A Journey Through Photography

[CuttleKid]

So I have been looking through some of my old dive photos and was shocked at how much ive grown as a diver and as a photographer. I got certified when i was 13 and wanted to get into uw photography as soon as possible. I was very fortunate my dad told me to wait a while and improve my bouyancy. Man was he right. I just wanted to show you guys how you really need to master basic skills before jumping into something new. Im still not where i want to be but i am pleased with the progress. I also want to let people know that even though you want to get into uw photography ASAP, you really need to focus on your diving skills, or else you will be disappointed with your results and may end up quitting from it due to frustration(which almost happened to me).

These were my first dive photos when i was 16

 

[CuttleKid]

These photos show some inprovement. I took them shortly after these ones

 

[CuttleKid]

These i took when i was 17

 

[CuttleKid]

These i took when i was 17 just turning 18

 

[CuttleKid]

As you can see there is much improvement with better diving skills, particularly bouyancy control which helps you get closer to your subjects without flailing to swim upright and scare them away. it also lets you focus better on the subject and the photo will look much better.



Finally These i took after i turned 18

It took me from age 12 -18 to get the skills necessary to get better quality pictures. I hope this encourages you to perfect those skills and not be discouraged at the time it took to get these images. I know somethings just come naturally to people such as buoyancy control (which was and still is a struggle for me) and some people are fortunate enough to live in a climate that allows good diving conditions year round. I have not been this fortunate but i am still trying to improve and i hope that you guys enjoyed this story and will take a shot at underwater photography (no pun intended).


Thank You

 

[tor101898]

great photos, thanks for sharing

 

[US27inKS]

Great pictures. Much better than anything I take. One lesson it appears that you've learned over the years is how to not shoot "fish butts". The first time I rented a camera in 1999, the guy at the camera shop told me not to shoot fish butts. I looked at him like he was speaking chinese. He said "if you chase a fish to take his picture, all you'll get is fish butts. Be patient, wait for the fish to come to you."

It looks like as well as improving your skills, you've also improved your equipment. At least the lighting anyway. What were you using back in the day, and what do you use now?

 

[snorvich]

You are improving! Some pointers:

1. For wide angle (any image that has blue water) be sure to expose properly for true blue then use strobes to light the subject.

2. Try and have a point of interest at one of the "power points" in your image. Points of interest should never be centered. If a subject is moving have the movement be towards negative space rather than "off image".

3. Get closer. Then get closer still.

4. Make images around interesting negative space.

5. Shoot upwards, always.

6. Try not to use any "auto" setting including autofocus.

Buoyancy must be intuitive. Practice it even when doing a safety stop.

 

[billsreef]

Some nice improvement. I see your even practicing on your local dives :thumbsup:

 

[CuttleKid]

Thank you all for your kind words and pointers.
US27inks, I was using a sea life camera up until I turned 17.

 

[Curl58]

Very cool to see the progress.

 

[reefexplorer74]

Love the French Angel pic!

 

[avaross09]

Amazing snaps! You improved like anything!

 

[StephLionfish]

Beautiful photos! That last one is gorgeous.

 

[rpjaws74]

You plan to do this for a living or just as a hobby?

 

[torino06]

great pics! did you use a different camera also?

 

[CuttleKid]

You plan to do this for a living or just as a hobby?

No, I just want to do this as a hobby. I am studying to be a marine biologist andi hope someday to be one so I can take pics while I work. That would be a dream come true.

 

[CuttleKid]

great pics! did you use a different camera also?

I used a sea life camera camera up until I about 3 weeks before my 18th birthday. After much saving I purchased a canon eos rebel when I was 16, but did not save enough money until I was 17 to get an ikelite housing and a single strobe.

 

[fish042099]

What kind of camera? Equipment? Those are really good photos!

 

[r-balljunkie]

good pics. digital is a great format for shooting underwater. ive noticed a progression as well being a novice with uw shooting.


the bad part is, taking a pic only captures a fraction of a complete dive. just a blink of what you take in on a good dive. im sooooo hooked on diving, esp. having total access to pristine reefs on my back porch.

You are improving! Some pointers:

6. Try not to use any "auto" setting including autofocus.

ouch. guilty :spin2::spin2::spin2:

it seems i have the luxury of time on my side when shooting my tank, but when im underwater, dont have the wherewithall to think about making adjustments. to be candid, im not as smart as the camera is.