Photo / Video News & Reviews
The Art of Snooting
Are you a black background enthusiast? Do you enjoy playing with the texture and shadows of your subject? Are you looking for a new challenge? If you answered yes to any of these questions, snooting could be the next technique you need to master!
For this post I’ve collaborated with Ajiex Dharma, a freelance dive guide and accomplished macro photographer, based out of Tulamben, Bali. Well known for his signature black background photography, Ajiex regularly teaches keen divers the snooting technique. In this blog, we’re going to be talking through the benefits of snooting and some tips and tricks for you to get started.
Before we get started, what is snooting? Usually reserved for shooting macro subjects, snooting is a lighting technique where a tube or funnel is placed over the front of strobe(s), allowing the photographer to direct light onto the subject in a more precise manner. The photographer will typically shoot photographs of this style using a high shutter speed, higher f-stop value and a low ISO. This creates a crisp black background in contrast to the illuminated subject.
A relatively inexpensive technique to try out for yourself, gear ranges from home made ten dollar funnels, through to the more expensive Retra snoot… and everything in between. There really is an option to suit every budget.
I asked Ajiex what he thinks is the benefit of the technique and what a photographer can expect to gain from shooting using snooted lighting in comparison to a less fiddly technique?
“Snooting is a different shape of lighting. It is particularly useful when you enjoy achieving a black background in your photographs. A snoot is really worth the extra effort for isolating a subject where, due to how the subject is located, you can anticipate a messy foreground or bland background. You can make a subject stunning and elevate your photograph from an ID shot to a work of art!” AD
So, let’s get started, these are our top tips and tricks you need to consider when trying your hand at snooting.
1: Get your buoyancy under control
Snooting requires you to get very close to your subject, so as you can imagine, buoyancy is critically important. As a photographer, you want to approach your subject in a calm and controlled manner to prevent your subject from running away or hiding. Creeping up on your subject with minimal disruption to it or the muck and sand around you will save you time editing out backscatter in post. It will also allow you more time with your subject, minimizing any stress you may cause it.
Additionally, like in all underwater photography, the more rapidly you breathe and the more you move, the faster you’re going to run through your air while also introducing motion blur into your image.
2: Know your camera
“Understanding your equipment is really important. It helps you understand what settings you need to get the shot you want. For example, if you shoot a hairy shrimp with a backlight, you need to know how to capture the details. If you use a big f stop (f5), you will get more light but you will probably find your picture is too bright. You will also find this depth of field too shallow. If you use f22 (or higher) this image will be even better because it will be sharp” AD
As with all macro photography, you need to understand the relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. You will still need to evaluate the size of your subject and the effect you want to create. The lighting technique is not a substitute for good macro practices. Make sure the eyes or key features of your subject are sharp and in focus and that you’re shooting with intent.
3: Get a friend to help you
Picture an actor standing on a stage with a spotlight above them. One step in either direction and your actor is in darkness. A snoot performs in much the same way. The beam of light can be so narrow that one centimetre in the wrong direction and your beautiful nudibranch or decorator crab will be in darkness.
Getting a friend or assistant to give you a hand will make getting the hang of snooting initially much easier. Eventually, after a lot of practice, you will get a feel for the new piece of equipment and will develop an understanding of where the snoot needs to be placed in relation to your camera and subject. However, when you’re just starting, doing this on your own will be infuriating. Your friend or buddy will be able to see the subject easily and help you place the light more efficiently onto the subject.
If your strobe has a focus light, use it. It’s so much easier to be able to see a beam of light coming from your strobe before you take the shot. It will give you a much better idea of what features will be illuminated, how the shadows will fall and whether or not your subject will be over or under exposed.
This will be a great help for your buddy initially to get light placement just right. Additionally, when you come to shooting on your own, this will be an invaluable learning aid.
4: Get creative!
“Snooting is about getting creative and using different lighting. Backlighting, side lighting, it’s about drama!” AD
Remember my spotlight analogy from point two? Now forget it! It’s time to get creative. Top down lighting is not your only option. The real benefit of snooting is that you can direct light precisely from any direction imaginable. When you’re first learning, find a single interesting subject and stay with it. Snoot it from the top, the back (particularly if it’s transparent), the sides, underneath and watch how the shadows and the texture of the subject change. Although maybe try and find a subject without eyes that won’t mind being blasted with light over and over again…
As an example, I’ve included an image below of an emperor shrimp on a nudibranch. I’ve seen many of these pics with the shrimp sitting in between the rhinophores lit from the top down. I wanted to do something different. The snoot was placed facing the shrimps face but with the power of my strobe dialled right down.
