/r/underwaterphotography

Photograph via snooOG

Welcome to r/underwaterphotography: A community to share underwater photos; get critiques, tips & advice; post gear reviews and generally chat about taking pictures in water.

Posting Guidelines:

If Posting photos please include, if possible:

  • Subject
  • Location
  • Gear Used
  • Depth
  • Post processing
  • Any other information you deem important/interesting

Please stick to posting photos you have taken yourself. If you found a cool image that you want to share try /r/waterporn /r/nature or /r/lifeaquatic. For above the surface, check out /r/seascapes or for moving pictures not exclusively to do with water, /r/NatureFilms/. If Cnidaria are ya thing, check out /r/jellyfish.

A lot of submissions are getting caught by the spam filters. Message a mod if your posts aren't showing up.

/r/underwaterphotography

27,479 Subscribers

1

Red filters for DSLR underwater?

Is that a thing? Do people do that? Does anyone have experience with it? I shoot with natural lights.

9 Comments
2024/12/01
04:58 UTC

30

My life underwater

0 Comments
2024/11/30
21:29 UTC

0

My life underwater

0 Comments
2024/11/30
21:29 UTC

1

Setups with DJI Action on camera - thoughts

I want to run a DJI action on top of my tg6 but don’t want it to impact my strobe placement.

Who has done this and what’s your feedback on this?

1 Comment
2024/11/30
20:07 UTC

1

Seeking Suggestions on Compact Camera for Distance Swimming

I take swims of 2-5 km and I'd like to take pictures during my swims. I am usually not able to swim near a boat or shore, so the camera must be small enough for me to strap to myself comfortably. A chest mount would probably make the most sense. I've considered buying a GoPro, but I've heard that they take awful still photos. Video can be fun, but I mostly prefer still photography. I'd like to be able to swim comfortably and stop occasionally to take pictures of sea turtles, fish, interesting rock formations, etc. Can anyone recommend a camera that might work for me?

2 Comments
2024/11/30
19:52 UTC

1

Anyone familiar with the Aqua-Vu 715c cam? Preferred camera settings?

I posted similarly in r/icefishing but I think this sub will have more generally helpful answers… I just got the Aqua-Vu 715c underwater camera that I’ll be using in a more controlled freshwater environment. I’m wondering if anyone can help me figure out how to adjust the camera menu settings. They’re seemingly fairly simple, Brightness, Contrast and Color but I am lost because I barely know how to adjust these settings on a regular camera, let alone underwater. I’m working with low to mid level low lighting at a consistent, clear and shallow depth of ~5 feet. In the reviews I’ve watched, other people’s monitor images look colorful, clear and bright! Mine is decent… but seemingly black and white/overall fairly dark. I know my image can be optimized and I would love some help!! Any advice is appreciated!

0 Comments
2024/11/30
19:09 UTC

1

Tg6 fond noir

Comment faire pour avoir un sujet sur fond noir avec un tg6

0 Comments
2024/11/30
06:41 UTC

3

Underwater Photography Blur Help

Hey guys,

I recently went on a really cool shark dive and unknowingly set my camera get to manual focus (d'oh!) so have tons of blurry photos. Whilst I'm not too fussed about the blurry photos for myself, a few other divers were treating the dive as a special occasion/once off, and asked if I could send them some photos.

At this point, I am resigned to being a bit of a disappointment for them. But before I fire off the apology email, I was wondering does anyone on here know any hints or tips on how to save a blurry photo or two? I know you can't really de-blur a photo properly because all that data is missing etc etc. But does anyone have anything that might help a bit?

Thanks in advance!

https://preview.redd.it/5iyalh3jbz3e1.jpg?width=5568&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be8ec0ed97f9635edee0433c072e40ac016af6d3

1 Comment
2024/11/30
06:04 UTC

442

A Goliath Grouper and Scuba Diver in Jupiter, FL

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share this cool trick photography photo I took of a scuba diver and Goliath grouper off the coast of Jupiter, FL. Both of them lined up at different distances to create a very cool moment, like the trick photography

10 Comments
2024/11/30
00:51 UTC

4

Advice on next setup

I've used an Olympus TG6 for the past few years and I'm ready to take the next step and buy a new setup with an interchangeable lens camera. I already have an old Canon 5d mark II that I've been using above water. I'm considering:

  1. Buying a housing, a fisheye lens and potentially a strobe for my 5dII
  2. Buying a new Canon R10 and housing with the standard 18-45mm kit lens (I'd save up for better lenses down the line)

Both of these options are roughly the same price. What do y'all think is a better value?

