Underwater Photography: Get Your Feet Wet!

"Today, underwater photography can be fun for everyone, thanks to the

variety of equipment now available," explains Chuck DeLaney, Dean of the

New York Institute of Photography, America's oldest and largest photography

school. "You don't have to be Jacques Cousteau, and you don't need

expensive gear. At the pool or beach, in surf or snorkeling, there are

great waterproof point-and-shoot cameras and single-use models that you can

use to get the picture, provided you follow a few simple tips."

There's a lot of skill and equipment required for professional underwater

photography, and many scuba training programs have good photography

courses. But if you want to come home from where it's wet with some cool

photos, here are some tips to get you started. The best time to take

underwater photos is usually mid-day because the sun is overhead and will

illuminate underwater subjects clearly. Rookie underwater photographers

are often susprised how quickly light and color get lost as you plunge

down. Most waterproof point-and-shoot models have a built-in flash and

you'll want to use your flash anytime you're more than a few feet under the

water's surface.

Distance can be deceptive as well. Viewed through a face mask, objects

appear closer to you than they really are. Make sure you get as close to

your subject as possible before you take a photograph. Also, keep an eye

out behind you. While you're maneuvering in toward that beautiful fish, a

barracuda may be studying your backside.

Waterproof cameras work well for other wet and sandy occasions as well. In

rainstorms you can take some very interesting photographs using a

waterproof camera, and many smart photographers leave their expensive SLR

at home when they go to the beach. Sand and salt water are two of the

worst enemies of any camera, so using a sealed model makes a lot of sense

and can help you avoid costly repairs.

For many more tips and a full article on getting started in underwater

photography, along with information about the latest gear for amateurs and

professionals interested in underwater photography visit the NYI Website at

<http://www.nyip.com>. Everyone interested in photography can have fun in

the water with the right gear. What are you waiting for?