By doing this, it allowed me to showcase the texture of the nudibranch skin. You can actually see the little feet of the shrimp digging into the surface of the nudibranch. If you keep looking at the images, you can even see the wrinkles and fold of the skin. I thought it was something beautiful and unique, worth capturing.
To show you a different effect, Ajiex and I photographed the Pikachu nudi using a side lighting technique. The snoot was held to the side of the subject, allowing the transparency to become the feature of the photograph. Additionally, by creating highlights and shallows, the folds of the face became far more apparent. I feel like it gave the subject an interesting personality and interest.
As a final tip, when snooting, remember you don’t have to capture the subject in isolation. Sometimes it is interesting to include a little of the background of context. If there is a beautiful tunicate, try and include this in your shot. Really this tip is about playing with your gear and really finding out what you like and the best way to achieve shots that you feel proud of.
Wrapping up, I really hope you’ve got a good sense of what snooting is and some practical tips to help you get stuck in. It’s a technique I absolutely love using. Despite the initial frustrations of learning how to place the snoot and using the power setting on my strobe to get a light balance that I enjoy, it’s been a really worthwhile challenge and I highly recommend that you give it a go!
If you’re ever in the Tulamben area and want to take lessons or learn more about snooting, you can reach Ajiex here on Facebook or Instagram @ajiexdharma.
Check out more of Miranda-Clare’s photos on Instagram @divingphotos or visit her website www.mirandaclare.com.
News
Meet Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Redefining Action Cameras With Unrivaled 8K Image Quality & Smarter AI
Insta360 is thrilled to announce the latest addition to its Ace series, Insta360 Ace Pro 2. This groundbreaking wide-angle action camera delivers unparalleled image quality, smarter, easier capture powered by AI, upgraded audio, and an improved rugged design made for action at its most extreme.
Co-engineered with Leica, it delivers serious performance upgrades with the industry-first dual AI chip and state-of-the-art imaging courtesy of a new 1/1.3″ 8K sensor and Leica SUMMARIT lens with a 157º field of view. Creators can experience smoother videos with higher frame rates at 8K30fps and 4K60fps Active HDR, PureVideo for excellent low light performance, a bigger 2.5″ flip touchscreen and more.
The action camera utilizes Insta360’s advanced AI technology to offer a smarter experience from shooting to sharing. Innovative functions like the option to pause or cancel a recording, gesture and voice control, Auto Edit, and AI Highlights Assistant completely transform the experience for creators. With no more complex workflows, anyone can experience a simpler way to film and spend more time immersed in the moments they love.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 significantly improves on its design, offering a more rugged, reliable action camera. Its waterproofing has increased to 39ft (12m), and it offers crystal-clear audio with an integrated Wind Guard and a removable Lens Guard to handle whatever you throw at it, providing full flexibility for action and sports enthusiasts.
“Our goal was to refine and enhance the groundbreaking features of the original Insta360 Ace Pro to deliver an unparalleled experience,” says JK Liu, founder of Insta360. “We are confident these upgrades establish a new industry standard. Not only do they bring significant advances in AI, they empower creators to capture what was always impossible with other action cameras, opening the door to unprecedented creative potential.”
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to order today worldwide via Insta360.com, as well as trusted retailers and select authorized partners.
Unparalleled Image Quality, Day and Night
The Leica SUMMARIT lens immediately sets it apart from competitors with its state-of-the-art image quality. Combined with an upgraded 1/1.3″ 8K sensor offering 13.5 stops of dynamic range, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 delivers simply breathtaking visuals in situations other action cameras simply can’t handle.
Further contributing to its image quality and performance is the industry-leading dual-chip design. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the first action camera with a dedicated Pro Imaging Chip that handles image processing and noise reduction, while a separate 5nm AI Chip handles further image processing and overall camera performance, providing a smooth, seamless user experience. The dual chip also enables more shooting modes and higher specifications, such as 8K30fps video, 4K60fps Active HDR (High Dynamic Range), and upgraded PureVideo. Even in fast-moving motion and high-intensity action, creators can enjoy smooth, sharp videos thanks to the higher frame rates or slow it all the way down with crisp 4K120fps slow motion.
