Underwater Photography Tips: A Beginner’s Guide to Backgrounds
Want to improve your macro photography? Our photo pro at Lembeh Resort has some introductory underwater photography tips that can add an extra dimension to your images. In this blog, we’ll be focusing on the basics for shooting backgrounds.
While the subject of your photos is obviously important, considering the background and the negative space around it can dramatically change the look and feel of your image. Black backgrounds can make your subject stand out; a deep blue can show them in the context of their ocean habitat; and a soft, creamy background will bring out the vibrant colors of the background.
Remember: as the photographer, you’re in control. By honing these techniques on land, and then applying them creatively in the water, you’ll be able to create masterful macro images like the pros. Ready to learn some underwater photography tips from the experts? Let’s dive in.
1. Black Backgrounds: Add Drama and Detail to Your Photos
First up, black backgrounds. This is a great way to make the details of your subject really stand out. So whether you’re photographing the intricate details of a hairy frogfish (above), or capturing the colorful displays of a flamboyant cuttlefish (below), having this technique in your photography toolkit is a must.
Want to know how it’s done? Start by shooting into open water – this will help your background disappear into the distance. Using a snoot can also help to ‘spotlight’ your subject in the foreground. Adjust your camera settings to eliminate the ambient light, leaving your subject illuminated on a simple, clean background.
With the right settings on your camera and lighting, you can achieve some excellent results. Take a look at this example:
How to achieve the look:
- Choose a fast shutter speed (1/250)
- Close the aperture (F14-F22)
- Set a low ISO (100)
- Put your strobe on high power for foreground exposure
- Zoom in for extra detail
Pro tip (equipment):
One of our favorite pieces of kit for inward lighting is the Backscatter optical snoot with a mini flash. It’s easy to use, and has an aiming light that accurately represents what you will see in your photo – as our photo pro says: “What you see is what you get.”
If you’re new to snoots, or looking to upgrade your existing gear, Lembeh Resort has a wide range of cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment available to rent or buy. Our photo center is the only one of its kind in North Sulawesi to be authorized by Backscatter. Our experienced team of photographers will be happy to help you with tips, repairs, and recommendations.
2. Blue Backgrounds: Color, Contrast, and Context
Blue backgrounds are a great way to convey a feel for the ocean habitat your subject calls home. They give a softer, more natural feel to your photos, while adding an additional color to contrast with your subject – just look how well the yellow coloration of the nudibranch in the image above is accented by its blue surroundings.
Unlike black backgrounds, which eliminate ambient light from the exposure, this time, our aim is to allow that light into the lens – and then use it creatively. Using strobes will give the photo additional color, contrast, and definition.
Here’s another example:
How to achieve the look:
- Choose a slow shutter speed (1/100)
- Open the aperture (F2.8-F12)
- Increase the ISO (400)
- Put your strobe on lower power for foreground exposure
Pro tip (technique):
Shutter speed will only affect the ambient light in your photo – it won’t impact the lighting from your strobe. Try playing around with shutter speed, and you’ll find the depth and darkness of the blue becomes another creative tool at your disposal.
3. Blurred Backgrounds: Achieve a Softer Look
Using a shallow depth of field is a great way to separate your subject from its background. This technique is similar to the black background approach we covered earlier, as the goal is to eliminate all ambient light from the scene. When combined with strobes, this gives you full control over the lighting.
This technique gives you a soft, creamy feel to your photos. Even seemingly drab backgrounds, like the sandy rubble of the Lembeh Strait, can appear beautiful when the bokeh effect comes into play.
How to achieve the look:
- Use a fast shutter speed (1/250)
- Open the aperture (F2.8-F8)
- Lower the ISO (100)
- Strobe on low power
Pro tip (technique & equipment):
When shooting with an open aperture in bright lighting conditions, your photos can easily become overexposed. To fix this, without losing your shallow depth of field, try using a neutral density filter – this will help reduce the ambient light.
Next time you’re diving, think about the kind of background you want to see in your photos, and how it can complement your subject. By experimenting with the techniques we’ve covered in this blog, you’ll be able to achieve some interesting and creative results!
Looking for more underwater photography tips? Check out our Lembeh Learning Series on YouTube – Episode 6 covers the basics of using blue, black, and soft backgrounds. You can watch the full episode here. Our photo pro will also be uploading the next video in this series soon, which will go a little deeper into more advanced, creative techniques – so stay tuned!
