The Power of Verticals

Among the array of compositional techniques available to photographers, vertical shots—commonly referred to as portrait—are massively underutilized. Almost all underwater photographers constantly swim across the reef holding their cameras in a horizontal (landscape) position snapping away without even thinking about it. Everything about our camera is designed to be shot in a horizontal position, and even more so underwater. The housing, the viewfinder and our arm set up all feel natural in the horizontal position. But by making the switch when needed we can literally transform out portfolio and get very different types of images.

Horizontal compositions dominate underwater photography. Mastering vertical shots can unlock new storytelling opportunities, provide diverse framing options for publication, and elevate your portfolio to professional standards.

This article dives deep into the importance of vertical shots, their use in editorial and creative contexts, and the techniques required to excel in this style of underwater photography.

The Varied Uses of Vertical Shots

Meeting Editorial and Commercial Demands

One of the most compelling reasons to develop expertise in vertical photography is its demand in editorial and commercial settings. Magazines, particularly those focused on diving, travel, and marine conservation, frequently prefer vertical shots for cover images. A well-executed vertical shot can seamlessly accommodate title overlays, headlines, and other graphic elements while maintaining a captivating visual impact. Also by shooting vertically, we often end up with much higher resolution shots than people who are cropping down horizontal frames to make them vertical. Advertisers and editorial teams often seek vertical compositions because they naturally fit the dimensions of magazines, posters, and mobile screens. Images that feature clean, central compositions or striking subject placements are especially desirable for these applications. By providing vertical options in your portfolio, you increase your chances of landing lucrative opportunities and to get your work published. There is no better feeling than to see your work adorn the front cover of a magazine, and for this reason on any trip you should always aim to come back with a selection of these types of shots.

Enhancing Storytelling and Impact 

Vertical framing provides a way to tell stories that horizontal compositions cannot always convey. Many marine subjects, such as coral towers, kelp forests, and large pelagic creatures like manta rays or whale sharks, lend themselves well to portrait orientation. By emphasizing verticality, you can capture a sense of scale and depth that aligns with the natural behavior or environment of your subject. Anything that is either long or tall can work great in these types of images, especially when aiming to tell a story that spans from the seabed to the surface.

For example, consider a shot of a diver ascending along a wall dive. A vertical image can showcase the diver’s relationship with the vast underwater environment, emphasizing the towering coral formations or the dramatic drop-off. These compositions evoke emotions, scale and wonder, drawing the viewer deeper into the scene.

Techniques for Capturing Stunning Vertical Shots

Mastering vertical photography underwater requires technically great buoyancy and specific lighting techniques to ensure that the lighting remains soft and even from the top to the bottom of the frame.

1. Perfecting Your Buoyancy and Positioning

   When shooting verticals we are often needing to shoot upwards, so being able to position your body to point towards the surface is critical, whilst not damaging the seabed with your fins.

2. Using Strobes Effectively in Portrait Orientation

   Lighting can be challenging in vertical photography because strobes, often positioned for horizontal compositions, may not illuminate the frame evenly. When switching to a vertical orientation:
   
   • Adjust strobe placement: Position your strobes at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions on a clock face to ensure even lighting from the right to left of the vertical frame. In wide-angle horizontal shooting, strobes are often set at 10 and 2 o'clock. If you rotate the camera without adjusting, this setup can cause the right side of your frame to be more brightly lit than the left. Making this adjustment first will help achieve balanced lighting.

   • Adjust strobe power: When shooting upward angles toward the surface, rotating your camera can cause the bottom strobe to move closer to the subject and the top strobe to move farther away. To balance the lighting, avoid repositioning the strobes; instead, adjust their power settings. Typically, the bottom strobe should be set 3 to 4 clicks lower in power than the top strobe. Fine-tune the power settings based on your results to achieve balanced lighting. Keep in mind that the steeper the shooting angle, the more pronounced this effect will be.
   
   

   

   Even light coverage across the frame despite a strong angle towards the surface

3. Composition Tips for Vertical Shots
   

   Vertical images often require a different approach to composition compared to their horizontal counterparts. Keep these tips in mind:

• Rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is useful in verticals but think of the lines as going across the frame from left to right, place  the key elements of your shot within these ratios. For example, sand in the bottom third, subject in the middle third and surface water in the top third.