A complex, custom-trained AI neural network underpins PureVideo, a specialized shooting mode that drastically reduces noise and enhances details in real time for cleaner, brighter images, even in extreme low light. Whether it’s twilight strolls or evening rides, creators can record what they never could before. For the daytime, upgraded 4K60fps Active HDR brings out all the details in intense highlights and shadows for more vibrant footage. Meanwhile, a wider 157° lens FOV captures more of the surroundings, perfect for vlogging or when the scenery really matters.
Exclusive Leica-engineered color profiles infuse footage with their signature aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance to every shot. Insta360’s devotion to color accuracy is seen elsewhere with Insta360 Ace Pro 2’s ability to retain rich and precise colors, even underwater.
Ready for Action Anytime, Anywhere
The upgraded design proves to be even more rugged, ready for when you ramp up the action. Waterproofing has increased to 39 feet (12 meters) or 197 feet (60 meters) with the Dive Case, and it handles temperatures as low as -4ºF (-20ºC) with ease, perfect for winter sports and extreme climates.
The new, removable Lens Guard provides greater all-around protection, meaning creators can feel confident to push the limits further and capture the impossible, knowing their action cam is up to the challenge.
An all-new Wind Guard keeps wind and noise at a minimum during those peak moments, ready to snap on and off as you need. With refreshed audio algorithms bringing professional-grade clarity to your content, you can immerse your viewers like never before. What’s more, the magnetic mounting system lets you seamlessly switch between accessories. Less time spent unscrewing and screwing your camera and mounts, more time in the moment.
Insta360’s leading FlowState Stabilization technology ensures videos remain incredibly smooth no matter what, while 360º Horizon Lock, now applied automatically in-camera, keeps everything perfectly level. Prioritizing performance and convenience, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 sports a bigger 1800mAh battery and a new Endurance Mode that offers a 50% longer runtime at 4K30fps than Insta360 Ace Pro. Fast charging powers the battery to 80% in 18 minutes or 100% in 47 minutes, so you can get back to the action quicker.
Insta360 has expanded its compatibility with several top third-party sports accessories, allowing action and sports enthusiasts to add a new level of detail. For data-rich videos, overlay real-time stats from third-party sports brands, including Garmin, Apple, COROS, and more. Alternatively, users can add stats from their phone directly in the Insta360 app without any extra gear or use the GPS Preview Remote for easy live preview, remote control, and real-time GPS data. For moto vloggers, pair Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with your motorcycle helmet headset from Sena, Cardo, and more for clear dual-track audio and hands-free control every ride.
Made for those who demand the highest standard of action capture, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers the perfect combination of durability and high-quality performance to capture life’s thrills with confidence.
Smarter, Easier Capture & Editing
Insta360 Ace Pro’s flip touchscreen proved an essential and convenient tool for creators and has been further upgraded to 2.5 inches. With a 70% increase in pixel density, a 6% increase in brightness and a 100% increase in flip durability, it allows for perfect framing and easier preview for vlogging, selfies, and difficult angles, all while remaining visible under bright sunlight. Instead of guessing if your shot looks perfect, you can shoot with confidence, knowing it is.
Internally, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers innovative solutions to problems that have hindered action enthusiasts for years:
- 4K Clarity Zoom – Want a close-up but the image quality becomes too grainy? Zoom in and out 2x without losing quality.
- Pre-Recording – Never miss a moment with up to 120 seconds of footage saved before you even hit record.
- Gesture & Voice Control – Use quick hand signals or verbal commands to control the camera, such as start/stop recording or take a photo, ideal if it’s mounted out of reach.
- Pause/Resume Recording – Got time between shots? Hit pause and continue recording when you need to keep everything in one continuous file for easier file management and editing.
- Timecode – Seamlessly synchronizes multiple cameras for an efficient editing workflow.
Insta360’s revolutionary AI features demonstrate a commitment to making shooting and editing as accessible as possible. Anyone, regardless of their skill level, will be amazed at what they can create. For those who aren’t confident editing, AI Highlights Assistant automatically finds the best moments from a video and delivers the highlights for review, all in-camera. Creators can merge every thrilling moment into one incredible recap or choose the ones their favorites and delete any unwanted clips to save storage.
The Assistant also helps craft your next reel from your adventures and pushes it directly to your smartphone via the Insta360 app. Look back on all your Memories and share those unforgettable moments in seconds.
Acting as a full editing suite in your pocket, the Insta360 mobile app fully embraces the game-changing possibilities of AI with advanced Auto Editing, one-tap templates and creative Shot Lab effects. Instead of spending hours learning complex tools and editing workflows, AI does it all for you, bringing your clips to life with dynamic cuts and transitions. Creators can even achieve the infamous Invisible Selfie Stick effect with the AI Selfie Stick Eraser in the app for third-person views. Looking for a real twist? AI Warp uses preset or custom keywords to bring your wildest ideas to life.
