underwater Photo Course :: (6) Composition :: Viewpoint

Viewpoint is a very fundamental and important factor to successful composition. We learnt earlier that working close and positioning most of your subject above the center line creates a feeling of dominance. Looking down on subjects rarely works.

Don't shoot down, always shoot up

A low viewpoint can eliminate background clutter by using the surface as a backdrop - particularly effective on slide materials if you underexpose the background water slightly to saturate the colors.

Whatever the subject: diver, fish, even static still life, benefits from being taken at a slight angle. A 'flat on' treatment is lifeless; and, I'll say it again because it is so important, probably the worst mistake is to position the subject in the middle.

Finding the optimum angle is a question of practice. Moving position, even slightly, can make a dramatic difference to the results. SLRSingle Lens Reflex Camera. A camera that uses a mirror to redirect the image projected onto the film into the viewfinder. The mirror flips out of the way when the button is pressed to take the picture. cameras are invaluable here to accurately preview composition. Alternatively, if using a rangefindera simple window in the camera or accessory on top that approximates the coverage of the lens for framing composition camera try a few angles and select the best one later.

Photography is the perfect medium to capture the moment, yet some underwater subjects defy composition. We are often confronted with the situation where the juxtaposition of divers, marine life, and light is constantly changing. Sometimes all you can do is hold a promising viewpoint and shoot multiple frames.

The quickest way to turn a line into a diagonal is not to move your viewpoint. You simply tilt the camera when taking it! Remember though that bubbles and surface ripples always betray which way is up.