7 Mistakes EVERY Underwater Photographer Makes

[@BrentDurand]

What are some other things you check before dives?

[@ColoColores]

If the housing alarm and the strobe´s trigger are "On"

[@BrentDurand]

@@ColoColores YES! This is a great point. We would notice the trigger when firing the test shot, but have to be sure to check the leak detection alarm. Thanks for adding this tip!

[@josephrickettsphoto]

Ikelite users gotta make sure and pull that vacuum

[@BrentDurand]

@@josephrickettsphoto Very true - most housing manufacturers have switched to making those vacuum systems standard in the M16 ports on the housings. Definitely a MUST if you have one!

[@bobdalton2062]

I once pulled the vacuum before getting on the boat and somehow missed seeing plug on the table and forgot to put the plug back in. Needless to say costly mistake that a checklist would have avoided.

[@soundmind2555]

These are all great tips and, unfortunately, and some lessons I've learned the hard way. Before I leave my hotel room, I do a camera dive check to make sure I've got all the stuff I need and all the settings pre-set (GoPro). I especially try to listen to the briefing and let the dive guide know I'm really into videography and photography, so he/she signals to me when he/she sees a worthwhile subject (I also tip very well). And, for everybody out there, please have some situational awareness: don't swim into someone else's shot or shove a selfie stick into it. Also, master your buoyancy control and approach the subject slowly, so you won't be tempted to grab on and damage the coral or hurt your hand.

[@BrentDurand]

Hi Brian - Sometimes the hard way makes the lessons stick. It has for me. Great advise on situational awareness. It's too common for divers to swim right through the front of the camera. Nice tip on buoyancy control as well - that's extra essential for macro and close-up photo/video!

[@AndreasAbstreiter]

Congrats! You got me! I already made 5 out of 7 of these mistakes... :-) Thanks for sharing this useful and important video!

[@BrentDurand]

Ha! Thanks Andreas. Normally I would say it's just a matter of time for 6 and 7, but maybe you can avoid them all now! 👊

[@AndreasAbstreiter]

@@BrentDurand My favorite one was the lens cap still on the lens while I was mountain diving. It was a real pleasure to get out of the water and climb back in my dry suite just to get rid of it... :-) 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@BrentDurand]

@@AndreasAbstreiter Ouch! I know the feeling 😆

[@MrAdvrider]

Great video Brent! I am experienced in photography, but new to UW photography. In #6, adjusting strobes. How should they be adjusted? What angle should they be at?

[@BrentDurand]

Thanks for the kinds words! Check out my article and 21-minute video on strobe positioning for everything you need to know: tutorials.brentdurand.com/underwater-strobe-positioning/ Also, 3 Basic Tips for Positioning Strobes (video): kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZjan5injryiiLM Finally, check out my Ultimate Guide to Underwater Photography for a complete list of all my tutorials in a sequence that's easy to follow: tutorials.brentdurand.com/learn/ Hope this helps!

[@BurhanMuntasser]

Great reminders, very practical. Thank you!

[@BrentDurand]

Thanks Burhaneddin - glad you enjoyed it. It was really a big reminder for me... (kidding).

[@Josephine99999]

when should i to use flat port and when to use dome port, thanks

[@BrentDurand]

Hi Z9. Using each port will depend on whether these are wet lenses or dome ports used with various interchangeable lenses of your camera, but basically Dome for wide-angle and Flat Port for macro. Hope that helps!

[@itayrousso1527]

Thanks for the video Brent. Unfortunately, from my experience when I am part of a guided dive (say a diving safari), the group is always moving forward and you really don't have the time to wait for that perfect shot....often when I do that I loose the group...

[@BrentDurand]

Hi Itay, that is very true and unfortunately there’s nothing you can change in a big group like that. You can only try to prepare the the shot in advance, try to get there when the guide does, or before, then stop when the group gets to edge of your visibility and catch up (or other instructions from the guide).

[@theweekendwarriorph]

Unfortunately, this is so true. Whether you're diving locally or on a dive trip, it almost always happens especially if the divers you're with have zero interest with taking photos/videos. I found that the best way to "fix" this is find a dive buddy who's also into the same thing as you. If you're on a diving trip, getting to know the divers you're with and knowing their interests would be the first step. Basically, find out which one of them is "buddy" material in terms of taking photos/videos. I hope it helps!