Available Now
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to purchase today worldwide via Insta360.com and select retailers. The Standard Bundle retails for US$399.99 and includes a Wind Guard, Battery, Standard Mount, Mic Cap, and USB-C Cable. The dual battery bundle includes the same accessories and two batteries for US$419.99.
The SMC-3
Nauticam is proud to introduce the SMC-3, the latest evolution in our line of water contact optics! Designed as a renewed version of the acclaimed SMC-1, the SMC-3 boasts a lightweight build—now only one-third the weight of its predecessor—without compromising on optical performance.
SMC-3 Specifications
| Dimensions | OD 70mm x H 32mm |
| Weight in Air | 307g |
| Weight in Water | 215g |
| Max Magnification (*1) | 2.4x (lens dependent) |
| Working Distance (*1) | 51-103mm |
| Lens Construction | 3 elements in 2 groups |
| Lens Coatings | Anti-reflection Coating |
| Mount Thread Diameter | M67 |
| Depth Rating |
100mm |
Tested with Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Key Features
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just one-third of the SMC-1, the SMC-3 offers unparalleled portability for on-the-go use.
- Superior Optical Performance: Enjoy the same exceptional clarity and precision you’ve come to expect from the SMC series.
- Increased Working Distance: The redesigned lens allows for a greater working distance, meaning it’s easier to use and provides enhanced versatility.
- Premium Materials: Crafted with advanced materials to enhance durability while minimizing weight.
- Cost-Effective: Slightly more affordable than the discontinued SMC-1, the SMC-3 delivers exceptional value.
Uncompromised Optical Quality
The Super Macro Converter 3 is constructed from lenses that are precision crafted of specially formulated low dispersion optical grade glass, ground to the most demanding standards. These exceptional measures, enhanced by broadband anti-refective coatings effectively reduce common optical issues such as chromatic aberrations, coma, spherical aberration, and field deformation associated with underwater macro photography using traditional magnifying lenses. These optics are assembled in a rugged hard anodized aluminum housing, and nitrogen purged during assembly to eliminate fogging.
Stunning Magnification
When combined with a full frame camera and a 100mm or 105mm macro lens, the device converts the optical system to provide a maximum of 2.4X magnification factor. In other words, a subject area of 15.6mm X 10.4mm will fill the whole frame of a 36mm X 24mm sensor.
Improved Sharpness and Contrast
As the Super Macro Converter 3 is optimized explicitly for using together with a macro lens underwater, images captured exhibit exceptional sharpness compared with conventional magnification lenses. Thanks to the broadband multi-layer anti-reflection coating on each surface of the lenses, images also exhibit higher contrast.
Superb Light Transmission
All the lens elements installed inside the SMC are optically optimized to appropriate diameters so as to provide maximum light transmission. The SMC doesn’t suffer from vignette issues under even the most extreme conditions. The broad band multi-layer anti-reflection coating on all surfaces also greatly improves light transmission.
Optimized for Autofocus
By utilizing a specially developed algorithm in the optimization process, the SMC renders superior image quality over the full focusing range of the camera lens (which becomes ~50 to ~100 mm in front of the SMC). Also benefitting from the high brightness and contrast of the image, the autofocus system of the camera usually works acceptably well within this range.
Ample Working Distance
Even at the maximum 2.3X magnification, there is still more than 50mm of working distance between the front element and the subject with 100/105mm macro lenses. This working distance is crucial when capturing behavior with skittish subjects.
Resolution
High resolution was a primary design goal of the SMC project. This has been achieved using computer aided optimization and high grade optical glasses with unique refractive and dispersion properties. Images taken with this new system exhibit very high resolution and quality. Results have exceeded expectations, and these images rival the quality of the macro lens in air.
Smooth Bokeh
The Converter retains the optical properties of the macro lens for the whole system underwater, resulting in a blurred (out of focus) background that has a pleasing smoothness and creamy look, without the normal purple and green fringing.
Avoiding Diffraction
Due to the overall superior optical performance of the SMC-3 it is possible to shoot larger apertures with excellent image quality. This avoids reaching the diffraction limit of high resolution sensors, and allows selective focus effects with narrow depth of field in super macro images.
For more information about the Nauticam Super Macro Converter 3, which ships in November, click here.
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