Photo / Video News & Reviews
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.
Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces
NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.
Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking
Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:
“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.
A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”
About NovoScuba
Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.
With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.
Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!
Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/novoscuba-underwater-moviemaker-course.
EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.
NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.
A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission
NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.
NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.
Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration
NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.
Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.
NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.
Quality Training at a Great Price
NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity
At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.
Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success
NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
Crossover Made Easy
For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.
Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership
NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.
Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement
NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.
Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth
At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.
Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.
Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution
Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.
For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.
Are you just getting started out in underwater photography or are you a seasoned shooter who wants to take their images to the next level? Whatever you experience or ability, here’s an overview of underwater photography workshops.
What is an Underwater Photography Workshop?
The first thing to note is that this is not ‘school’! There are no compulsory classes and at workshops you are free to pick and choose what you take part in, or otherwise.
A huge part of learning and developing your skills is through experimentation, trial and error, responding to feedback, and honing your technique. Underwater photography workshops provide you with the perfect platform for practice and improvement.
There is no better alternative to hands on experience in an environment that is 100% dedicated to your development. Reading informative articles and watching videos on YouTube can never replace the value of one on one time with your camera rig, underwater!
Underwater photography workshops are generally structured around core components, namely: presentations, underwater practice, feedback and critique sessions, troubleshooting/one-on-one sessions, and technical support.
Other components of a workshop include dining, relaxing, and time for socializing too!
What Topics do Underwater Photography Workshops Cover?
Depending on the pro, the type of workshop and regional diving highlights, a wide range of topics may be covered from composition and lighting through to shooting techniques and editing.
Benefits of an Underwater Photography Workshop
- Improve Your underwater photography
- Learn from professionals
- Learn from other participants
- Expand your photography knowledge and understanding
- Try put new techniques
- Learn how to maximize your camera rig
- Phenomenal travel opportunities
- Memorable experience and new friendships
Underwater Photography Workshops in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
When it comes to underwater photography workshops that focus on shooting macro, muck diving, and unusual marine species, there can be no better destination on the planet than the Lembeh Strait.
The Critter Capital of the World, a Muck Diving Mecca, and the Twilight Zone are just a few of the names that have been given to this stretch of water over the years due to its high density, and diversity, of rare and unusual marine life.
Some of Lembeh’s most iconic species include the hairy frogfish, Pontohi pygmy seahorse, the Lembeh sea dragon, Mandarin fish, Bobbit worms, Rhinopias scorpionfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, tiger and harlequin shrimps, ornate ghost pipefish, harlequin crabs, and where do we start with octopus? Here’s just a few… wunderpus, mimic, blue ring, hairy, long arm, starry night, and coconut… and the list goes on!
Dive conditions in the Lembeh Strait can be extremely favourable for underwater photographers. There is little to no current making both moving around and remaining stationary a breeze. The comfortably warm water temperatures reduce the cold that can also set in when not on the move.
Lembeh Resort and Underwater Photography Workshops
Lembeh Resort not only offers luxury accommodation in the Lembeh Strait but it is also offers a complete suite of facilities for underwater photographers and enthusiasts. Here is a ‘snapshot’ of the camera and imaging services that are on offer at Lembeh Resort – inside and outside of underwater photography workshops:
Photography Facilities
Lembeh Resort offers a suite of facilities for underwater photographers, including:
- The only Backscatter Authorized Photo Center in Asia
- Photo Center offering camera, housing, lights and accessory rentals and purchases, onsite repairs, onsite 3D printing of small components, professional support and assistance, full workshop support
- Full time onsite Photo Pro
- Full time onsite Marine Biologists
- Marine biology and underwater photography trained Dive Guides
- Spacious camera room with individual work spaces, lights, and power points
- Varied diving options including single dives in the Lembeh Strait, two or three tank dive trips, day trips to Bangka, east coast Lembeh trips, blackwater, bonfire, night, and Mandarin fish dives.
Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2025
The renowned Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop is back in January 2025 for the 12th year running!! This unique workshop is hosted by not one but three worldclass photo professionals. The 2025 workshop features: Ron Watkins (USA), Paul Duxfield (UK), and Renee Capozzola (USA). The week-long workshop promises to be packed with incredible diving, Pro presentations, and one-on-one instruction and feedback.
2025 Workshop Schedule and Dates:
- Pre-Workshop: January 8th ––10th (time to relax and unwind after traveling and enjoy some of Lembeh’s famous dive sites.)
- Workshop: January 11th – 17th (Capturing Critters in Lembeh 12th Annual Workshop)
- Workshop Extension: January 18th – 19th (Additional Day Workshop Extension)
- Post-Workshop: January 20th – 21st (Stay additional nights and enjoy extra diving days or some time to relax and explore more of North Sulawesi)
Find Out More:
Meet the pros and find out more about the Capturing Critters in Lembeh 2025 underwater photography workshop, including prices and workshop inclusions, here:
If you are ready to book your place on the January 2025 Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop – contact Lembeh Resort at: reservations@LembehResort.com.
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