Double exposure photography – or multiple, for that matter – is not exactly a new form of art. In fact, it’s been around since film, allowing photographers to expose the same film frame twice to combine two different images. The results can be very artsy, eerie, or abstract.

If you’ve always wanted to master this art but never got around to it, this article will provide you with the necessary information on how to learn to double expose with both film and digital cameras. Also, if you’re looking for concept inspiration, access the websites of artists featured in this article.

Experiment with the right equipment

First of all, you must be aware that many of the newer models of digital cameras come with their own multiple exposure settings. It means that you won’t need to manually combine two images in a photo editing software in post-production – all the magic happens in-camera.

We recommend cameras like the Canon 5D Mark III for beginners because they offer the most flexibility. You will be able to take more than two exposures in one image, as well as use a previously shot image for your double exposure creation. On the other hand, cameras like the Fujifilm X100s are limited to shooting only two frames in a row.

Make sure you are familiar with the capabilities of your digital camera before setting out for a photo shoot. If you’re working with a film camera, instructions for double exposure photography can be found into the Step-by-step section below.

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Start with a concept

That’s not to say that random compositions cannot be stunning. However, you might want to do a bit of planning for your first shots with double exposure photography. First of all, make your job easier by taking side portraits against the light. Darker subjects on brighter backgrounds are the best for the kind of double exposure we’re looking to create.

Second of all, go as crazy as you want when it comes to the kind of pictures you will blend together. Some of the most impressive creations come from combining portraits with urban or nature textures. However, the rule of thumb with double exposure photography is to experiment as much as you can.

Step-by-step: How to Create Stunning Double Exposure Photography

The process depends a lot on the kind of camera you’re using. Also, you can manipulate the images in a photo editing software, such as Photoshop (more on this below).

• Double exposure film photography

When it comes to film, double exposure means you snap two pictures that overlay on the same film frame. This is how you do it.

You need the first frame – which will represent the outline of the final image – to be shot as a silhouette. In other words, use a white wall or the sunlight to get the subject to be as dark as you want, keeping in mind that the darker it is, the more details of the second frame will appear.

For the second frame, look for something with a lot of texture. For double exposure wedding photography, flowers make for a great second shot. However, you can also shoot trees, ocean, palm trees, or urban landscapes. Honestly, your creativity is the limit here.

Best film cameras to create double exposure photography with: Nikon F3, Canon EOS 5D, Canon A-1. Most 35 mm film cameras will also work.

• Double exposure digital photography

You can also experiment with double exposure directly in-camera. Most digital cameras have a dedicated double exposure mode that allows you to preview the end result.

The theory with the two frames applies to digital cameras as well. To understand how that works, check Sara Byrne’s video tutorial. It’s an instructive lesson on double exposure photography with digital cameras:

Best digital cameras to create double exposure photography with: Canon 5d Mark III, Nikon D800. Not sure if your camera has a multiple exposure mode? Take a quick look at the camera’s manual or simply search your model on the internet.

How to: Create Double Exposure Photos in Photoshop

Some would say it’s cheating, but there are many situations where you might have to rely on post-production to get that double exposure effect. Sometimes, you simply can’t set up the shot as you would like to. Other times, you might crave that control Photoshop gives you, allowing you to get the perfect outcome.

Whatever the reason, you can trust Photoshop to help you achieve that double exposure photography you wanted. Indeed, you need some basic knowledge of the photo editing software, but it shouldn’t take that long, once you get the hang of it.

If you’ve already got the basics under your belt, check out this amazing tutorial from Chris Spooner on how to use Photoshop for the double exposure effect:

Required Photoshop skills: Manipulating Layers, Channels, Levels, Layer masks, and Filters.

Double exposure photography apps

There’s no surprise that the double exposure technology did not stop at digital cameras. Therefore, you don’t even have to own a camera – use your phone to create the fascinating effect. Nowadays, there’s an app for everything, and the rule holds true for DEP, too. These are the apps that AppCrawlr deems best for iOS and for Android.

Double exposure photography inspiration

So, Are you looking for inspiration and concept ideas for your first double exposure photo shoot? Take a page from the books of these amazing photographers – but don’t be afraid to experiment with your own imagination!

Multiple exposure photography

Now that we’ve covered the vast subject of double exposure photography, let’s just dip out toes into what multiple exposure means. The DE technique already creates some abstract and surreal imagery, but ME takes it to another level.