[@BrentDurand]

@@theweekendwarriorph great point! Pairing up with a dive buddy of similar interests would be a big help already.

[@gmen1305]

Tying in with #4 is swimming up too quickly to photograph a subject, doing so can sometimes spook them - sometimes it better to not look or swim directly up to them to allow them to access you as a non-threat

[@BrentDurand]

That's a REALLY good point. Spending those extra moments letting the subject get used to your presence is a huge benefit. It's one of those non-camera tips that makes a world of difference in photos. Thanks for sharing!

[@williammangan18]

Does anyone use manual focus? Or is it more realistic/easier to use auto focus? And what casing would you recommend for a Canon R5?

[@BrentDurand]

Most people are using autofocus, although I would imagine some pro DPs use manual for very deliberate control of focus as part of a scripted shot sequence (think big RED or ARRI cameras). That said, I've sometimes don't a little workaround for macro by using back button focus to get focus where I want and then shoot the image without needing to engage the AF system. This is helpful for extremely fast action like blennies flashing or darting out of holes to feed. The housing is a matter of pricepoint and personal preference. All are good.

[@stevenpatterson674]

Firstly Brent I thank you for your tutorials, I have a problem taking UW videos with my Sony RX100M5, I have a Nauticam Housing with twin strobes and Sola 1200 light, Always when I start shooting video the video is black until I up the ISO, there must be away to start shooting good vid's from the start. Do I set it to Movie and press the red button or am I missing something. I am not looking National Geographic standard just something to show family.Any advise would be great.

[@BrentDurand]

Hi - thanks for the kind words. For basic video you should be able to press the red video record button from any photo mode. If I remember correctly, this should use auto video settings and expose the scene correctly. But like you said, the best video quality will come through manual settings, opening up the aperture and bumping up the ISO. Definitely want your Sola 1200 on for close video shots. Beyond that I don't have suggestions since it's been too long since I used an RX100. I hope this helps a bit!

[@stevenpatterson674]

@@BrentDurand Thanks Brent fro your reply I will keep trying, and you keep up the good tutorials. Stay Safe

[@crocopoco]

Hi Brent, thanks a lot for your very cool videos! I have a G7x Mii that I take with me underwater. I tried using the wide angle Inon UWL H100 M67 type 2 on it (without the extra dome) but I'm really not satisfied with the quality of the shots. I feel they are very blurry compared to without it. And the focus is often not good. Are your recommended settings for Wide-Angle photo (ISO: 200, Aperture: f/5, Shutter Speed: 1/125, Autofocus: Single Point) valid with or without the Inon H100 on the camera?

[@BrentDurand]

Hi Corentin, you may want to shoot at f/8 or even f/11 with the dome port on. I'm not familiar with optical quality of that lens with each camera and housing combo, so if f/8 of f/11 don't improve image quality, you may want to call the uw camera store where you purchased it to see if there's a different wide-angle wet lens they might recommend for your setup. Hope that helps!

[@davidwhendricks6979]

Wow great to see you again! Check list! I always review after the trip, as well. Adjust those items. Those I wish I had and those I packed too many of, like T shirts. I'm the guy who always brings too much. Finally learned to pack early. Then remove those extras! Yep! Please do a "What I pack for a long dive trip" video. Extra mask? Second camera system backup? Thanks always Brent.

[@BrentDurand]

Hi David, thanks! Really good point about reviewing your list after the trip and making adjustments. I'm not doing many long (2+ week) dive trips these days, just shorter 5-8 day assignments, but do have a bunch of this info already. If you haven't yet, read: Guide to Packing UW Photo Gear: tutorials.brentdurand.com/packing-underwater-photo-gear/ Dive Travel Tips for UW Photographers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noeWXoR6nNeCrpI My Camera Tool Kit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4TTmXimZa5lr6s

[@martysnyderman9213]

Excellent... as always! It's what we have come to expect and what we get from you Brent!

[@BrentDurand]

Thanks so much, Marty!

