Underwater photographyis the process of takingphotographs while
under water. It is usually donewhile scuba diving, but can be done
while snorkelingor swimming.
Successful underwater imaging is usually done withspecialized
equipment and techniques. However, itoffers exciting and rare
photographic opportunities.Animals such as fish and marine mammals
are
common subjects, but photographers also pursueshipwrecks,
submerged cave systems, underwater"landscapes", and portraits of
fellow divers.
Since underwater photography is often performedwhile scuba
diving, it is important that the diver-photographer be sufficiently
skilled so that it remainsa reasonably safe activity. Good scuba
technique also
has an impact on the quality of images, since marinelife is less
likely to be scared away by a calm diver, andthe environment is
less likely to be damaged ordisturbed. There is the possibility of
encountering
poor conditions, such as heavy currents, tidal f low, orpoor
visibility. Underwater photographers usually tryto avoid these
situations whenever possible.
