One of the keys to getting consistent results is always to start a photograph from a known point. By this I mean have a well defined mental checklist that gets every control on your camera to a preset point well before you begin the process of taking a picture. When using this technique properly, you will always know your camera's current control settings without having to check the camera.

Everyone has their own equipment configuration and unique way of applying it to the goal of taking pictures underwater. For these reasons, you will need to develop a checklist that works well for you. Once established, you should strive to mentally go through the same list in the same order each time you prepare to take a picture. Before long, going through these steps will become nearly automatic, which then frees you to concentrate on the creative aspects of capturing a photograph.

My checklist begins upon entering the water:

1. Preset a focus distance, say three feet. Even with an auto-focus system, I pre-focus the lens for the distance I will likely need.

2. Align strobes to cover a subject at the preset focus distance.

4. What is the ambient light level looking horizontally? How about at an upward or downward angle? Preset an f-stop. I normally use the horizontal ambient light reading.

At this point, if I need to react quickly to capture a subject, I am prepared. As I raise the camera to my eye, I already know the distance the distance the camera is focused for, the shutter speed and f-stop and where my strobes are pointing. Now, from a known starting point, any changes that need to be made can be quickly accomplished. For example, a subject appears at an upward angle to me. I know that the f-stop is set for a horizontal light reading. Without even looking at the camera, I could stop the lens down one or more stops, just by the feel of the clicks on the f-stop knob.

Most marine encounters will provide enough time to go through your check list and fine tune each setting to best capture the given subject. After you have completed photographing a subject, remember to reset the camera to your original preset condition. You will then be prepared when the next subject appears from nowhere.

Any questions or comments are welcomed.

Randy Morse
E-Mail: RMorse@rickeng.com