Page 40 - PowerE-L05-F

Lesson 10

How to take good underwater shots

When taking photos underwater, using ei-
ther digital or conventional cameras, fol-
lowing basic rules is necessary. Before div-
ing, prepare yourself and the camera. To
achieve the most beautiful shots, you must
control your breathing and buoyancy. The
key to achieve this is having concentration.
Second, compose the photo you want to

take in your mind, then find the best spot
and angle for the shot. Sudden movements
may scare animals away so approach your
subject with care. The virtue of patience is of advantage. Be patient while waiting for
a good pose from the subject. Then, take multiple shots of a single subject. This will
help you look for your best shot. Taking a close up shot is easy with digital cameras,
but it is best to take the actual close up shot than using zoom to get closer to the
subject. To shoot macros (with or without macro lens), the camera’s aperture should
be set to its highest value for a maximum contrast. If having problems focusing on the
subject, switch to manual focus and set it to the smallest available focal distance. A
good impression of the reef and surroundings is delivered by wide-angle shots. Set
the shutter speed to 1/125 or less, in order to freeze actions of most fishes. The best
time to take good underwater shots is during the middle of the day where there is
strong sunshine and clear water.

Comprehension

1. What important virtue should you have when taking underwater shots?
2. Name two types of cameras that can be used in taking photos underwater?

Questions

1. What can you do when having problems focusing a shot on a subject?
2. Why is it best to take pictures under the sea during the middle of the day?

Vocabulary & Expressions

digital camera - a camera that records images by using electronic image sensor
virtue - a quality that is ethically good
shutter - an automatic part of a camera that opens and closes the lens aperture
aperture - a fixed or adjustable opening in a camera that allows light to pass through a lens
focal - cringing an image to focus

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