Intova Shooting Tips – Part 2 – Light Loss

Courtesy of Intova  www.intova.net

Underwater photography is much different than land photography. Light and color loss, water clarity, currents and housing condensation are all elements that affect underwater photography. The large Dive Certification organizations have complete classes dedicated to Digital Underwater photography. Digital cameras are complex and need to be understood and set properly to obtain best results.

LIGHT LOSS: There is much less light underwater than at the surface. Some light is lost immediately as a reflection off the surface of the water. This effect is more pronounced when the sun is low in the sky. Underwater, light is further affected by absorption and scattering. Water absorbs light and turns it into heat. Greater depth means more absorption and less available light. Particles in the water cause light to scatter, further reducing availability.

NEXT WEEK’S SHOOTING TIP: COLOUR LOSS