Pic was shot on my TG6

2 Comments
2024/11/29
22:21 UTC

1

Will this old seafrogs camera housing work with new dome ports?

I'm brand new to uw photo so pardon my lack of knowledge here. To get started I'm acquiring a budget beginner rig and found a housing for my old Canon 600D on ebay. I want to get a dome port and a grip and I'm wondering if I can buy any of the new seafrogs grip & dome port for this housing?
https://us.amazon.com/Sea-frogs-Waterproof-Underwater-Housing/dp/B0836DG2LC

OR

Does anyone know what accessories WOULD work with it & how to find them?

Or am I out of luck and should just go with what the housing comes with?

4 Comments
2024/11/29
19:42 UTC

14

Not a GoPro

Suggestions wanted. I want a camera like a GoPro but not a GoPro. Something that can be mounted on a stick. Controlled with a remote. Waterproof obviously.

I recently returned GP12 as the quality of pictures was disappointing and the unit overheated, the door fell off and was finicky.

I mainly take photos from a dock or while snorkeling.

3 Comments
2024/11/28
22:16 UTC

1

Best Torch (Bracket)

Looking for a torch, ideally bright, warm, red, blue, violet with a bracket mount for a Olympus TG-7

Anyone got the inside scoop?

1 Comment
2024/11/28
21:32 UTC

2

Thoughts on Kraken 2800

I found a good deal on a couple used kraken sports hydra 2800 but couldn’t find the lights on Krakens website to see reviews.

I shoot in shallow water mostly macro also wide. Would this be enough light? Thoughts?

2 Comments
2024/11/28
12:59 UTC

5

Favorite photographers to buy prints from?

I’m looking for a print for my apartment of a beautiful underwater photo, with whales or turtles or sharks. Do you guys have any favorite photographers who sell prints?

6 Comments
2024/11/27
21:24 UTC

1

Traditional Zoom Lenses Underwater?

Just wondering if there are any underwater accessories out there that perform like a traditional twist zoom lens. ( i.e. lengthens or shortens when you twist it) Full transparency, I don’t need this for photography. I’m just curious whether theres a telescopic twisting mechanism out there thats watertight. Figured underwater cameras would be a good place to look.

5 Comments
2024/11/27
13:21 UTC

1

Which setup would you suggest for photography & documentary filmmaking?

Hi! I am a writer (journalist) and a photographer, and have been documenting weddings, travels and lifestyle extensively for years. I have also been using a drone for a while now and am comfortable with most situations.

I hope to get into underwater photography and videography properly, specifically documentary filming (for travels/wildlife/landscape etc.). I have been practicing with a GoPro, and am ready to make the big purchase! Based on my existing gear, what would you suggest I have?

For my photography, I currently have 5D mark IVs, and considering buying a mirrorless (something lighter and more suitable for videography as well). I have enough lens (from my photog) to mix and match, so hoping to not spend anything for this. At least for now. I've got my eyes on the Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing and am hoping to be training with this for a while. But is there anything else needed for both photog and videography?

2 Comments
2024/11/27
08:33 UTC

13

Selling a strobe, video light, tray kit

This is a whole kit that really just needs a compact camera with the housing. Underwater tray, flex, arms, video light, strobe. Asking $400 plus shipping (USPS priority flat rate medium box) for the whole set up.

Sea and Sea YS-01 Solis Kraken Hydra 2500 V2 Backscatter compact camera tray with 1" balls and flexible arms Fiber optic cable for strobe

5 Comments
2024/11/27
05:50 UTC

2

Is video light/flash light enough for macro?

Hi,

I want to shoot some UW macro and need gear. Looking to get the cheapest possible before I decide to go all in. My question is if it is "enough" to have a flash light or video lights for macro photography? Since you're so close to the subject I can't imagine this not being enough, but I find nowhere that says it specifically. What do you guys think?

