10 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING MARINE LIFE
is a fantastic practice to help promote the need to save marine life – but aggressive photography, one that intrudes upon marine life’s welfare, can be detrimental to the oceans. Dr Richard Smith brings you 10 fantastic tips on photographing marine life It’s not worth destroying a habitat in order to get a shot: If it’s not accessible, then move on
Be aware of your surroundings when you shoot – be careful not to damage other marine life
Rather than manipulating your subject, exercise patience and wait for the animal to move into a beautiful space. Learn its territory or preferred hiding spots to anticipate the shot
Allow your subject to become accustomed to you before shooting. If they’re relaxed, they’re more likely perform natural behaviour, which always makes for the best images Don’t touch or move your subject in any way. They are fragile and easily stressed. Besides, you’ll get better, natural images if they aren’t defensive
Avoid bright focus lights. Marine animals are typically used to low-light conditions Often as not, there will be only one opportunity to catch that moment of fleeting animal behaviour you’re after. Have your strobes set, your settings ready, and keep your wits about you
Take time to learn about your subject. Read all you can, observe behaviour, and talk to local guides who know the species well Don’t take too many shots. Be discerning about how you take your photographs, and spare the animal’s retinas
Back off from an animal that is becoming stressed and changing its behaviour