• Foreground and background balance: To create depth in your images, include a foreground element, such as soft coral or an anemone, and make it the focal point. Use surrounding structures to frame or silhouette the foreground subject, with blue water in the background to enhance the sense of three-dimensionality.

• Leading lines: Look for natural lines, such as reef contours or schools of fish, that draw the viewer’s eye vertically through the frame.

• Negative space: Use areas of open water to add balance and highlight your subject against a clean backdrop.

• Use the sun: Shooting with the sun at the surface can be a powerful tool to backlight your subject, hide the sun behind the main subject and create a halo effect with the sun bursting from behind the subject. To do this you will need very high power strobes, fast shutter speed, low ISO and a small aperture (high f-stop) to balance the ambient light.

Overcoming Common Challenges

While vertical photography underwater offers incredible creative potential, it also presents unique challenges. Here’s how to address some common obstacles:

Camera Orientation and Ergonomics

Holding your camera in a vertical orientation can feel awkward, especially with larger housings. Invest in a housing with an ergonomic grip or use a tray with adjustable handles to ensure comfort and stability. Practice switching between orientations quickly to avoid missing fleeting moments.

Working with Large Subjects

Capturing large subjects like whale sharks or wrecks in vertical orientation requires careful planning. Position yourself at a distance that allows the subject to fill the frame without cutting off key details. Use a fisheye or wide-angle lens to encompass the subject while maintaining a sense of scale.

Backscatter Management

In vertical shots, the angle of your camera may increase the likelihood of capturing backscatter, particularly in murky or particulate-filled water. To minimize this, optimize your strobe positioning, keep strobes away from the camera lens and behind your ears when shooting.

Practical Applications and Case Studies

Creating Memorable Cover Shots

A successful vertical shot for a magazine cover must be visually compelling and leave space for text overlays. Take, for example, an image of a diver silhouetted against a sunburst. The diver occupies the lower third of the frame, while the bright sunburst dominates the top, leaving negative space for a magazine title. This type of shot requires precise exposure control and strategic strobe use to avoid underexposing the diver or overexposing the sunburst.

Capturing Marine Verticality

Vertical compositions are ideal for showcasing the natural orientation of marine structures. Kelp forests, for instance, stretch toward the surface in vertical patterns that can’t be fully appreciated in horizontal shots. Position yourself near the forest floor and shoot upward, using a wide-angle lens to emphasize the height and density of the kelp.

Highlighting Macro Subjects in Vertical Frames

Vertical framing isn’t just for wide-angle photography; it’s equally effective in macro work. A nudibranch climbing a coral branch, for example, can be framed vertically to emphasize its movement and environment. Use a macro lens and carefully align your strobes to illuminate the subject without casting harsh shadows on the background.

Key Takeaways for Advanced Underwater Photographers

For mid- to high-level underwater photographers, mastering vertical photography is more than just a skill—it’s an essential aspect of building a versatile and marketable portfolio. Here are the key points to remember

1. Adapt your techniques to suit vertical compositions: Adjust strobe positioning, refine your buoyancy, and consider how vertical framing impacts subject placement and depth.

2. Anticipate editorial needs: Always include vertical options when shooting for magazines, advertisements, or other commercial projects.

3. Tell unique stories: Use vertical framing to highlight scale, movement, and the natural orientation of marine life.

4. Practice in diverse conditions: Gain experience shooting verticals in both macro and wide-angle scenarios to broaden your creative repertoire.

Conclusion

Vertical shots are a powerful tool in underwater photography, offering a fresh perspective on familiar subjects and fulfilling the practical demands of the editorial and commercial markets. By dedicating time to mastering the techniques and understanding the creative potential of vertical compositions, you can elevate your underwater photography and stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

Remember, all your photography techniques can be applied to vertical compositions. As demonstrated in the images throughout this article, vertical framing works beautifully for macro, wide-angle, black-and-white shots, wrecks, reefs, and even split-level captures. It's an incredibly versatile approach!