Even though multiple exposure is usually used in cinematography, recent years have showed a cross-over to photography, as well. Many artists use ME to record motion, and the results are impressive. Take a look below.

To sum it up, double exposure photography is just as good as you are as a photographer. Try not to get caught up with the technical aspect of it and let your imagination wander. The best approach is to gain understanding from experience – trial and error will be your friend.

One of the most debated topics amongst photographers is what photography editing software to choose: Lightroom or Photoshop? Both have strengths and weaknesses and can provide the user with a wide array of interesting, and sometimes unique, features. As such, in our article, we will comprehensively tackle the lightroom vs photoshop debate, by highlighting key pros and cons for each software, with the aim of helping you choose the right solution for your particular needs.

Photoshop: PROS

When it comes to Photoshop, one of the oldest photo editing software on the market (launched in 1988), it’s pretty clear why it has so many fans:

• Great load of mind-blowing tools

This might be Adobe Photoshop’s greatest strength. No other software comes with such a wide range of features. With the right amount of knowledge, you could perform a single action in three or four different ways.

• Actions

Not to be confused with the presets you can find in Lightroom. While Lightroom’s presets are applied to the entire image, Photoshop’s actions represent a recorded sequence of steps. This means that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you need to perform complex editing tasks. All of your favorite editing processes can be saved and accessed in the blink of an eye.

• Time-lapse montage

Photoshop’s skills when it comes to making videos from a sequence of images are unknown by many. It’s not complicated to make a time-lapse video; check out this great guide on how to get started with time lapse photography.

 

• HDR fluidity

While this feature falls in the category of advanced photo editing, HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography allows you to take your editing skills to the next level. Check out this article about the basics of taking and editing HDR photos. Also, the video below can offer you great insight into this Photoshop feature.

 

• Layers

Last but definitely not least, you cannot talk about Photoshop and leave out the treasure that is layers. A feature that gives Photoshop the upper hand in the Lightroom vs Photoshop debate, adding layers and learning how they interact allows you to work wonders.

Photoshop: CONS

• Lack of integrated RAW manipulation

Unlike Lightroom, Photoshop does not have a native ability to import and manipulate RAW files. If you’re shooting in RAW (which you definitely should!) and you want to use Photoshop, you will have to rely on Adobe Camera RAW, which is a plugin. While some users won’t mind this, plenty others will claim it’s enough of a turn-off.

• Price

Until recently, price has been one of the biggest obstacles for many budding photographers in the way of buying Adobe Photoshop. Ranging between $600 and $900, the package was off-limits for many. Thankfully, a recent change in the company policy (read about it in the “Which to buy – Lightroom or Photoshop?” section below), has made Photoshop much more affordable.

• The learning curve

Saying that learning to use Photoshop is complicated is an understatement. Taking in the huge amount of information can be a daunting prospect for new users, which is why many prefer to turn to other photo editing software with a more user-friendly interface, such as Lightroom.

• Lacks image management capabilities

Don’t look at Photoshop expecting to be able to organize your photo sessions. Even though the software comes with some basic batch import and export tools, photographers rightfully complain about the lack of a fully-recognized workflow system.

Lightroom: PROS

Now that we know what to expect from Photoshop, what about Lightroom? Since Lightroom is also created by Adobe, a lot of the features are present in both photo editing software. However, what are some of the things that separate Lightroom and Photoshop?

• Best tool for photo management

One of the top strengths of Lightroom that sets it apart in the Lightroom vs Photoshop debate is the fact that it allows photographers to import and edit in bulk. More than that, the software creates a database, allowing you to search pictures by keyword. If you’re working with hundreds of photos at once, Lightroom is the answer for your organizational needs.

• Integrated RAW image post-processing

As we said before, Lightroom’s workflow system is already popular among users for its smooth and easy-to-use integrated RAW tools. You can import an entire photo shoot into the library and apply any editing actions to multiple images with just one click.

• Easier to learn

One of the most visible differences between Photoshop and Lightroom is that the latter is much more user-friendly. The layout (see above) is much more intuitive and new users hardly need any tutorials to start figuring out the tools.

• Non-destructive editing

Lightroom is much more welcoming to experimentation without fear of accidentally saving over the original. When you work in Lightroom, the software does not alter the original files; all the editing is saved as a copy of the file in the Lightroom catalog file. Thanks to this feature, you can revisit your edits even years later and make any changes you deem necessary.

