Golden Tail Moray Eel
by Luke Ormand
Here's another underwater shot using the Nikon AW100
For this image, I did a minor crop but more importantly I adjusted the saturation of reds which help balance the blue hues of the water and I think make a more visually interesting and accurate image
Nikon AW100 HH underwater
f/4.2
1/30s
ISO 180
- Luke
Comments
4 commentsTaking good underwater photos is a lot like taking good bird photos, only worse. To get really good underwater shots you pretty much have to get the best equipment. It gets very expensive. My housing alone cost more than the D800 camera, never mind ports, arms, strobes, etc. You need to be on SCUBA so that you can go to the bottom and anchor yourself to get a steady shot without having to worry about where your next breath is coming from. You need good lighting and a good filter. At 1/30 shutter speed I would expect this shot to be a little fuzzy, especially if you were bobbing about in the water. If you are snorkeling, you'll increase your odds if you wear a little extra weight and use a technique where you swim down and lie still on the bottom while taking your shot. Stay shallow for the best light and easier breath holding. A young guy like you should be able to stay at 10 feet for at least 2 minutes. You can mount an inexpensive underwater light with a diffuser to your camera for starters. It will do wonders for your autofocus, shutter speed, and fill lighting. If you get addicted and want to take the next step, check out the Sealife camera systems for a good combination of low cost and capability.
Well, if an eel can have a compelling "look" on its face, this is it! Hard not to think this eel isn't pondering its next move...
Like Gary, I'm not well-qualifed to comment on the technical end of underwater photography (tho' Charlie took up the slack on that!), but I like the overall gestalt of this image - particularly where the subject is placed. Yes, would love to see it sharper, but it still works for me...
Thanks for sharing this one...
Brad