[@theweekendwarriorph]

Ha! This is soooooooooo accurate! I was on a liveaboard in The GBR and on our 1st night dive, I had everything set up DOWN AT THE BOTTOM when I realise that my strobes aren't connected to my camera. And oh the lens cap thing. Gaaaaahh!!!

[@BrentDurand]

Haha! Well.... I know the feeling! It's bound to happen once. Then maybe again. Then we can't let it happen anymore 🤣

[@theweekendwarriorph]

@@BrentDurand once is a mistake. Twice is accident. Thrice is bad luck. Fourth is downright stupidity 🤣

[@BrentDurand]

@@theweekendwarriorph Haha - agreed!

[@davidrobertson3544]

Great video! I've made most of these mistakes and another expensive one. Make sure your unused lens is still on the holder all the time! I was on a tourist excursion dive in Thailand way too hungover to safely dive, and I lost my dome when I was taking some macro shots. I tried to backtrack and find it, but no luck. I put on thin climbing ropes as lanyards now to prevent this expensive mistake with my new dome lens.

[@BrentDurand]

A very important point - it can be easy to misplace those. I dived without a flip adapter for my diopter for a couple seasons and would set the diopter in the sand next to me when not using it. Definitely swam off a few times before remembering but luckily could go back. Finally I splurged on a $150 flip adapter!

[@BrentDives]

Although I don't use a "real" camera (just a GoPro), I definitely learned the hard way to check the camera beforehand. Nothing better than getting to the bottom and seeing "No SD Card!" lol. The checklist idea is also a good one...there's a lot of gear and forgetting anything is easy.

[@BrentDurand]

Hey Brent! I'd argue that the GoPro is indeed a real camera. And exact same situation when you're committed to the dive and can't shoot. Such a bummer. Love the channel and TikTok by the way.

[@BrentDives]

@@BrentDurand thank you!!

[@PhilipMollerGuitar]

Hi Brent, gret video. Stupid question: I just bought a Sea Dragon 2500 video light, but haven't really figured out the best way to use it. The light seems best only for close up photos? Not so much for landscape video, taken further away? Would you recommend keeping the light turned on all the time, or only turn it on for close up photos/video? Thanks for the help

[@BrentDurand]

Hi - Not a stupid question at all. The light is only going to go about 6ft in the water, so 1) you won't see it illuminate anything farther than that, and 2) you should turn it off at that point just to make sure you don't create unnecessary backscatter in the frame. If you're using a SeaLife camera with specific dive and/or dive with video light modes and turn the light on or off, you'll want to make sure to adjust the mode accordingly. With other cameras on full auto white balance that doesn't matter as long as you give the camera a few seconds to update it's white balance calculations. Hope that helps!

[@PhilipMollerGuitar]

@@BrentDurand Thanks a lot! It did help me🙏🏼👍🏻

[@seefromthesky]

What should i go for . Marelux? nauticam?

[@BrentDurand]

There is a large price difference between those two housing manufacturers. You also have to consider lenses and optics. Check out this video on how to choose an underwater camera for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZzPZmSjfbhsZ8U

[@josephrickettsphoto]

Yup, guilty of all but #2 (only because I have terrible anxiety about scratching my dome port lol). Totally agree on having a vision - the majority of unique, comp-worthy shots come from photographers who have the image in their head beforehand and put in the work to pull it off.

[@BrentDurand]

Absolutely. I had a period of paranoia putting on dome covers wet with salt water when the housing was sitting after having a dome get an opaque halo in the glass but the danger from scratches is far worse so I'm back to covering anytime when not in use.

[@marcvermill5623]

My wife shots photos (I do Gopro videos) with an Olympus TG6 with a Dual strobes system. Here question are: When and why should she use a DOME port? If she shoots wide angle how will a DOME help her? Which DOME port would you recommend? Thanks!

