Notes

Outline

Underwater Photography with compact cameras All photographs taken by Steve Smithson with an Olympus 5050

Taken using internal flash, aperture priority, wide zoom on macro from approximately 15cms

Taken using internal flash, aperture priority, wide zoom on macro from approximately 15cms

Less effective when used without flash for scenic shots

Scenic with internal flash can be more effective

Blue water wide zoom, macro and internal flash

Get in close to the subject. Do not use zoom to take shots from a distance

Adding an external flash can improve scenic shots

Beware of backscatter when using flash

Select smaller subjects and get in close to get good scenic shots with standard lens and external flash

Slow shutter speed ¼ second gives light background and flash lights and freezes foreground

External flash can also improve macro shots

Diver natural light

Diver taken with filter, improves colours of diver and kit but water colour turns blue

A supplemental wide angle lens with external flash gives better wide angle shots

With supplemental lens true wide angle shots are possible.

Summary Learn to use your camera Use the widest zoom possible for all shots, don’t be tempted to zoom in Whatever the shot wide angle or macro get in close Take your time, don’t rush your shots, think about what you want to achieve. Make sure that the camera has focused before you take the shot Buying more kit before you’ve learnt how to use your camera makes things more complicated not easier. Use the LCD to review your shot, adjust your settings if needed and shoot again