(I know that you're supposed to have proper strobes and will get in the future. I'm just asking if I'll be able to get away with other gear to start with. For the guys that will still insist that I should get strobes, I know and I will. Imagine your strobe breaks just before a dive, do you get half decent shots using a flash light or do you not shoot macro at all?)

15 Comments
2024/11/26
23:37 UTC

0

What lenses will fit?

Hi, I’m looking to get this for my A5100 but I’d like to shoot some macro. I currently only have the 16-50mm kit lens and want to know if other lenses would fit. There is no information other than that my current lens fits. Has anyone used this case or does anyone know?

I get that I can measure my current lens fully extended and compare to another one but maybe there’s a more “correct” way of knowing.

Thanks!

9 Comments
2024/11/26
02:01 UTC

1

Looking for Lens Compatibility Advise

Hello. Looking to get a seafrogs underwater housing for my Canon 5D MK IV. My primary lens right now is the 16-35mm f/4, however, this chart shows that this lens is not compatible with the dome ports. Is anyone able to provide me with an explanation on why? Thanks!

1 Comment
2024/11/25
22:25 UTC

1

Isla Margarita - Venezuela

Hey peeps 🤙

Anyone here been or is from Isla Margarita in Venezuela? Looking for freediving dive buddies there... Let's shoot some awesome footage - there isn't much footage available online...

Hit me up if you have local contacts - landing there beginning of December

0 Comments
2024/11/25
21:55 UTC

1

Aquatica Housing Owners - Any Issues Getting Parts and Accessories?

Earlier this year, I bought a used Aquatica AGHS housing for a Panasonic GH5s and it's been pretty great. It came with a 4" mini dome port for fisheye lenses and a macro flat port that works with the Olympus 60mm macro lens. I ordered a focus gear for the 60mm macro lens, a +10 close-up lens, and a flip holder for the close-up lens from Aquatica (via Backscatter), and that came pretty quickly (within a couple of weeks of my order).

Then, in July, I decided I wanted to try some wide angle (didn't love the fisheye), so I ordered the SW8 dome port, an extension ring for the 12-60mm Leica zoom lens, and a zoom gear. I was told the lead time would be 3-4 weeks, which would be enough to get it in time for a trip I had planned in September. Shortly after, I was told there was a delay. It's now been five months since I ordered these parts and the best Backscatter can tell me (I emailed Aquatica once separately, but they didn't reply) is that Aquatica has confirmed the parts haven't been discontinued and that they have "prioritized" my order.

Despite all that, they don't have a timeline for when I might receive the parts. I also don't know if it's one specific part that's the holdup or something else (I've asked, but they wouldn't say). I've tried looking on secondary markets, but haven't seen the right extension ports/zoom gears (I've seen a few dome ports). I've contacted a couple of other sites that sell UW photo equipment, but they all seem to work by placing the order with Aquatica instead of keeping stock (which I understand - it's just a bit misleading that they all say "In Stock" on their websites).

Has anybody else had issues like this with Aquatica? I get that the housing isn't exactly new and we're talking about highly specialized parts, but it seems crazy to me that I can't even get a straight answer on a timeline.

0 Comments
2024/11/25
18:25 UTC

1

Dive housing options with good strobe support

I've been shooting with a Salty Surf Housing for both surf photography, underwater art model photography in a pool, and some free dive. The housing is rated to 20m, so it's fine in the depth rating for my uses, but it doesn't have any bulkheads (i.e. for lighting). Salty Surf just released the Siren lineup which I think is rated to 40m and has a bulkhead or two to enable accessories. The Siren is convenient in that it can be used both for surf and dive, but it's fairly pricey, I would need different ports, and a newer camera (currently a7RIII, and they support >= a7RIV).

I've thought about getting a Sea Frogs housing or an Ikelite so that I can use standard strobes.

My questions are the following:

  1. In terms of off-camera lighting, does any brand stand out in terms of ease of use/most adaptable to different strobes, etc?

  2. When is the right time to upgrade a camera body so that it fits a newer housing? For instance, if I invest in another housing for the a7RIII, then it seems like I'm investing more in old tech (sooner for both the camera and housing to lose support).

  3. Is there any sense in just investing in video lights and using it with my existing housing (would need to jury rig some arms)?

Thanks!

2 Comments
2024/11/25
17:13 UTC

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