Mastering Underwater Photography: Basic Composition Techniques for Stunning Shots

Photo Tip of the Week - Basic Composition

When shooting underwater, there are so many concerns as a new shooter. Our first and foremost concern is of course just breathing, then we add in buoyancy, currents, visibility and other factors and we compound all of that by adding in a new task of taking underwater images.

What this means for us is that usually we can be happy if we just manage to get the object in the frame and it’s in focus, we are happy that we can see all of a fish without cutting off its tail and we don’t apply the very basic compositional rules.

However, by taking a little more time and putting some more consideration into our photos and working on the composition we can really take things to a whole new level.

There are a few basic principles we can follow, and some technology we can use to aid us.

Step 1 - Using the Tech

I often see underwater photographers shooting images by looking at a tiny little screen on the back of their camera. If you think about it, almost every single thing you can see with your eyes is a distraction from what you are trying to focus on - the subject. So I highly recommend using a viewfinder. There are a myriad of different options available, all the way from basic shades so that you can put your eye up close and have your peripheral vision blocked out, all the way to 45 degree optically enhanced magnified viewfinders by the top brands. When using a viewfinder all of a sudden your entire focus is only on the image you are shooting and not the other 95% of the world you were previously looking at.

Step 2 - Rule of Thirds

Imagine if you drew two vertical lines and two horizontal lines across your viewfinder to split the screen into 9 squares. Now try to place the feature of your photo where these lines intersect. This will give you a powerful compositional technique that moves you away from centering the fish or main subject of your photo.

This off center image now allows for the viewers eye to naturally be drawn through a frame rather than immediately going straight to the center of the frame and having nowhere else to go

Step 3 - Negative Space

By using negative space in an image we can give the sense of direction or the unknown to an image. Negative space in front of a fish looks like it has somewhere to swim into, rather than being trapped within the frame, once again it naturally draws the viewer through the image. When putting negative space into a scene almost always place it in front of the subject for this reason.

Also, negative space can be used to make things look more grand, or to make you think about what might be lurking in the unknown.

Conclusion

In conclusion, delving into the realm of underwater photography goes beyond the initial challenges of breathing, buoyancy, and environmental factors. While it's common to prioritize capturing the subject in focus, dedicating attention to basic compositional rules can truly elevate the art. By embracing technology like viewfinders, adhering to the rule of thirds for dynamic compositions, and strategically employing negative space, photographers can transform their underwater images into captivating visual narratives. Mastering these fundamental principles not only enhances the overall quality of shots but also allows for a more profound storytelling experience, inviting viewers to explore the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.