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There might not be another genre of photography quite as challenging as underwater photography, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best underwater photography books for learning how to master this difficult art form. If you’ve never tried taking pictures beneath the waves it might seem like all you need is a waterproof camera or waterproof housing, but while a suitable camera will get you started, becoming proficient as a photographer in this challenging environment requires some pretty specialized knowledge. The rewards are worth the steep learning curve though – being able capture stunning images of a world that relatively few people actually explore is a special treat!
Light itself behaves differently below the surface than it does in the air above – by just 10 meters in depth, about 75% of the visible light has already been reduced underwater, and red and orange light are the first wavelengths to be absorbed. Because blue and green light have shorter wavelengths, they can reach deeper into the water, giving everything beyond the shallows an unnatural looking green and blue tint. An understanding of white balance, filters, and how to use continuous and strobe lighting can help you restore the naturally vibrant colors.
Subaquatic photography also introduces some unique phenomena like refraction, which makes objects underwater appear bigger and closer than they really are. Additionally, seawater is filled with tiny drifting particles, referred to as backscatter, that can make focusing and getting sharp images tricky and can reflect the light from a flash if you don’t know how to angle your lighting properly.
Beyond how light behaves in water, getting spectacular photos requires careful planning and an excellent understanding of marine life and behavior. Multi-tasking is a skill that underwater photography demands, since the photographer not only has to deal with all of the typical photography concerns like lighting, composition, and exposure, but also with remaining neutrally buoyant and motionless, all while staying safe. Because this type of photography takes place under the sea, getting great shots requires that photographers need to be proficient both with a camera and with their diving skills.
In addition to the numerous photography tip guides and tutorials you’ll find here on ItsJustLight.com, a learning library of educational photography books can help you increase your skills far quicker than simply relying upon trial and error. Whether you’re a complete novice or an advanced photographer already, you’re likely to find useful tips in each of these great books written by talented photographers.
You’ll find this list of ten of the best instructional underwater photography books organized alphabetically by title — each link will take you right to the Amazon listing for that book.
1. Advanced Underwater Photography: Techniques for Digital Photographers by Larry Gates
2. Glass and Water: The Essential Guide to Freediving for Underwater Photography by Mark Harris
3. The Beginner’s Guide to Underwater Digital Photography by Larry Gates
4. The Underwater Photographer by Martin Edge
5. The Underwater Photographer’s Guide: Practical tips on how to shoot like the pros by Richard Carey
6. Underwater Photography by Tobias Friedrich
7. Underwater Photography: A Pictorial Guide to Shooting Great Pictures by Larry Gates
8. Underwater Photography: Art and Techniques by Nick Robertson-Brown ARPS