Underwater Photography: Challenges and Triumphs
The Challenge: Aquatic AmnesiaFirst, let me remind you of the main challenge of underwater photography: Being underwater, where human beings rarely think. Underwater is not our natural habitat, unless you believe the "aquatic ape hypothesis," which suggests our primate ancestors splashed around in the shallows for a few million years, developing furless bodies and a taste for cocktails with little umbrellas in them. That hypothesis may explain why we're so obsessed with photographing our vacations to tropical beaches, but it doesn't make us any better at remembering what's going on under the sea.The Challenge: Learning to BreatheAnother major hurdle for underwater photography enthusiasts is the fact that they need to breathe. You can't just waltz into the ocean with your fancy DSLR and start snapping away like Jacques Cousteau's paparazzo. No, you need to strap on a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) or, at the very least, a snorkel. But don't worry; breathing underwater is only slightly more complicated than breathing air while running a marathon, juggling flaming torches, and reciting the alphabet backwards.The Challenge: Gearing Up for AdventureSpeaking of gear, underwater photography requires a whole new set of equipment designed to withstand the pressure, salt, and other corrosive properties of the ocean. Just make sure not to accidentally order a "housing" for your camera that's actually a 1970s-era Soviet submarine, as I did once. Though, I must say, the photos I took of confused fish passing by the periscope were quite entertaining. Here's what you'll really need:- An underwater camera housing: This is the hard shell that protects your camera from the elements.
- A strobe or light: Since the sun has a habit of not cooperating with your artistic vision beneath the waves, you'll need another source of illumination.
- A dive computer: This handy device keeps track of your depth and remaining air supply, among other things. You don't want to be composing the perfect shot only to realize you've run out of oxygen.
- A wetsuit: Unless, of course, you're into hypothermia.
The Challenge: Communicating with Sea LifeWhile underwater, you may encounter a plethora of marine life who are not familiar with the concept of personal space. Don't panic. Most aquatic animals have not yet developed a taste for human flesh, despite the prevalence of Shark Week programming. Instead, use hand gestures, facial expressions, and interpretive dance to communicate your intentions. For example, if a curious sea turtle starts nibbling on your strobe, perform a series of twirls and jazz hands to express your disapproval. Trust me, it works every time.The Triumph: Capturing a New PerspectiveOnce you've overcome these challenges, the rewards of underwater photography are limitless. The ocean offers a unique perspective on the world, with its own set of rules, colors, and creatures. Underwater, you can defy gravity, capture the reflection of sunlight on a school of fish, or even photograph a shipwreck that has been claimed by coral and sea anemones. There's no better feeling than surfacing with a memory card full of images that you know will make your landlocked friends green with envy.The Triumph: Becoming One with the OceanAs you spend more time below the surface, something magical happens: You start to feel like a part of the underwater world. You learn to move with the current, anticipate the behavior of sea life, and develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the ocean. You may even find yourself having philosophical conversations with a particularly wise octopus. I once asked one what the meaning of life was, and it simply handed me a shell. I'm still pondering that one.The Triumph: Sharing Your Underwater AdventuresPerhaps the greatest reward of all is the ability to share your underwater experiences with others who may never have the opportunity to see the world beneath the waves. Your photographs have the power to inspire, educate, and even drive conservation efforts. So, keep practicing, keep exploring, and keep sharing your art with the world. And when you do finally capture that perfect shot of a great white shark high-fiving a mermaid, please send me a copy. I've been trying to get that one for years.
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