Black Backgrounds

Anita Verde · Issue 128, Sep/Oct 2022 · pp. 47–48

If you’re relatively new to underwater photography, you’re probably wondering how to get that striking black background behind your subject. Depending on the style of photograph your trying to achieve, a black background can make your image pop and bring out your subject’s unique character and personality. But you’ll need more than just the right camera settings to achieve it. Here’s what works for us: Choose your subject carefully The most important thing in achieving a black background in your underwater photographs is to have as much open water in the background of your subject as possible. A subject that is positioned on top of a rock or piece of coral with a good amount of open water behind it is ideal, but it’s often difficult to find a subject perfectly positioned in this way. If your subject isn’t positioned quite as you’d like, you can also try shooting upwards. Getting below th…