Posts by Troy:
Underwater Photography. First Lesson…Buoyancy
November 9th, 2009
Ok young masters, let’s begin. Whether you are considering underwater photography or are an accomplished amateur…the first lesson for being the best photographer you can be is Buoyancy!
Everyone thinks they have great buoyancy, but it can always be better. Now when we add a camera, small or large, your body posture and total focus during a dive changes. Having a camera is not license to touch anything! It seems to me that photographers think they are immune to being good reef stewards and are allowed to put down their hands, fingers, or lay their fins on the reef. You are NOT… EVER! Have you ever placed a hand or finger down on the reef? If yes…then you should strive to learn and practice the necessary skills to prevent that from happening again.
Ok, so how do we achieve the skills and techniques to master buoyancy, add a camera, re-master buoyancy, and get the best shots possible? Take a course… either at your local dive center or go on an education vacation. Look around, find a photo pro who understands the special requirements for underwater photography and buoyancy, and take a course. Every training agency has a course designed to build your skills in proper weighting, breath control, and situational awareness. Then add the camera in the pool and start over. Practice with toys in the pool until you have achieved a state of calmness that allows you to effortlessly glide in, hover, compose, adjust, and take the perfect shot all within an inch of the coral or sand, and not touch or disturb anything. This is the way you will get that amazing macro shot in focus, or lie in wait for that Manta to visit the cleaning station. You will get closer, see more, and enjoy the fruits of your efforts much more with mastery of true neutral buoyancy.
As a photographer you are a champion of the ocean. You are showing the world what amazing things there are to see and learn about in the sea. You should want to be the best diver you can be in order to protect the environment in which you love and wish to share with your images. This is the first and most important step in that journey.
For more information, ideas, and gear…go to www.innerworldimages.com
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