Photo Tip of the Month: Underwater Photography
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
It’s finally summertime, and everyone is making plans for a little fun in the sun! Maybe it’s a big vacation to the beach, a girls’ day by the pool, or a run through the sprinklers with your family. Whatever the reason for your water-side gatherings, you’re sure to experience a lot of fun things you won’t want to forget. Contrary to what you may think, these summer memories are the perfect excuse to break out your camera - even if you’ve got a nice digital model. It IS possible to take great pictures AND keep your camera safe when you’re hanging out by the water, and I’m going to tell you how to do it!
Have you got a digital camera that takes great pictures, but you’re afraid to take it anywhere near the water? You can purchase a plastic case for your camera, called a ‘housing,’ that will create a water-tight seal around your camera, protecting it from sand, salty air, and anything wet. You can find a housing online by searching for your camera model and “underwater housing” on sites like Amazon.com, with options ranging in price between $25 and $2,500 dollars, depending on the model of your camera. Whether you have a compact snap-shot camera, or a full-size digital SLR, there is an underwater casing for you. There is always a slight risk of leakage, but if you use the case properly, you should not have any trouble taking your digital camera with you through the slip-and-slide, or all the way into the ocean!
If the thought of an underwater casing is making you queasy, then perhaps a disposable underwater camera would be a better choice for you. The bonus to using a disposable camera is obvious - you don’t have to worry about destroying your expensive investment! Though the image quality will not be equal to what your regular camera takes, the versatility and ease of disposable cameras make them great options for budget trips and younger hands. You can still find film disposable cameras at most convenience stores, but digital disposables are also available, for just a few more dollars. If you’re willing to pay a little more up front, you can skip the hassle of taking the camera back to the store to develop the film. But, if you’re one of those people that forget to make prints, you might find that a disposable film camera is a great way to remind yourself to finally get those vacation pictures printed and framed!
Do an internet search for underwater photography, and check out all the cool things you can do with a water-capable camera. Whether it’s a run in the sprinkler, some snapshots in the pool, or a snorkeling expedition in the ocean, you’re sure to get some unique and unforgettable results when you take your camera with you!
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