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Genres, Movements & Theory

Underwater Photography

Photography made beneath the surface of water, using housings and dedicated lighting.

Measured in m (depth)

In depth

Water absorbs light selectively, removing red within a few metres, so anything beyond arm's length turns blue-green unless artificial light restores it. It also scatters, so strobes must be positioned wide of the lens to avoid lighting the suspended particles between camera and subject. Getting close is the single most important technique.

Examples in practice

Twin strobes angled outward at 45° light a reef fish without illuminating the particles in the water between.