Photographing underwater is very interesting, but there are still rules that you have to pay attention to. Here are some mistakes underwater photographers make:
1. Manipulate animals and backgrounds
Manipulating animals and backgrounds to get easier photos is wrong. It would be better if you rearranged your camera, the position you took the photo, or the position of your lights. Apart from that, you need to do research beforehand so that you know where the animal lives, don't make a mistake, it might end up being like a polar bear hunting in the grassland.
Don't trust irresponsible guides who are willing to manipulate animals to get good photos.
2. When you meet rare sea creatures
If you encounter rare marine animals, treat them as if they are valuable and rare. Don't take too many photos, let alone torturing them by forcing the position or photo you want to get. Give them space and time as normal, then they will give you a surprise.
If you find a fragile animal and think it would be best for it to hide, leave the area carefully after you have finished taking photos.
3. When the area is full of other photographers
If the subject of your photo is being surrounded by many photographers, you should wait patiently. Or you can also ask politely to take some photos if the queue exceeds your remaining oxygen supply. Please remember not to expect to always get a 'yes' answer.
Alternatively, you can come back tomorrow or another day. It would be better if it wasn't during the holidays.
4. Use of flash
Each place has its own rules regarding the use of flash. If a place prohibits the use of strobe lights, it is best not to take them into the water. For example, there are whale sharks which are not sensitive to light, whereas there are thresher sharks which are deep water species and are sensitive to light. You need to respect these creatures by not using flash.
National Geographic photographer David Doubilet was in Malapascua at that time. The dive operator decided he could use a strobe light but Davis refused, saying, “If the animal is sensitive and if this is the way everyone takes photos, then I will take photos this way too.”
To get good photos, you also need to consider the ethics and rules that apply in an area. Apart from that, it also requires hard work because there are no shortcuts to success.
