Digital Camera World » underwater photography

Photo Anatomy: shooting underwater photography in a freezing Alpine lake

jmeyer — Sun, 19 May 2013 01:00:15 +0000

In our Photo Anatomy series on Digital Camera World we select pictures by famous photographers and explain point by point what makes them work.

In our latest instalment underwater photographer Franco Banfi reveals how he captured this stunning image in the freezing waters of a Swiss alpine lake.

Hidden depths
Banfi’s image shows an unusual, fish-shaped iceberg. It’s located under the surface of a small, freshwater mountain lake: Lake Sassolo, located in the south of Switzerland.

Sense of proportion
By including his partner Sabrina holding a torch in the image, Banfi created a crucial extra point of interest and enabled the viewer to appreciate the scale of the iceberg.

Challenging conditions
“It was very cold in the lake, so having the right diving equipment was essential,” says Banfi. “That included a good dry suit and a pressure regulator that worked well in low temperatures.”

Tried-and-tested kit
Banfi shot close to the iceberg using a Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II with a 15mm f/2.8 fisheye lens, contained in a Seacam underwater housing. Settings were 1/100sec at f/5, ISO 100.

Insider Knowledge
“In spring this lake is still covered with ice,” says Banfi, “but the temperature rises and the ice melts quickly. Usually there are only 2-3 weeks in which to shoot the ice.”

We Say
As water absorbs colours at the red end of the spectrum, underwater photographers often like to shoot with strobe or flash for a more balanced range of colours. However, shooting with ambient light, as Banfi has done here, uses the resulting blue hue to create a much more subtle and atmospheric image.”
Chris Rutter, technique editor

Photo Anatomy: how one of the web’s most viral images was made

jmeyer — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:00:46 +0000

In our new Sunday series on Digital Camera World, we select pictures by famous photographers and explain point by point what makes them work.

In our latest instalment Seth Casteel tells us how he captured his extraordinary underwater dog portraits, which took the internet by storm overnight.

Inspiration
Seth was inspired by seeing a dog that loved jumping into a pool to retrieve a ball. “As I watched him, I wondered, ‘What does he look like under there?’” he says.

Underwater kit
Seth used a Canon EOS 7D body, a Tokina 12-24mm lens and a Canon 580 EXII flashgun, all encased in a custom-designed surf housing. The camera was just a few inches from the dog.

Expression
“I love the connection that dogs have with water,” says Seth. “It gives me the opportunity to explore their wild instincts and allows their amazing range of expressions to shine through.”

Colour
Aside from the dog’s determined and wild-eyed appearance, the overall visual impact of the image is reinforced by the dominating complementary blue and orange colours.

Split-second timing
Seth waited underwater for the dog to jump into the pool and then fired the shutter. The dog’s movement was frozen by the flash, just as it was straining every muscle to reach the ball.

We say
“Capturing action shots of dogs can be challenging, but there are a few simple techniques you can try. Photograph them running in surf at the beach, or jumping to catch a ball or frisbee. Use your camera’s continuous AF mode  and the fastest available shutter speed, and frame tightly for impact.”
Chris Rutter, technique editor

Underwater dogs: Photography by Seth Casteel

samanthacliffe — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:00:17 +0000

When photographer Seth Casteel embarked (excuse the pun!) on a series of photographs featuring dogs jumping into a swimming pool, no one could have anticipated the viral explosion that ensued; least of all Seth himself!

Seth’s unique dog portraits soon spread like wildfire around the internet and brought hundreds of thousands more visitors to his website. He was soon inundated with print orders and media queries from around the world. His series of photos entitled ‘Underwater Dogs’ became an overnight success – any photographer’s dream! From this Seth has become one of the most published pet photographers in the world.

The latest in Seth’s endeavours is a new book, which looks to follow the success of his work online. His book Underwater Dogs, published only recently, as already a New York Times best seller! It features dozens more photos not found on the Internet of Seth’s four-legged underwater models, from small puppies, to even a wolf!

Sold? You can order the book here.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Seth, his photography, and how in the world he got started in such a unique area of photography, the folks over at Photography Week have interviewed him in Issue 7, which gives a nice, personal insight into Seth’s personality and his life.

Ordered the book and can’t wait to get your hands on it? These fantastic shots from the series should keep you going in the meantime!

Pick up Issue 7 of Photography Week magazine for iPad

In pictures: Underwater portrait photography by Elena Kalis

samanthacliffe — Tue, 01 May 2012 07:00:58 +0000

Elena Kalis is a photographer based in the Bahamas who specialises in conceptual underwater photography.

She shoots with a Canon 5D Mark II.

Visit Elena’s site or Flickr to view her portfolio.

More amazing photography:

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In pictures: Aurora photography from Tommy Eliassen