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Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO for Underwater Photography
By Carlo Piscioneri, Founder of Night Sky Pix.
When just starting out in low-light photography, trying to get your head around all the camera settings can be quite overwhelming. The purpose of this article is to get you up to speed with some of the most common terms related to camera settings, what they mean, and how they affect your images!
So whether you’re trying to shoot a starry night image, or into the cool depths of underwater photography, these principles will all apply equally.
Getting Started With Underwater Photography
If you’re planning on shooting underwater, getting to know your camera is extremely important. First off, to capture the best photos possible, you’ll need to set your camera to (M) Manual Mode.
Auto mode is great for daytime images, but in low-light situations where the conditions can constantly change, you’ll need manual mode and adjust your settings for the specific situation.
By doing this, you are taking control of your camera’s settings. Regardless if you are shooting underwater or above ground, this will make the biggest difference to your images.
Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll discuss the three Manual settings that all photographers need to look at when taking photos. They are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Exposure Triangle
The term “exposure triangle”, is the combination of the three main components of photography.
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. All three work together to help bring out the best in your images and will determine the overall brightness of your pics.
Once you begin to understand how the three all relate to each other, you’ll have much more control of your camera’s abilities and settings, allowing you to adjust to the right settings for the right situation.
Below is a breakdown of each of these terms and what they do.
Aperture
This is the first common term that you should learn in any form of photography.
Simply put, an aperture is the size of the opening in the lens.
Think of aperture as an adjustable widening and narrowing of the lens, the wider the opening, the more light will pass through and make its way to the sensor, while the smaller the lens opening the less light is allowed to pass through.
While there are many types of visual devices that use a reference of apertures, such as binoculars and telescopes, they lack something that digital cameras have, which is a diaphragm that allows you to adjust the amount of light that reaches the camera’s sensor.
Camera settings with the aperture wide open allow more light into the image, resulting in a brighter photo. This is of the utmost importance when shooting in low light situations like night and underwater photography.
The aperture is measured in f-stops, a small aperture like f/1.8 is a wide opening, a large aperture like f/22 is a very narrow one.
The aperture is one of three camera settings that determine the overall exposure and brightness of an image, (how bright or dark the final image is).
Depth Of Field
The aperture also affects how much of the image is in focus (DOF). Wide apertures result in a creamy, unfocused background, while narrow apertures keep more of the image in focus.
Choosing A Higher Or Lower Aperture Setting?
Depending on the final outcome you want to achieve from photographing a scene, here are a few things to consider.
When shooting an object close up, a wider aperture will make the scenery behind the subject out of focus/blurry. This is usually performed when shooting a subject close up, like a portrait photograph.
A smaller aperture setting will allow you to achieve a broader depth of field view so you can capture a broader area of focus. This is useful for landscape photography.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed is the setting of the camera that opens and closes the shutter to let light in and take a picture. The shutter speed indicates how long the shutter remains open, written in seconds or fractions of a second, such as 1/200 s. or 1″, where the symbol ” is quite often used to denote a whole second.
If you reduce the time your camera’s eye is open by half (shutter speed), you then get half the ambient light in your image.
The longer the shutter remains open, the more light is let in. So why don’t we just leave the shutter speed setting as long as possible?
Because anything that moves when the shutter is open will be out of focus and blurred, and if the whole camera moves with the shutter open, the whole image will be blurred.
Does Shutter Speed Affect All The Brightness Of An Image?
Changing the shutter speed affects the ambient areas of your image. The faster the shutter speed, the darker these areas become.
What About A Flash Or Strobe?
The amount of light you get into the picture with a flash or strobe is not affected by the shutter speed, because a flash only flashes for a fraction of a second. Changing the shutter speed has no effect on how much stroboscopic light appears in your picture.
ISO
The ISO value determines how light-sensitive the camera is. For example, an ISO value of 100 means that the camera is not very sensitive – ideal for daylight shooting.
An ISO value of say, 3200 or more means that the camera will be very sensitive to light, so you can use this higher ISO value for low-light shooting. The downside to increasing your ISO value is that the higher the ISO value, the more noise you start to introduce into your images, resulting in a more “grainy artifacts” in the image.
While you still need to be careful when raising your ISO as to not introduce too much noise into your image, it’s not as much of an issue as it used to be.
Older models of DSLR cameras were notorious for introducing a lot of noise into a picture but nowadays, a lot of the newer model cameras, from Canon, Sony, Nikon, etc have much better camera sensors and can handle much higher ISO levels with minimal noise in an image.
Like all things, I recommend you test the threshold of your camera to see what you’re happy with when raising your ISO.
Lastly, when it comes to ISO, especially during any form of low-light photography, it is usually the last of the settings to change, as you really don’t want to introduce any more digital noise into your image than needed.
Conclusion
Low-light photography does take a little more effort than regular daylight photography. You’ll need to adjust a combination of the three components (exposure triangle), aperture, shutter speed and ISO to capture that perfect shot.
Hopefully this article has helped you get a bit more understanding of what those three do and why they’re so important.
To learn more about night photography, visit www.nightskypix.com
Carlo Piscioneri
Carlo is editor in chief at NightSkyPix.com. You’ll often find him in the backyard testing out different equipment or techniques to try and improve his images. He loves to write about all things night photography and can’t wait to share what he has learned with you.
NightSkyPix is a site dedicated to astrophotography. When it comes to night photography, there are many, many options when it comes to equipment, configuration, and even what to shoot. Things can get complicated quickly, so the aim is to help simplify and teach readers by sharing great guides, tutorials, reviews, and resources.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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