How to take the best underwater Video

 

I've been asked many times how I get so close to the Turtles and fish and also how do I get such great color.

I'm going to break it down by what I feel is the priority and see if this helps.

#1 It's all about having good gear and great video lights. The better you light the subject the better the color and white balance will be. Take time to hide in the dark basement and play until you know all the settings.

I've used a GoPro for years but recently switched to the DJI OSMO Action 4. I love the large sensor and auto white balance with its own external sensor.

#2 LESS IS MORE!!!! Shoot short little 20-30 second videos. Nothing is worse than a long-winded video of the same fish or subject. It also makes it easier in post processing.

#3 Look ahead of you and think about the shot, as you approach the turtle watch for the best background and watch for head and eye movement. This will tell you what the turtles next movement will be. If he looks scared STOP. I like to swim away and circle back, then I just sit and watch before sneaking in for the shot.

And remember to get LOW!! Never video from above looking down on the subject. The best video or picture is one that looks correct from a normal point of view. And no one likes the fish bum videos!!

#4 Set your video light position prior to each shot and be ready. Never chase a subject.

#5 If you really want great video stay to one side of the group and SLOW DOWN!! Seriously if you think you're going slow.... SLOW DOWN SOME MORE!! I dive like watching paint dry.

Hope these tips help and if you think of anything else post them.

New Video camera update

This is my NEW video setup. I'm using a DJI OSMO Action 4 with Dual video lights. 

I love the Auto white balance and clear 4K video.

Keep checking back for my complete review including settings and more!!

This is my old video setup. I was using a GoPro Hero7 Black with Dual video lights and Flip filters. Check out my Current videos here.

I buy all of my camera gear from Backscatter and here is a link to the site.

www.backscatter.com

INITIAL SETTINGS FOR MY NIKON D300

Many times I've had a new underwater photographer ask me what settings I use on my Nikon D300. Before I install my camera in my housing I decide what lens I'm going to use. I then configure the camera as listed bellow and setup my entire rig.

Don't forget...Take about a dozen test shots to make sure everything works!!!

Initial Camera settings for 18-55 mm & 18-70 mm lens

Nikon 18-55mm lenses

8” dome port

·         Manual mode on – A Must!!

·         ISO = 100 or 200

·         Use 1/100th

·         F-Stop =   See below for how settings effect shot

§  F8 for normal pictures

§  F11 for Close up

·         Set focus to Maximum number of focus points

·         Set Metering to Matrix setting

Changes in aperture and how the effect the shot.

Larger Aperture setting F2.8 – Heavily blurs the background (good for Macro)

                >

Starting point setting of F8 – Maximum all round sharpness

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Smaller aperture setting F22 – More depth of Field more in focus

How to stop your housing from fogging

Many new Underwater Photographers have asked me over the years how I keep my housing from fogging while down in the Islands.

1. The most important thing is to always assemble your camera the night before you dive, in that nice room with AC. This allows the camera and housing to stay at the same temperature.
2. Insert a small package of desiccant in the housing bellow the camera mount. You can find these at most shoe or clothing stores.  
3. Cover your camera with a towel while on the dive boat, avoid direct sun!
4. Try to avoid opening your housing while on the boat. If your batteries wont last then buy an air hose adapter for your regulator so you can blow the water off.
5. Remember the sun is your enemy so cover your baby up!

Basic Underwater Photography Tips

Basic Underwater Photo and Video shooting Tips

These are the "traditional" underwater photography tips everyone should know

#1 - Get close to your subject - preferably within 12 inches. Water reduces color, contrast, and sharpness.

#2 - Make sure your camera flash is turned on, preferable in "forced flash mode."