[@BrentDurand]

Hi Marc, Using a dome creates a wider field of view. This allows you to get closer to the subject while still seeing the full scene. This in turn minimizes water and particulate between lens and subject and creates a more crisp image. I would highly recommend the Backscatter Air wide lenses linked below. The 120-degree lens will make a much greater difference than the 81-degree lens, although the 120 is more expensive. See the LENSES section of this page (you can click each for details): www.backscatter.com/Olympus-TG-6-Underwater-Housing-PT-059?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX1+5HP8BlhLkagWnVwymT4hAXsf4ct8uMAM= Watch my Wet Lens Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2bLq3xqaNadoMk I hope this helps!

[@marcvermill5623]

Excellent, thank you so much. This really helps!

[@marcvermill5623]

She took your lens suggestion. Can't wait to she her pictures on our Indonesia dive trip in April. Thank you for your help!

[@BrentDurand]

@@marcvermill5623 Excellent. She might not see the difference in field of view on land, but underwater she'll see it when adding the lens. Hope you guys have a great trip!

[@rickpost2846]

my fitst couple of mistakes where cheking if the baterys work or checking if there isnt water on my lens when filming

[@BrentDurand]

We’ve all done it!

[@peterturnham5134]

The biggest mistake, (OK apart from the time I didn't put my weight belt on) is diving with the wrong people, this is on two levels first your buddy. Ideally a photographer or a practiced model. They will understand that if there is THE shot, I will go for it. Either they do what I say to be in the shot OR they hang close off of my preferably right shoulder, to break my concentration they need to hit me. I f it is another photographer, I will do the same for them. On the second level it is being with the right dive leader. If you get with one that does not understand the needs of a photographic diver you are in for hell. How do you avoid that? Tell me

[@BrentDurand]

Hi Peter - this is a very important point and you're 100% right. There are some tips though. First, if you're booking a dive trip to a liveaboard or resort, make sure they cater to photographers. Many dive resorts in Asia have guides who specialize in leading photographers, often in groups of just 4 divers per guide. They will even show you macro subjects and wide angle compositions. In the Caribbean you often have to dive with the group boat, but should look for a resort with a house reef where you can go spend long dives working on your shots with just one buddy (or even solo). If you have to dive with a large group on a big boat, try to pre-visualize your shots. What direction can you shoot to avoid all the divers and bubbles? Set your strobe positions and settings as you're swimming to the shot you see so that you're ready to maximize the 2-3 frames of time you have before needing to chase the group. And always communicate with the guide on these dives so they know you'll be swimming to the front and then playing catch up all dive. Just a few tips but I hope this helps!

[@ColoColores]

Except for the dome cover, all the others are me!!! So good to know I´m not the only one...

[@BrentDurand]

You're not alone, and obviously smart about the dome cover. I had an issue with a dome taking on a white tint/crystalization after too much time in a saltwater-soaked dome cover, and became paranoid using it when wet. But the best decision is to keep the cover on of course!

[@byronconroy9324]

Good to hear about the canon 60

[@BrentDurand]

Hey Byron! I'm not following RE Canon 60m...?

[@scottkeith7005]

Just did my first shark dive. Had my action camera in a rig. Down at the bottom when the sharks were circling I turned on my camera and "NO SD CARD" started flashing on the screen. I had actually put the SD card in, but apparently it didn't click closed.

[@BrentDurand]

Nooooo! I feel your pain!

[@scottkeith7005]

@@BrentDurand luckily my buddy had his camera so I still got some video of it.

[@johnwilliamsscuba6487]

Outstanding video

[@BrentDurand]

Thanks!

[@johnwilliamsscuba6487]

I forgot the battery once ouch

[@joshpoltergeist]

This video is slightly underexposed, I would recommend raising the exposure or brightness in post next time

[@theweekendwarriorph]

+1

[@sinetwo]

The most important photo you take is your test shot!

[@BrentDurand]

Agreed! There will never be any mistakes if you check, but as soon as you don't check....

[@sinetwo]

@@BrentDurand... That's then it happens 😭 good video Brent!

