Back to Basics - Close up photography - Why is it so easy?

Peter Rowlands · Issue 14, Aug/Sep 2003 · pp. 48–49

Products mentioned: Nikonos IVa, Nikonos V, MotorMarine II

48 Close ups are by far the simplest and most effective form of underwater photography. As discussed in the first article on Basics, the three main variables you have to get right for a technically correct photograph are: 1. Focus 2. Shutter speed 3. Aperture Close ups are so simple because, in most cases, you can preset and forget the first two of these variables and the third doesn't have to be altered too much. If you've got a TTL camera and flash system, you don't even have to worry about the third! Electronic flash is essential to restore the colour and detail in your subject and, in most situations, provides the total light for the exposure so no allowance needs to be made for available light. For simplicity's sake, the flash position should be kept fixed to simplify exposures. The first two 'variables' which can be preset are: 1. Shutter speed The maximum shutter speed you can use…