Now for something completely different

[DeeDee]

OK, so I love Monty Phython. But we were wondering if anyone here had tips on underwater pic taking. SO just bought an underwater digi...so we were fooling around with it....sometimes get great pics...sometimes not. She just got back from a dive trip and the pics were a mixed bag, but some fantastic!!! We practiced in the pool earlier and actually, we love the results. Reminds me of the "trash the dress" site which was originally just that, but evolved into artistic pics. All ya need is a dress, waterproof camera and a pool (ok..a lake or ocean might work). Some interesting effects...posted one. But, really, any advice is appreciated since we're both new to this
Hugs
DeeDee

[CJ]

Hii DeeDee,

Never tried that, m'self, but it sounds like fun. Here are a few sites you might find useful, though:

Aquatic Images
Photo.net's Underwater Photography Primer
Kodak's Underwater Photo Tips
Digital Photography: Underwater

These should help you out for starters. You can also Google underwater photography tips and tricks. Good luck, DeeDee!

Love,
CJ

[Virginia]

Like most things I guess its like the question in New York, "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice!"

Can't wait to see the book, "Cross dressers Underwater!"

Love,

Virginia

[DeeDee]

Virginia
Wait for the DVD
hugs
DeeDee

[DeeDee]

Thanks CJ...its kinda fun and seems hit or miss with good pics. SO got some great pics in the Bahamas. Here's the trash the dress website http://www.trashthedress.com/
Very artistic and exotic, really.
hugs
DeeDee

[Edyta_C]

Dee Dee,
I've taken alot of photos underwater. Cameras in housings and a Nikonos III and IV. Without fancy flash equipment, shoot between ten and two taking advantage of the direct sun. Your eyes will see better than the camera so stay in shallow water above thirty feet. Most internal camera flashes are not of much use in U/W photos. Digital photography is somewhat easier because they have two features faster psuedo ISO (film speed) and color balance. Underwater does two things that are most important. The first is that reds disappear from your photos and your eyesight. This starts being apparent at about 30ft. The color balance available in many cameras can be shifted to peak the reds. The second factor is the distance from the camera. Any particulate matter in the water scatters light. So it is important to get as close as you can. If you use a wide angle setting or wide angle lens this forces you to get closer and gives you better depth of focus (also called depth of field). Flash can be tricky because any particles in the water will reflect back the light. So again any flash requires you to be close. You need very clear conditions to get any sort of picture beyond 15 - 20 ft. Try the Cayman Isl on a good day when you can pick out individuals standing on the boat from 90ft under water. If you'd like some other tips or want to just BS on U/W photos please email me but not on CD topics please.

Hugs Edyta

[DeeDee]

Thanks for that advice, Edyta. We're using a "Sealife Reefmaster Mini" digi. Self contained and supposedly waterproof to 130 ft (much deeper than I care to go). Noticed that about 30 ft, color does "wash" out.....the bright Yellowtails aren't quite as vivid as they are to your eye. Hadn't thought of the particulates...good point, since I guess its best to really set up the pic (as in..don't stir up the bottom). But she did get some great pics.....never been to the Caymans, but the Bahamas have incredibly clear water also (my experience is mostly around Bimini). And yes, the built-in flash has limits and this cam does support external flash, but wow! they can be expensive. We're going to Key West and the Dry Tortugas (Ft Jefferson) in Dec...hope to get some great pics there.......after more practice Thanks again
DeeDee

[Virginia]

Hey, Dee,

How about some pics of the tonsils of a great white or the adneoids of a bull or the larnyx of a tiger! Just kidding, hon just be careful out there!

Love ya,

Virginia

[DeeDee]

Never happen, Virginia...sharks know that that alcohol content of Irish girls could kill them. But its all wonderful..enjoy life while you can!!!!
Hugs
DeeDee