Digital underwater photography is difficult as it is. Even with a direct feedback from the preview monitor, achieving consistent results if a challenge. Lighting, composition, communication are the challenges I’m currently most focused on. I only tried a few light setups before I thought of booming the light over the subject. Although I really love the look it creates, it isn’t without it drawbacks.
Kodak Trix 400
Safety First
This goes without saying, but hanging light over a body of water can be extremely dangerous. Precautions are taken to ensure everyone’s safety while in the pool. First, the boom is sandbagged. Any c-stand or light stand on set should always be bagged for safety, water or not. Still, to raise the safety level another level, an assistant is hired to stand by the fixture. His one and only tasks is to keep an eye on the stand and make sure nobody trips it over. Finally, a lifeguard is on location in case of an emergency.
Nikon D800
Angle of light
Booming the light over the subject is not the most flattering light. It creates shadow pockets in the eyes sockets and under the nose. One solution, is to diffuse the light. I found the fabric from the wardrobe or even hair can help a lot. Another is to have the subject tilt their head up to face the light . Only problem, tilting the head up seems to cause most people to have their nostrils flooded. A constant air pressure through the sinuses prevents water from entering. All the while, you also need to keep a calm and serene expression, control the hair, the wardrobe, be deliberate with hand positions and so much more. Many underestimate this challenge. Underwater strobes are a thing and would definitively open possibilities, but I don’t have those at the moment. I still have much experimenting to do.
Head on shot usually results in raccoon eyes
Diffusion from fabric or hair can soften the light
Looking straight up at the light