Lightroom: CONS

• Limited capabilities

Unlike Photoshop – which is used not only by photographers, but also designers, graphic artists, and marketers –Lightroom is limited to photo editing tools only. In other words, Photoshop can do everything that Lightroom can, but the reverse is not true.

• Less focused on pixel-level editing

Trust Photoshop to allow you to get down to pixel-level in your editing adventures. Lightroom, on the other hand, is more focused on global editing, and its tools usually apply to the image as a whole. This is where its presets come in handy – the much younger and less experimented version of Photoshop’s actions.

• No layers

For beginners, this might not sound like a big deal and not much of a con in the debate Lightroom vs Photoshop. However, after you’ve started using Photoshop’s layers, there’s no going back. Having no layers could limit your creativity as a photographer, so Lightroom better catch up to speed (pretty please, Adobe?).

Which to buy – Lightroom or Photoshop?

So, after comparing the strengths and weaknesses of the two, which one is worthy of your money? In reality, many photographers use both Photoshop and Lightroom, depending on their needs.

Almost 95 percent of the editing you might need – fine-tuning light and color, exposure and contrast control, removing blemishes and many others – can be done in Lightroom. However, when it comes to removing objects, for example, there’s no match for Photoshop’s Content Aware tool.

Until recently, buying both Photoshop and Lightroom was not a viable prospect for many photographers working on slim budgets. However, Adobe has recently released a new Creative Cloud Photography Bundle.

With it comes the full version of Photoshop and Lightroom – and you pay just a monthly fee of $9.99. It’s what most photographers have come to use and love, even if many were first skeptical of the monthly expenses. You can buy it directly from Adobe’s website.

Lightroom vs Photoshop – Who won?

Both Photoshop and Lightroom  offer great support to photographers by presenting them with a comprehensive set of editing tools. Use Lightroom to maintain a speedy workflow, especially if you’re used to editing RAW files. However, don’t be afraid to learn Photoshop for the more advanced image manipulation or retouching.

One more thing…

If you don’t need all the horsepower that comes with the full version of Photoshop, Adobe provides a consumer level version of the software called Photoshop Elements. Many of the vital retouching tools you might need are included, and you pay much less (~$80). Combining Photoshop Elements and Lightroom is a great and fairly affordable solution for new photographers to start out with.

Which of the two are you using for photo editing? Do you have any other preferences towards one or the other? Do you think one is the winner in Lightroom vs Photoshop? Let us know in the comments!

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Light painting photography is one of the most appealing techniques in the modern digital world. Despite being extremely easy to put into practice, the results are nothing short to stunning. In fact, it is a very pleasant way for beginners to visualize just how much they can do with their cameras.

This technique requires very few prerequisites and a lot of creativity. In this article, we will teach you the basic steps of light painting photography, along with the camera settings you need to use to take amazing pictures of your own. We will also tell you all about light painting brushes and other devices that you can use for this technique.

Light Painting Overview

Light painting photography is actually a subtype of long exposure photography. Your lens will be open for 30 seconds or more and it will capture the background image you select, as well as the light you place in the frame.

The long exposure enables the camera to record the full movement of the light in one picture. Light painting photography makes use of this fact and controls the movement pattern to create a wide variety of shapes. The mastery of some photographers has turned this technique into a very impressive art form that is simply impossible to ignore.

1. Long Exposure Time

When you use the typical exposure times of one second or less, you only get to record the light in a static position. As such, even the strongest light will appear as a dot or a line, depending on the movement of the light source.

Prolonging the exposure time to 30 seconds or more will give you the time you need to record more complex movements of the light source. This way, you can use the light to essentially “paint” anything you want to appear in the final shot.

2. Dark Settings

To maximize the intensity of the light source, you will need to shoot your pictures in a dark setting. You can either choose to shoot at night or turn the lights off in the room. Your main aim is that the source of the light you will use for painting is significantly more intense than the background light.

3. Light Movement for Painting

You can use flashlights, light pens, or glow sticks as your light source for painting. During the 30 seconds of exposure, move the flashlight to create the image you want in your photo. Your camera will capture the complete shape you have outlined.

Required Tools for Light Painting Photography

A light painting photography session requires only a few basic tools that any beginner photographer has access to. Here is the complete list of prerequisites for the light painting experiment:

• DSLR Camera. The settings for the light painting shots must be set manually. As such, a DSLR camera is required for this type of shooting.
• It is essential that the camera remains perfectly still during the entire exposure time. As such, the camera must be secured on a tripod to capture the light movement accurately.
• Light Source for Painting. Anything from a flashlight to a glow stick can be used in light painting photography. The light source must be more intense than the background light, but it does not have to be extremely strong in itself.

