Take your photography skills to the next level with underwater photography. You can capture beautiful landscapes and everyday living but how often can you capture the essence of a world so overlooked? There is also the opportunity for an experience of a lifetime diving into these waters to discover an entirely different way of life. John and Dan Cesere are brothers who offer all-inclusive underwater photography classes at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
This dynamic duo teach photographers how to take stunning photos of underwater sea life while dealing with erratic currents and light balance. They also offer some tips to the novice to master before diving in deeply into this deep sea adventure.
1) Go Zoom-less
Although zooming may lead you to believe that you will get the best photo, it will not on this dive. For a high quality and detailed image, use your body to get closer to the subject. Remember shooting through the water means you have a whole other array of challenges including color, clarity and light distortion.
2) Engage the Subject
As a photographer, you evoke emotion and personality from your subjects. The same is true of sea life you encounter. You want to be safe in your approach so even having a basic understanding of how the sea life you will be capturing interacts is a great start. Let your image connect with its audience by drawing out these sea creature’s innermost character.
3) Be Familiar with the Sea Life
Each sea life reacts differently to foreign visitors. For the best shots its imperative that you learn about the subjects you will encounter. Smaller fish like a clown fish frequent the same places, so it’s your job to keep coming back so they know that you will not do them any harm and you are only a friendly admirer. With the larger creatures of the sea, it can be our own fear that inhibits us from getting the shot of a lifetime. It may take a few encounters for you to become comfortable with sharks or humpback whales. Once you conquer your fear, one breath at a time, you will sea how drastically your photos improve by trusting and understanding your subjects.
4) Preparation is Key
Plan the areas you will travel, the sea life you may encounter and have your camera around at all times.
5) Enjoy the Experience
Even if you don’t land the shots you were hoping to, diving into the ocean to discover another kingdom can be the experience of a lifetime. You will also see that once you set your mental frame to relax and enjoy the experience, this outlook will certainly translate into your images. Being happy and relaxed will go a long way when it comes to engaging the sea life around you and capturing the best underwater shots.
