I was fortunate to have the opportunity to shoot underwater in L.A.
recently. It was a very wonderful learning experience and so I wanted to
share what I learnt! Keep in mind that these tips may only apply to
first-timers like I was, but I hope it makes a good read either way. :D
I love water, if you follow my work you know I love putting models near and into water
all the time rather frequently. Imagine how excited I was to finally get to shoot underwater for real~
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| Redemption |
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| Porcelain |
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| Motherland Chronicles #7 - Self Portrait in Water |
Having sort-of worked with water in some ways before, I went in to the
shoot with some ideas of the type of pictures I wanted to make and
planned my shoot based on those.
If you're not sure about what you want to do, the first thing to do
naturally is look up lots of underwater photos and check out the
possibilities. Try to pin down a shot or two that you'd like to attempt,
then plan your shoot from there.
I'll break the tips down by some of the things I did, difficulties I faced while underwater as well as the stuff
Brenda (my wonderful guide/teacher/assistant) adviced me on. A list of the equipment I used can be found at the end of this post.
Tips for Underwater Model Photography
1.
Research & Plan
Before going in to the details, I want emphasize how important
research and planning is. It should be a given, but maybe you're like
me and sometimes enjoy just winging a shoot, but in this case, keep in
mind that when the environment is completely different, it's not quite
like simply testing a new light setup.
There will be discomforts, logistics complications, and unexpected
difficulties just because it's not everyday that most of us spend a few
hours underwater. So make sure to read up as much as you can. It will
help you prepare both mentally and logistically, and make your
underwater shooting experience a smooth-sailing and fun one.
2.
Rehearse
This is similar to when I do movement shots -- take a few tests and
rehearse the movements with the model in the beginning. This will save
time and energy as you're looking at the general picture and feel of the
pose and framing. The model won't have to school her expressions or
make sure her hair and clothes are perfectly in place, those things take
10 times longer to adjust in water than on land, and it gets cold and
uncomfortable in water very quickly. You want to conserve her energy as
much as possible.
3.
Communication
After every couple of dives, give feedback and show the model pictures
of what you like and don't. Point out what are great and what can be
improved, so she will know to make note on how to better the pose for
you.
4.
On Sinking & Floating
Most of the time you'll want to sink for flexibility in angles, but it's difficult and often you'll end up floating more.
Let go of all your breath before you hold it so there's less air in
your lungs. Tying some weights to your waist will help staying down
easier. And depending on the model's pose, sometimes a weight for her
helps as well.
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| I had weights behind my back initially, but found that moving them to the front helps my dive so I shifted them later. |
5.
Staying Still/Moving for Shots Will Be Tricky
Some photographers like shooting with a tripod, I like moving around
to change my angles and framing organically. This unfortunately doesn't
translate well underwater.
It's both difficult to stay still and move in water because, well, it's
hard to be still when you're floating, and hard to move/paddle when
your hands are occupied with the camera.
The best way I've found for myself is to simply decide a course of
movement, go for it, then press the shutter many many times. :D
6.
Camera Focusing Issues and Loss of Colors on Model's Skin
This usually happens due to loss of light underwater and being far from
the model. Brenda overcomes this by using a 10-17mm on a crop sensor
camera so I could move in closer (very close!).
The problem that arises from this is that every little movement
distorts and changes the composition drastically. I use the 70-200mm
95% of the time for my work, so it definitely took some getting used to
to shoot with a lens so much wider for a complete shoot. I still want
to explore using a long lens underwater in the future, hope it's
possible. :(
7.
Have Extra Hands
Logistics of shooting underwater is painful. Every little adjustment
takes a lot longer than it would on the ground. Depending on your light
setup, just for clothes/fabrics alone I think you'll need at least 2
assistants underwater.
I only had Brenda so we had one side of the model covered. I ended up
using my feet to adjust the fabrics while trying to stay in place for
shots sometimes, it's definitely not ideal and more assistants would've
helped the shoot move faster.
I also attempted directing+paddling with my left hand, but all I managed
was hurt my right pinkie finger for trying to balance the entire weight
of the camera and a strobe on it. :(
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| From our behind-the-scenes video. |
8.
Shoot Fast or Get Cold
It isn't too bad if the weather is warm and there's lots of sun. But if
it's overcast or your pool's in the shade, the water's going to feel
pretty cold for your model for long-session shooting.
Get some large towels and bathrobes and keep them by the pool. If you're
going to take some time reviewing photos, let your model get out of
the water to warm up a little. It's easier for the photographer here
because we can keep some body heat in with a wet suit. But don't push
yourself if you start getting cold too! Remember to take a break as
well.
Most importantly remember to have fun! Shooting underwater can be a
little frustrating at times, but it's definitely quite magical, not to
mention addictive.
Last but not least, a mini-guide made with thanks to the awesome people on
Facebook! -
- Find water.
- Do not breathe the water.
- Do not put camera into water unless it's
waterproof or has a housing.
- Learn how to swim.
And that's it! I hope this gives a bit of insight to the shoot along with my
behind-the-scenes. If you think of any other points or questions please feel free to ask! :D
Once again, special thanks to Jessica, Brenda and Brian for making this shoot happen.
♥
Equipment List:
Housing: Sea and Sea MDX300
Camera: Nikon D300
Lights: Sea and Sea YS-250 strobes
Lens: Tokina 10-17mm
Cables: Custom made by Reef Photo in Florida
