What kind of diver should I be in order to photograph UW?
Generally speaking, even a snorkeler can take great underwater shots. Thanks to modern digital cameras, housings and underwater photo accessories, it is much easier to take excellent underwater images today.
However, it is extremely helpful for underwater photographers to be competent divers. It is recommended that one first becomes comfortable and competent underwater prior to trying to get into underwater photography. Novice divers tend to need to focus on their new equipment, buoyancy and simply being at ease underwater. Adding a camera to this equation may cause confusion and certainly does not lend itself to the concentration and focus one needs for taking images underwater.
Also, damage to the reef must be avoided at all times and if a diver is not comfortable and competent underwater, then invariably damage can be done to the same environment we would like to view and capture with our cameras.
Mastering a perfect buoyancy will significantly improve the quality of your images due to the fact you will be less concentrated on keeping away from the reef and will also be able to remain still underwater while capturing the image, rather than suddenly finding yourself dropping below or floating up.
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