Tara North
Underwater photography can be a absorbing hobby. Every avid underwater photographer has had moments so lost in his own world that they momentarily forget about everything else around them.
But we photographers have a responsibility to behave ourselves underwater and set a good example.
Find out how with our guide to photo etiquette...
Love marine life?
The dos...
Pay attention to your buddy
Your camera's great, but it isn't your buddy and it doesn't have feelings. You'd always like to think that your buddy is looking after you, so make sure you look after them too. Stay close, show them things, take an interest in what they show you and make sure you both have fun.
Give other photographers space
Quite often, you're not the only photographer on the dive site. No doubt you wouldn't appreciate someone was breathing down your neck while you try and get an award-winning shot. So make sure you pay others the same courtesy and give others space and time when they are photographing a subject. If it's a subject you both want to spend a little time with, maybe take it in turns so neither of you is left hanging around for too long.
Show then shoot
It's very easy to get excited when you see an interesting subject and rush towards it, forgetting about everyone and everything around you. Try to resist this urge though, as it's not too polite. Much better is to show your buddy or buddies, then reel off a few shots once they have had a look themselves.
Tara North
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Underwater photography hotspots
Asia is blessed with all the ingredients any budding underwater photographer could ever wish for.
It has an enormous variety of dive sites, incredible diversity, an almost limitless choice of subjects and many highly professional dive centres to choose from.
But where are some of the very best spots for underwater photography & video? Our quick guide gives you the lowdown...
Kimbe Bay
Kimbe Bay is on the island of New Britain, a large island running east to west that separates the Solomon Sea to the south from the Bismark Sea to the north.
The area is known for its stunning coral formations and boasts a huge diversity of marine life, from Dolphins, Sharks and Whales to endless tiny invertebrates.
Maumere
Maumere is a beautiful bay on the north coast of Flores. It is an area that is famous for its diversity.
Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Dolphins & Whalesharks cruise the bay, good encounters with Sharks & large Rays are possible and there is a wealth of macro life to keep any diver fascinated for hours.
Underwater housing care
Jakob Owens
Buying all the kit to allow you to take photos underwater is not cheap, so you need to make your equipment lasts the test of time.
One of the major and most vital expenses is your underwater housing. Housings are often fragile and can require a lot of care and attention though. So what should you be doing to look after your housing and to make sure it has a happy and healthy life?
Buyer's guide to underwater cameras
Tara North
If you are reading this article, then you probably have the bug. No doubt you’ve seen some incredible underwater photos in dive magazines or had a go and are eager for more.
There’s no doubt that having your own camera & housing is essential for your new hobby. There is such a wide range of options available today though, so how do you begin to choose?
Lankayan