[@peterturnham5134]

OK, I meticulously build and check my Camera kit before I get on the plane, have everything so perfectly ready that I forgot to put on my weight belt. True story. Next, somerthing you don't talk about but is the MOST important thing about having a good UW photo holiday. First, go with a group who also Photograph underwater. In two weeks I go to the Maldives with a team of Marine Biologists, who I have dived with twice before. They go slow, seeing and searching everything, yoo have the time to photograph and review, go Macro, Micro, show each other. Other times you can get stuck with Divemasters that are complete AR****s. I am level 3 CMAS since 30 years, Certified and practiced at -60 metres on air. I went to to a particular site in the Red sea to get shots of Hamerhead sharks. Egypt has imposed a -40m limit. This guy knew me, we had dived several years before when he was a junior dive guide. The hammerheads were at -43m so where did Peter go? He gave me hassle afterwards. I will never dive with him, or his company, or in Egypt again. Let me give you another example, it can be different. Key Largo florida I was passing through with a buddy. Took a single dive. Divemaster with 6 newbies boy girl screaming. Then In the water, Divemaster is busy with his Newbies YoYoing seeing nothing but their emotions. I bugged off to where the fish where not disturbed.. Good shoals of fish, big grouper, sleeping sharks so calm you gould get marcro on eye. However Peter lost sitght of Divemaster and circus. Surface, boat no problem. When on the boat, I went up and appologised to him saying truthfully that I had lost him, He replied, "I iknew where you where, no problem" Now that's a Pro

[@BrentDurand]

All these experiences help to plan better trips in the future, like you’re doing now. I wonder if the rule in Egypt is from the government or the dive operator. Enjoy the Maldives!

[@edwinov]

What is the meaning of life?

[@BrentDurand]

🤙

[@MadisonReed-j6u]

My wife shots photos (I do Gopro videos) with an Olympus TG6 with a Dual strobes system. Here question are: When and why should she use a DOME port? If she shoots wide angle how will a DOME help her? Which DOME port would you recommend? Thanks!

[@BrentDurand]

In short, the dome lens would create a wider field of view, allowing her to get closer to her subject (increasing image quality due to less water with particulate, more depth and contrast through lighting, etc.), while keeping a wide field of view. Here's an article with a bit more info: tutorials.brentdurand.com/macro-diopters-wide-angle-wet-lenses/ The exact lens will depend on the housing, but check out this page and the section 'Add a Wide Lens' for four great options: www.backscatter.com/Olympus-TG-6-Underwater-Housing-PT-059?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX1+5HP8BlhLkagWnVwymT4hAXsf4ct8uMAM=

[@ShaneDwane]

Thanks for the video Brent. Unfortunately, from my experience when I am part of a guided dive (say a diving safari), the group is always moving forward and you really don't have the time to wait for that perfect shot....often when I do that I loose the group...

[@BrentDurand]

This is certainly a challenge with large groups and/or on non-photo oriented dives. The only thing you can really do is try to see the shots ahead of the leader, make sure your camera and lights are set where you'd like by the time you kick over there, fire a few shots as the group swims by, then play catchup. A bit like leap frog!

[@KristinWeaver-e3q]

These are all great tips and, unfortunately, and some lessons I've learned the hard way. Before I leave my hotel room, I do a camera dive check to make sure I've got all the stuff I need and all the settings pre-set (GoPro). I especially try to listen to the briefing and let the dive guide know I'm really into videography and photography, so he/she signals to me when he/she sees a worthwhile subject (I also tip very well). And, for everybody out there, please have some situational awareness: don't swim into someone else's shot or shove a selfie stick into it. Also, master your buoyancy control and approach the subject slowly, so you won't be tempted to grab on and damage the coral or hurt your hand.

[@BrentDurand]

We're all in the same boat learning the hard way (no pun intended)! Great tips RE situational awareness and mastering buoyancy before touching a camera.

[@DorineAalund]

Ha! This is soooooooooo accurate! I was on a liveaboard in The GBR and on our 1st night dive, I had everything set up DOWN AT THE BOTTOM when I realise that my strobes aren't connected to my camera. And oh the lens cap thing. Gaaaaahh!!!

[@BrentDurand]

I know the feeling! 🤣

[@GlenHayward-z4b]

Yup, guilty of all but #2 (only because I have terrible anxiety about scratching my dome port lol). Totally agree on having a vision - the majority of unique, comp-worthy shots come from photographers who have the image in their head beforehand and put in the work to pull it off.

[@BrentDurand]

🙌 🙌