Cautiously approaching a subject and shooting upwards are my last two rules of underwater photography. Generally, fish are skittish creatures – some more than others. Getting a great picture requires a photographer to gently enter a subject’s immediate surroundings, create a point of intercept or use the element of surprise. Underwater photographers have to resist the urge to sweep down on a creature like a German Stuka with their strobes flashing like machine guns. Under these circumstances, even the most camera-friendly fish will scurry away.A good technique for sidling up to a bottom dweller or fairly stable swimmer is to spend a little time studying the creature’s movements from a reasonable distance and allowing it to become accustomed to your presence. Closing the gap requires an easy breathing rate and no sudden movements. I keep my camera chest high until I “feel” the fish is ready for a picture. Next, I bring the camera up slowly, adjust the focus and press the shutter button. If the fish does not mind the strobes, I continue snapping images. If the “camera courtship” is rushed, though, certain fish tend to get annoyed and turn away just as the shutter opens. Cuttlefish and octopus are perfect examples of creatures that require some “romance.”
A different tactic is needed with active fish, like groupers, wrasses, and parrotfish. I try to anticipate where the subject is heading and intersect its path. Once in position, I pretend to ignore the approaching target and monitor it out of the corner of my eye. It is amazing how curious some fish, such as queen angels, will be when they are not receiving any attention. As the fish comes into range, I rotate myself, press the zoom button and snap a picture.
Following a fish is rarely successful - a chase usually ensues that leaves the photographer huffing in the regulator with only an image of a wagging tail. My final method requires timing and a fair amount of luck. Along a wall, eagle rays and sharks tend to turn away from divers at first sight. In two fortunate instances, I spotted the subject far off, hid behind an outcropping of coral, dramatically lowered my breathing rate and managed to grab a wall-worthy image during the underwater ambush. This is the type of situation where a camera’s write-speed is a key factor in getting more than one shot.
When you’re about to take any picture try to angle the camera upwards. Framing a subject against the surface is visually appealing and makes use of the available light. Shooting downward isn’t the best angle. Would you rather see someone’s face from the chin – up or top of the head down? Even in the sand, try to get below the target along the slope.
Finally, remember fish pick-up on your karma, chi’i, etc. So, project positive waves and be respectful. . .
