Getting Great Photos on Wall Dives

Getting Great Photos on Wall Dives

Aug 31
Getting Great Photos on Wall Dives

 

A good photographer is able to create nice images no matter the dive site, whether it’s silty muck, beautiful coral reef, cold and dark or a drift dive. This, of course, takes much practice but also the right techniques for the conditions.

Today we look at some tips for big wall dives. I made two wall dives today in Bunaken, Indonesia. Walls are unique in the sense that photo composition must come from the side – not the bottom like on most reef dives. There can also be current to contend with, so make sure to check out our Essential Drift Diving Photo Tips.

 

Photo Tip #1

Master your Buoyancy. Safety always comes first when diving. If you haven’t made a “bottomless” dive, then it’s best to make your first dives without a distracting camera. It’s easy to forget about your depth when absorbed in photographing a passing subject.

Photo Tip #2

Look ahead. This becomes more critical as current increases, because you’ll only have a short period of time to compose your photo. As you approach your foreground, try to think ahead about camera settings and strobe position needed for proper lighting. The more you previsualize your photo, the better the results will be.

Photo Tip #3

Look behind you!  Yes, there will be just as many compositions behind you as in front, although it will vary depending on direction of the ambient sunlight.

Photo tip #4

Shoot up! There may be a big school of fish, turtle or something else in below you, but shooting down is likely to result in a very dark image. Instead, keep your camera pointed level or up to the surface for the best lighting.

 

Brent Durand is currently in Manado, Indonesia creating daily photo and video dive reports, photo tips, travel tips and more for the Best of Southeast Asia tour over the next 6 weeks.

Posted by in Photo / Video of the Week, Underwater Tips & Tutorials 0

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