Underwater photography - pointers please.

nine9d

New member
I am going to Mexico and will be snorkeling and perhaps doing a shallow dive (30') and I have a Canon G6. I am looking for any pointers like, flash or no flash, is automatic settings fine, etc...? Thanks for looking.
 
I always leave my strobe on...that is unless I'm doing long scenic shots where the strobe is useless and seems to increase the backscatter. I have an olympus 5050 and the automatic setting gives me horrible pictures. My default setting is F5, 1/100 sec, with my strobe set on TTL and then I adjust from there. Before I got my strobe I used the built in flash. A flash diffuser helps so you don't burn the close shots in shallow water with good natural light. I remember seeing a rule of thumb somewhere for light where if you are 20' down and 1' away from your subject the distances add so the camera sees it as being 21' away. You pretty much need a flash unless you want the pictures to come out blue. Have a great time in Mexico!
 
Get close, then get closer!

Remember that things appear 4/3 closer than they really are.

Also, get below your subject and shoot up whenever possible. It makes for better shots, especially in shallow water
 
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