Camera Settings for Light Painting Photography

To achieve light painting, the camera must be set to focus strictly on the main light(s) rather than the background. As such, all the settings must be adjusted to achieve this goal. In this section of our article, we will offer photographers looking to experiment with light painting a few details on how to get their cameras ready.

1. File Format

RAW formats are preferred for light painting photography because these will ensure better quality editing. However, these are not mandatory. Cameras that do not support RAW formats may also be used for this experiment.

2. Aperture

To ensure that the lens is focused on the painting light (the main light) and not on the background light, your aperture must be f/8 or higher. f/11 is the preferred setting, go as high as possible on your camera.

3. ISO

As we have mentioned above, the lens must be focused on painting light and not the background light. As such, the ISO must be as low as possible to avoid adding artificial light into to your background. Cameras should be set for ISO 100 for this experiment.

4. White Balance

The white balance is typically selected according to the type of light used for painting. As such, “Tungsten” and “Incandescent” are the most used presets. However, this setting does not influence the results significantly, which gives the photographer the chance to choose.

5. Exposure

The exposure must be set manually for light painting. Any exposure time longer than 30 seconds is excellent, but good results can be achieved with shorter exposures as well.

6. Focus

The background of the photograph will be dark, which makes focusing quite difficult. We recommend that photographers use their flashlights on their subject to set the focus for the final photo.

How to Use Light for Painting

The shape of the light painting is determined by the movement of the light source during the exposure time. As such, photographers can experiment with various types of sources, such as flashlights or glow sticks of various colors shapes and sizes.

The movement pattern can be adapted to create specific shapes such as spirals, orbs, domes, and even words or phrases. There are special techniques that can lead to specific shapes, but photographers can adapt these according to their imagination.

 

Guidelines for Light Painting Photography

While the photographers’ imagination can roam free, there are a few guidelines they should keep in mind to get the most out of their light painting experiment. Here are the most important things to remember:

• Remaining invisible is key. Photographers must essentially blend in their dark backgrounds. To do so, they should wear dark colored clothing but most importantly, they should remember not to aim the light painting source at themselves.
• The light painting source must always move. A fluid and continuous motion will lead to even lines in the final picture, whereas stopping will determine harsh lines and/or very bright spots that will stand out.
• The light must not be aimed at the camera. The light must be aimed at the subject, rather than the camera, as this will create unwanted bright spots.
• Getting close to the subject will create defined lines. Lighting up the subject from afar will create a discreet wide line. The closer the photographer gets to the subject, the narrower and more intense the light line gets.

Ideal Settings for Light Painting Photography

Photographers can use the light painting technique in virtually any type of dim lit setting. But there are a few key settings that they should include in their first experiments to get an idea of the boundaries of light painting.

• A Dark Room

This is ground zero for light painting photography. Photographers can exercise their technique in a studio or even in their own homes. They can begin their experiment by turning off the lights and trying out their flashlights and glow sticks to see what they can do.

• Gardens or Forests

Trees look fantastic at dusk, which makes gardens and forests excellent settings for light painting photography. Photographers can begin shooting as the sun is setting and determine when the background light is dim enough for light painting.

• Urban Settings by Night

Urban settings are excellent for light photography. The street lights are static, which means that they will create bright spots in the final picture. Photographers can imagine shots that include these bright spots and that use them to create a certain effect.

• Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are filled with moving bright lights. In fact, these are excellent light sources for painting because they will create impressive shapes in the final shots. This is an excellent setting for beginners because they will be able to see the wonderful results of light painting.

Light Painting Brushes

These amazing tools enable photographers to create certain shapes with the light painting technique. They are called brushes because the texture of the light determines the type of lines created in the final shot. Here are some of the most used light painting brushes:

• Fiber Optics. These create multiple thin streaks in the final shot. They can be used to create numerous effects like wings or fire.
• Fiberglass Diamonds/ Feathers. These create wide lines in the final shot.
• Opaque Light Writers. These create thick intense lines in the photo and they can be used for writing or drawing.
• Light Sword. This creates the widest type of line and it can be used to color large parts of the background.

