sarahallegra
FollowThese two photos finish my series of photos inspired by the documentary Blackfish. Blackfish documents the horrific abuse SeaWorld and other marine parks subje...
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These two photos finish my series of photos inspired by the documentary Blackfish. Blackfish documents the horrific abuse SeaWorld and other marine parks subject their animals to. These follow up this first photo on the subject.
If SeaWorld's practices disgust and horrify you too, please see my
<b&bt;blog for more about the photos, and links to petitions you can sign!<-b&bt;
Thank you to Katie Johnson for her always excellent underwater modeling! It's a much trickier skill than you'd think.
Hey, holiday shoppers and art lovers,
come shop Cyber Monday with me! I've got a handy list for you of a wide variety of items I have available, at all price points; cards, calendars, prints and more! Come see! Add a little daily dose of magic to your day, or the day of someone you love :)
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If SeaWorld's practices disgust and horrify you too, please see my
<b&bt;blog for more about the photos, and links to petitions you can sign!<-b&bt;
Thank you to Katie Johnson for her always excellent underwater modeling! It's a much trickier skill than you'd think.
Hey, holiday shoppers and art lovers,
come shop Cyber Monday with me! I've got a handy list for you of a wide variety of items I have available, at all price points; cards, calendars, prints and more! Come see! Add a little daily dose of magic to your day, or the day of someone you love :)
*Blog
*Prints
*Red Bubble
*Sarah Allegra Artistry
Read less
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Rule of Thirds Photo Contest vol12
Contest Finalist in People In Motion Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Underwater Textures Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Underwater Games Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Deep Blue Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Underwater Fun Photo Contest
Good Light! Magazine Publication
Contest Finalist
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Genius
All Star
Exceptional Contrast
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in a pool which belonged to the father of a friend of mine in Sun Valley, CA; not too far from Los Angeles. My friend's dad was extremely kind in opening his home and pool to me to use and has let me shoot in it several times! I try to always bring some snacks and his favorite beer to thank him, which is pretty good advice no matter who you're working with ;)Time
This was taken later in the afternoon, about 3 or 4. It was almost winter and the days were getting shorter so by about 5 we would lose most of our light. We were surprised in the middle of shooting this series by emerging from the water and finding the back yard full of gardeners who were equally surprised to find us in the pool!Lighting
Shooting underwater helps diffuse light naturally, but I like the look of the light best when it's just dipping out of sight. So far I've only shot with natural light underwater.Equipment
I used my Nikon D5100 with a kit lens from an older Nikon which was a 35-70mm lens. Since you're working with confined areas inside a pool and the water can distort things further, it's very handy to have a lens which can give you different looks. I used an inexpensive bag cover for my camera which was under $100 when I purchased it a few years ago. It's not the fanciest piece of equipment, but it gets the job done!Inspiration
The documentaries Blackfish and The Cove both helped inspire this image. I had watched The Cove a few years ago and had wanted to do something to bring attention to the dolphin massacre which happens every year in Japan, though I wasn't sure how I wanted to go about it. After I watched Blackfish, I was renewed with passion to speak out for these intelligent, emotionally complex creatures who are being needlessly abused and tortured at the hands of men. This happened at the same time I discovered I had access to a pool to shoot in, and an experienced underwater model in Katie Johnson (both figures are her), so it all came together at the right time.Editing
I composited two different images of Katie into the final shot to give a sense of movement and harmony. I played with the levels, adjusting some slightly blown-out highlights, adding a vignette and adjusted the colors to be a bit more blue instead of cyan.In my camera bag
I usually shoot with my D5100, but I more often use a 50mm 1.8 lens. I bring out the 35-70mm when the situation calls for it. Since I shoot a lot of self portraits, a remote release is a must (I buy multiple cheap remotes so if they break or get lost it's nothing too upsetting) and a light, collapsible tripod is always with me. Some water and snacks are also must-haves!Feedback
Shooting underwater can be a bit difficult at first, but keep at it! The final products are very worth the trouble you go to getting your shot. If possible, find a model with underwater experience who won't make an "underwater face" in all your shots. If you're just starting out, try shooting with an inexpensive bag before you drop a ton of change for fancy housing. And while both can give different and extremely beautiful results, keep in mind that you'll have more control in an environment such as a pool verses a natural body of water. If you're small and get cold easily like me, a wetsuit will make the shoot MUCH more pleasant :) Mostly though, just get out there and shoot and shoot and shoot! Your first tries might not come out perfectly (mine certainly didn't!) but when it all comes together, it's so beautiful, you'll want to keep going back for more!