Learn how ViewBug community member LorenzoMittiga manages to shoot underwater while keeping an eye at the wildlife and his equipment. LorenzoMittiga is an Italian Underwater ,Travel and Landscape Fine Art Photographer, enjoy the tips he shares and story behind his awarded photo.
The photo below was awarded by the judges, here's 8 things you need to know about the photo:
Where did you take this photo?
In Bonaire island, Dutch Caribbean, out 300 meters off the coast of Plaza Resort.
What time of day?
Around at 10 am, when the free diver Carlos Coste started to descent in the deep for a 4 minutes dive.
Anything worth sharing about lighting?
Because I was not permitted to disturb or distract him during the record attempt, I could use only the natural light, paying attention to the background overexposure. The use of the strobe could have helped a lot, but at the end, the blueish tone of the hue is what collocates the shot in an extreme environment and give that sense to the viewer.
What equipment did you use?
Canon EOS7D in an EasyDive Leo2 aluminium underwater housing. Tokina 10-17mm f3.5. Dome port 8".
What inspired you to take this photo?
As one of the photographer of the event, I wanted to capture all the significative moments of the attempt. This shot want to give the idea of the descent just after leaving the surface up above.
Did you do any post-processing?
Simply in camera raw. Shadow, black and vibrancy.
What equipment do you normally have in your bag?
Nikon D800, 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 10,5mm, 50mm micronikkor, filter ND adjustable, polarisers. Gorillapod focus, manfrotto heads and tripod, remote control
Any advice for others trying to capture something similar?
Use a fish eye and stay very close to the subject. Careful, not too close....if the sled (20kg + the diver) hits you or your gears, could cause a serious injury or even death. Shoot a brust of al least 4 images from when the subject is into the frame....there will be no chances of repeating the shot!
Here are a few more images that are worth awarding from Lorenzo's profile:
