How to Photograph People Underwater

A waterproof camera is specifically designed to be safe to use underwater, but don't think these cameras are limited to just taking pictures of fish or other water creatures. You can use a waterproof camera to take pictures of people underwater, whether in an ocean, lake or pool, as a way to break up the monotony of basic vacation pictures. Taking pictures of people underwater can obviously be more difficult than photographing them on dry land, but if you use the proper technique, the pictures should turn out focused.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Waterproof camera
Waterproof camera

Step 1

Select an area of water that is free from any objects that could block the person you are photographing, such as seaweed. If you are taking a person's picture underneath foggy water (as in a lake), position yourself close to the person before you snap the picture, or else the picture will be blurry.

Step 2

Look through the waterproof camera's viewfinder to position your photograph. Hold onto an object (such as the edge of a pool or a flotation device) as you go underwater to keep from moving too much as you take the picture.

Step 3

Attempt to keep your hands as still as possible as you take the picture to prevent making the water move too much and making the picture appear blurry. Snap the photograph without pressing the flash button if possible because the flash could emphasize any floating particles in the water once the photograph is developed, which could look unappealing.

Step 4

Snap at least two to three pictures in a row of a person underwater. The quality of underwater pictures can be more unpredictable than with regular cameras, so multiple versions of the picture will increase the likelihood of having a usable photograph once it develops.

Tips & Warnings

Attach a wrist strap to your waterproof camera if you are taking pictures of people in deep water (such as during snorkeling or scuba diving)--if you accidentally drop your camera, it can be difficult to catch. Purchase a protective camera case to store your waterproof camera in when you're not using it, even if it's a disposable camera--if you take it to the beach, you could get sand in the crevices, which could keep it from working properly.

Purchase a protective camera case to store your waterproof camera in when you're not using it, even if it's a disposable camera--if you take it to the beach, you could get sand in the crevices, which could keep it from working properly.

Always read your waterproof camera's manufacturer's directions before using it in the water to avoid inadvertently damaging it.

Article Written By Allison Boelcke

Allison Boelcke graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's in English and a minor in psychology. She worked in print journalism for three years before deciding to pursue Internet writing. She is now a contributing web writer for Demand Studios and Conjecture Corporation.

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