Black, Silver & Blue.
Get more details or order the Olympus Tough-8000
Shop for all underwater cameras here.
Can You Find the Two Peacock Flounders?
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In the picture below, can you locate the two Peacock Flounders? They are in plain sight, although there is a bit of sand disguising them, so their beautiful colors are not showing. I would’ve included a picture with them out of hiding, but they were too fast.
This was taken with an Olympus 770SW camera
7.1 megapixel CCD- 3.6x optical wide angle zoom
- Waterproof to 33 feet / 10 meters
- Digital Image Stabilization
- 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen minimizes glare
- Freezeproof to 14 ° F / -10 ° C
- Airtight & impervious to sand, dust, dirt, and water
- In-camera panorama mode
- Stylish, compact, & shock-proof to 6.6 feet
- Multiple shooting modes
- Fast recharge after each shot
- Dimensions are 3.7″W x 2.4″H x 0.84″D
- Weighs approximately 6 oz
Just Offshore At The Turks & Caicos Islands
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Long undiscovered by most of the world, this island nation is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. It’s comprised of several islands all reasonably close together – none being more than a three hour boat ride from another, and is situated south of the Bahamas and north of Puerto Rico.
Known for having some of the most brilliant white sand beaches and enticing clear, turquoise blue waters, most of the islands aside from Providenciales and Grand Turk remain relatively undiscovered.
It’s the barrier reef protecting Provo, and most of the Caicos Islands, that provides tranquil waters perfect for diving and snorkeling right offshore.
In fact some of the best reefs are reached by a short walk out from the beach, and many are quite shallow making them perfect for snorkeling.
The reefs are healthy and quite fishy, and offer a superb variety of marine life to look at.
Turtles and southern stingrays are a common sight, and even reef sharks show up often enough. The photos here were taken just a few yards offshore.
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