One of the things I love about working at
It’s really easy to be an expert on underwater photography because most of the customers don’t know much about it and the little they do know is usually wrong. The other dive shops can’t help because they haven’t got a clue about underwater photography either so they send everybody to us. So I am going to take a moment to show off my hard won knowledge of underwater photography but I am only going to share one big secret with you.
Mind you it is the most important one!
BUY A WIDE ANGLE LENS FOR YOUR UNDERWATER CAMERA!
That’s it, that’s the biggest secret of all! Yes it’s that simple! O/k so I know you think the new digital camera and waterproof case you just bought with all the bells and whistles, super macro, optical zoom, built in flash and auto everything capabilities can shoot great pictures.
But guess what, it can only shoot great pictures of all the little creatures. Nudibranchs, sea horses, starfish, crabs, octopus and sea cucumbers, look out, the paparazzi are upon you!
But what about the big stuff, seascapes, shipwrecks, buddies, sharks, dolphins, rays, seals, turtles, big fish. You just can’t fit them in the frame without a wide angle lens. Sure you can back up but then you are shooting through so much water the pictures always look crappy!
Fortunately we know how to adapt wide angle lenses onto just about any of the popular underwater digital cameras, this includes, Sony, Canon, Sea & Sea & Olympus. Sure they cost around $700 - $800 but, Unless you wish to remain doomed to pursue just the little stuff bite the bullet and buy one! After all, it’s made to last much longer than your camera so you can use it indefinitely on other cameras in the future.
I find it frustrating that so many divers getting into underwater photography spend only half the money they should spend, settle for photographing half of what’s out there, and only ever make it halfway to an effective underwater photographer!
After all, if you don’t get all the right photo gear I won’t be able to teach you all I know, how will I ever maintain my status!
