Underwater photography: between culture and sport!

Underwater photography offers amateur swimming and water sports photographers a unique way to combine their passions. However, this discipline has some additional parameters. Only the preparation, both physical and in terms of equipment, is decisive. Because once immersed, we have less time to make the right decisions. In this article, let yourself sink into the unique world of surreal photography in an aquatic environment!

The history of aquatic photography

Invented at the end of the 19th century with the aim of bringing images of underwater life to the surface, aquatic photography initially fulfilled a scientific objective. Since then, the development of the discipline has essentially been based on technical innovations in equipment capable of withstanding pressure and water. The invention of the waterproof case, the flash usable under water and their democratizationamateur photographers were also allowed to take the plunge.

Today, straddling sport and art, underwater photography continues to seduce lovers of the oceans and board sports. She offers a moment of communion with nature and pay homage to him. You will certainly have noticed our penchant for this way of capturing a photo of the sea with our choice of open edition art photos by artists like Matt Power, Woody Gooch and Enrique January.

5 tips for getting into underwater photography

The underwater photo consists of composing the image that we have in mind by composing with our physical abilities and the elements in motion at the moment. If that's your dream, here are some tips to help you get started on this unique way to take a quirky sea photo that will immerse you in the moment every time you look at it.

1. Don't underestimate the breath

Swimming exercises, breath work and apnea are an integral part of underwater photography. If you already have an aquatic practice, all the more reason to redouble your efforts! Being comfortable in the water, from fins to toes off, will allow you to focus on your subject, rather than your own survival. With suitable physical condition, you will be able to experiment with your equipment and hold your camera without shaking. The surreal underwater photo is yours!

A better physical condition will also help you to evolve in respect of the environment in which you shoot. Because it will be necessary to avoid at all costs to cling to or set foot on corals and other natural aquatic elements. The ideal is to train with your equipment in a swimming pool, on a beach or in a lake with a sandy bottom.

2. Choose the right material

Several things are to be taken into consideration in the underwater photo. The first thing is to invest in a waterproof case, failing a device designed to take a picture of the sea below the surface. To begin, Matt Power recommends using basic material that can be used very well to familiarize yourself with the discipline at first.

To sum up, a camera suitable for underwater practice must include the following things:

• waterproof body, lens and shutter speed,
• a lens in good condition with no deposits,
• a box or a protective glass pane,
• a manual shooting speed adjustment system

Be careful, some models are less resistant to water than others, because the tightness can also vary with the water pressure depending on the depth. Everything will depend on your practice: scuba diving or underwater photography close to the surface (board sports or artistic photography in the pool).

Finally, the best thing to do is take the time to master the basics of photography and get to know your gear well before you get in the water.

3. seek the light

To start in underwater photography, it is best to bet on direct and sharp sunlight. You can then experiment with more complex luminosities such as the sunset through a wave.

Attention, the colorimetry changes when in underwater photography, because the sunlight is filtered by the surface of the water. You can use a filter to attach to your lens or manage the brightness and colors with dedicated software.

4. Stay close to the surface

No need to sink into the depths, even at the water's edge, you can already see the world differently and take a surreal photo. Those who are new to the subject will also be able to stabilize themselves more easily and gradually work on their breath. By floating on the surface to dive just for a few shots, light management will be easier.

If you're taking pictures of surfers or swimmers, take the time to find the right positioning for you to get the shot you want, but also to stay safe.

Happy photographic swimming!