Light painting photography is a modern technique that enables photographers to put their imagination to very good use. It is also the best possible experiment for understanding the complexity of long exposure photography. It is truly impressive what can be done with a camera, a tripod, and a flashlight.

Kirlian photography refers to a series of techniques that are both fascinating and controversial. Discovered by Semyon Kirlian in 1939, this type of photography is based on the phenomenon known as electrical coronal discharge. The resulting images present the subjects surrounded by colorful so-called “auras,” which led people to interpret the products of these techniques in a variety of ways.

Myths surrounding Kirlian aura photography have been since proven wrong by scientists, but the techniques involved are still as fascinating today. The good news is you don’t need to believe in vital energy, chakras, and telepathy to have fun with this photography technique!

What is Kirlian Photography?

Kirlian Photography is quite a simple process which can be even achieved without using a camera. The principle is straightforward: if an object is placed on a photographic plate which is then connected to a source of high-voltage current, an image will appear on the photographic plate. The resulting image appears because of the  electrical coronal discharge taking place between the subject and the metal plate.

Scientists conductedpPlenty of experiments using a variety of subjects, from inanimate, to animate. Leaves, mushrooms, apples, coins, human fingerprints and hands, all served as subjects for Kirlian Photography. In every case, the object transferred to the photographic plate with colorful waves surrounding it. Science has since proved that the colorful shapes are the result of the moisture contained in the subject which transferred onto the plate under the influence of the current.

The fact that people are still interested in this type of photography long after its paranormal qualities have been debunked is proven by the availability of Kirlian devices online. There are plenty of companies who sell this equipment, as well as provide insight into how to build your own Kirlian photography device.

Debunking the Myth of Kirlian Photography

As the resulting Kirlian photography pictures of both animate and inanimate objects display a colorful “aura,” a variety of parapsychologists were quick to jump to conclusions. People claimed that Kirlian photography depicts auras, or chakras, and can show the life force of the subject. As you will see below, all these claims have been since debunked by scientific research, but still, Kirlian’s discovery attracts a strong following even today.

Even though both the living and non-living objects photographed displayed the colorful waves, that didn’t stop aura readers from claiming that Kirlian photography shows the energy levels of the human body. The New Age gurus and spiritualists of the 70’s were sure that what they saw on the metal plate is a representation of the human emotional state, energy level, and vital energy.

However, all these claims no longer stand, as science explains that the variations in color are produced by quantifiable factors. The glowing shapes appear due to the water content in the subject, which makes the air around the object become ionized when exposed to high-voltage current. If the surrounding air contains any moisture, the resulting picture will contain a colorful silhouette around the object, a phenomenon scientifically called corona plasma discharge.

Even if there is nothing supernatural, paranormal or psychic about the Kirlian photography, most photography enthusiasts will get a kick out of experimenting with this technique.

 

Kirlian Photography Camera

The Kirlian Photography device consists of a few components that you can buy separately and put together, or simply order online as a functioning camera. Kirlian photography enthusiasts still experiment with this technique, regardless of their beliefs related to chakras, auras, and vital energy.

Below, you will find a simple way to build your own Kirlian photography device, as well as a few online resources for ordering one that is already put together. Any photographer who is curious about how to do Kirlian photography can find all the information below.

DIY Kirlian Photography Camera Project

The easiest way to build a DIY Kirlian photography device is by using transparent electrodes. Using this method, the electric field around the subject will become visible to the naked eye, and also easy to photograph.

• Plasma photo plate
• High voltage insulators (plastic cups are ideal)
• A filling syringe for the electrode plate
• Electric conductive solution (salt and water solution)
• High voltage spark coil
• Power pulse modulator
• Sample (a leaf or coin)
• Piece of wire
• Tape

After you have gathered all the necessary equipment and accessories, you are ready to start your project.

Step 1

Firstly, you have to fill the electrode or plasma photo plate with an electric conductive solution. Mix salt and tap water until the salt dissolves without making the water cloudy. Using the syringe, fill the plasma photo plate with your solution.

Step 2

Carefully wipe the electrode plate with a damp cloth, making sure to eliminate all moisture or dirt. This way your picture will appear clear, not affected by any external factors.

Step 3

Attach your sample to the electrode plate using transparent tape. Choose a leaf or a coin, as they are easy to tape, and they will show interesting results after being photographed.

Step 4

After you have secured your sample, attach the piece of wire to the back of your leaf/coin using transparent tape. Then connect the other end of your wire to ground, which should be the same with the ground/earth connection of the power supply you use.

