21
o
Utilizing each housing control to properly and efficiently change camera
settings. Some controls only require a straight pushing movement, while
others may require pushing and rotating simultaneously to operate.
Using the camera’s light meter to determine ambient light
o
There are three light meters in the D-80; Matrix, Center Weighted, and Spot.
Read the D-80 instruction manual for complete descriptions on each of these
meters and when to use each. No matter which one you choose, they all help
guide you to the proper shutter speed and aperture combination for proper
ambient light exposure. Where you aim the meter is also important. In
underwater photography, it is important to remember to aim the meter at the
background water or "sky" to get the proper exposure information. It is often
necessary to gather this information, make your exposure settings, and then
re-compose the scene before shooting.
Sometimes it is good to operate the AE-L button
o
When locking in the exposure value of the background before re-composing
and taking the photo.
The ISO Sensitivity setting on the camera
o
This is the same as the film speed that photographers set on film cameras,
with one small difference: There is no film. This setting is the equivalent of
the film speed you would normally set. The higher the ISO sensitivity
number, the more light is captured and the brighter the image. Higher ISO
sensitivity numbers have more
“Noise”
, a term that is the digital equivalent
of
grain
in higher speed films. Try starting out with a lower ISO sensitivity
such as ISO 200 if the lighting conditions permit.
Get close to you subject when shooting underwater
o
This will improve the effectiveness of your strobe in restoring lost color. It
will also expand the sharpness of the image by reducing the amount of
backscatter between the lens and the subject.
Begin by choosing subjects
o
Those that are easy to approach and will not scare off readily when you
approach. Choose subjects that will result in a large image size. This will
make a more dramatic image.
Change F/Stops and shutter speeds to “
bracket
” your exposures
o
This will give you a range of image exposures, from which you can choose
the one that you like the best. It improves the probability of getting a good
shot.
Use flash all the time
o
This will restore the vivid colors lost through selective light absorption. Get
to know the full manual power rating of your strobe, by shooting at a
constant distance from an average reflective subject, and take several shots
at different F/stops.
Focus lock on your subject
o
Practice depressing the shutter release half way, and hold the focus until you
are ready to record the image. If you are shooting a moving subject, it may