Step 5

Turn your electrode plate over, with your subject sitting underneath. Carefully place the plate on insulators; plastic cups or glasses are ideal.

Step 6

Either connect you high-voltage coil directly to the electrode or use another piece of wire for this purpose. Make sure everything is in place, as you will have to turn off the lights for the next steps.

Step 7

Turn off the lights, and then turn on the power. It is important to keep the electric current flowing for just several seconds at the time. Otherwise, you will damage the quality of the transferred image. Typically the ideal time for exposure is between 10 and 30 seconds.

Step 8

Use a camera that has a high-quality lens, or a high available ISO setting. This way you are sure to  take good photographs in the dark. Experiment with the shutter time to discover the best settings for your pictures.

It is highly important to be aware that you are working with high-voltage currents which can be dangerous. Take all the safety precautions before turning on your device! Equally important, don’t get near the electrical plate when the power is on.

You can check out the RMCybernetics website for a more in-depth tutorial on how to build your own DIY Kirlian camera. Imagesco also offers a helpful guide to building you own simple Kirlian photography device along with more information about how to design the circuit.

Order Kirlian Photography Equipment

If you want to experiment with this technique, but don’t want all the hassle of building your own device, don’t worry.  There are plenty available options for your too. As Kirlian photography still attracts fans and passionate photographers, the online market provides enough resources. Anyone who wants to learn this technique can find an ideal product online.

You can order a professional Kirlian photographic device on Amazon, which comes with film paper, as well as polaroid. Fully equipped, this device will help you take the best Kirlian photography without having to worry about connecting any wires. The price of this Kirlian camera is $699.99.

If you are looking to buy parts and use your own camera, there are spare parts available on Ebay. Know that the search will be more time consuming. You can order the transparent electrodes on Ebay, but you will need to provide the rest of the equipment yourself. Sadly, it is not currently available on the website.

Kirlian Photography App

As a proof of the appeal of Kirlian Photography, there is an app dedicated to this technique that you can download from google store. However, the app only reveals Wifi fields using long exposure photography techniques, being simply drawing inspiration from the Soviet scientist’s discoveries. The Wifi visualizations are nonetheless fascinating, turning an ordinary element into something magical.

Conclusion

Kirlian photography is still fascinating for scientists and photographers, even after the myth of auras was debunked. Even if the surrounding New Age theories were proven wrong, this technique was not abandoned. Aspiring photographers, as well as professionals, should get a kick out of experimenting with such a controversial technique that is still attractive today.

Experimenting with underwater photography can be an exciting prospect, but one can often feel overwhelmed by the amount of necessary knowledge. This article intends to help you choose the best kind of camera and equipment required for capturing the most vivid images beneath the waves.

Read on to find some useful underwater photography tips on how to get started.

What Is Underwater Photography?

If you want to learn the basics of underwater photography, our guide is the perfect place for you. This introductory section will help you find your way around  the breathtaking hobby of taking underwater images. Below you will find the most important theoretical things you need to know.

Underwater photography deals with taking photographs while submerged in a lake, the sea or the ocean . It usually occurs during scuba diving trips, but the photographer can also capture the underwater landscape by simply swimming or snorkeling. Underwater images can also be taken in pools or water-tanks.

Starting Points for Underwater Photography

Firstly, you must be aware that underwater photography comes with its own rules – some of which don’t apply when shooting subjects on the ground. Light, for instance, travels differently through water, which means that you will need external artificial lighting to get vivid, colorful photos. Without a strobe or a light, your pictures will be predominantly blue and kind of murky.

Secondly, also keep in mind that water gets in the way of sharp, fully-contrasted images. Therefore, underwater photos require the photographer to get really close to the subject – sometimes even within 1 meter – to capture satisfying raw images.

Backscatter is what happens when you try to shoot an underwater subject in the distance without the appropriate external lighting. The term describes the little particles that will sometimes appear in your photographs; an inexperienced photographer might often mistake them for a dirty or dusty lens.

Thirdly, you might want to get your diving skills under control before you take your camera underwater. Using the equipment can be rather distracting, which can lead to random resurfacing or even clashing with the corals.

Necessary Underwater Photography Equipment

Now that we have reviewed the most basic facts about underwater photography, let’s move on to the required gear. Even though we’re only going to scratch the surface of the subject at the moment, you can always check out this article about the best underwater cameras for a more extensive talk about what you will need.

If you’re looking for something not too expensive, the Canon Powershot D30 should catch your interest. Waterproof up to 82 feet in depth, this model is one of the best for amateurs and professionals alike.

At the same time, the GoPro Hero Session could be a great option for beginners. It takes amazing underwater videos and it makes it easier for first-timers to get the hang of UW photography.

Must-have Accessories for UW Photography

But equally important when it comes to underwater sessions is the protective equipment you buy for your camera. As soon as you buy your camera and lens, you need to start looking for an underwater housing.

Since saltwater is the most abusive to sensitive photography gear, it is vital that you buy the appropriate housing for your camera. Housing is a term that refers to the camera protection – usually made of polycarbonate or aluminum – that keeps the water away while also giving you access to the camera’s settings.

Most of the housing manufacturers on the market are good enough, even if you don’t buy the priciest there is. However, some of the best that you might be interested in are Ikelite, Patima, and Sea & Sea. With prices ranging from expensive to affordable, these three companies are often mentioned and used by professional diving photographers.

Keep in mind that the best housings are the ones made for specific camera models. Also important is the fact that you should know that the accessories required for underwater photography can get pretty expensive – almost as expensive as the camera itself.

After you have bought a camera and a housing, it’s time to do some research on external lighting. As we said before, the internal flash of the camera is rarely enough for clear, crisp underwater pictures, so you need the help of a strobe (or two) to get the job done.

For more information on strobes and other types of lighting that you might need, you can check the Ikelite website (they also present user reviews of the equipment).

Types of Underwater Photography

Now that we have the basics under our belt, it’s time to see what kind of underwater photography captures your interest. Believe it or not, underwater wildlife photography is by far the only one when it comes to capturing subaquatic shots.

Keep in mind that we’re barely dipping our toes into the many possibilities of underwater photography and that nothing can stop you from trying something new and never-done-before.

Underwater Wildlife Photography

Capturing the ocean’s wildlife is possibly the kind of UW photography that first comes to mind – perhaps because it makes the most sense to photograph something that’s already in the ocean.

According to Raul Touzon, a documentary photographer and a frequent contributor to the National Geographic magazine, “The ability to swim well—and in some instances fast, to catch up with the subject—is a must-have skill.”

Touzon also recommends scuba diving over snorkeling because it gives you more time to get closer to your wildlife subjects. However, taking photos near the surface can also be very rewarding, because whales and sharks are more easily found there.

Underwater Wedding Photography

Having said that, it’s time to move to more unusual types of UW photography. Wedding underwater photoshoots are not so uncommon, and the photographer can have as much fun as the bride and groom.

Luckily, you don’t need to be close to the ocean – a shallow pool will do. It’s fun to recreate typical wedding shots underwater; just ask the bride and groom to show some love. Also, make sure you take the pictures during the day and against the natural daylight entering the pool.

Underwater Fashion Photography

This type of UW photography allows the photographer to experiment with the ways fabric sways in this environment. It’s not complicated to match fashion with UW photography; you just need to find the right approach.

Soft fabrics and uncomplicated outfits are some of the things you should look into for the first shots. When it comes the model, beauty, and good looks are not enough. Needless to say, your subject needs to feel comfortable posing underwater, so keep that factor in mind.

However, the key point of a successful underwater shoot is dealing with communication – or rather, the lack of it. Talking with your model is evidently impossible, and hand signals won’t do much good either. A proper planning session with your team is preferred rather than just diving in and winging it.

Obviously, there are more types of UW photography, focusing on animals, surf, maternity shots, and even baby photo sessions. Underwater dog photography, for example, is pretty popular. The ocean – and your imagination – is the limit.

Online Courses/Tutorials for Underwater Photography

As I said before, this article does not claim to be extensive in any respects. Plenty of tutorials and online courses can help you become familiar with the subject of underwater photography.

For those who are more apt for visual learning, check the YouTube tutorial embed below to help you get going.

However, one of the most extensive resources online on the matter of UW photography is www.uwphotographyguide.com. This website can guide you through what could be a very technical and unapproachable subject.

Another useful provider is Dive Photo Guide. The info they provide is not only for beginners, so check their website even if you’re just looking to fine tune your underwater photography skills.

To sum up, we hope these tips on getting started with underwater photography are helpful to you. The resources featured in the piece can help you do more than scratch the surface, so have a look. Have you tried underwater photography? What are your experiences with this fascinating photography technique?

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8