CFWA Part One: Why is CRWA so Cool?
 Close view of animal, shown in its surroundings
 More than one subject
 Best – show animal with diver
 Exaggerate relative size of objects in foreground vs. background; emphasize depth,
dimension and perspective to get high impact, compelling images!
CFWA Part Two: Equipment Needed
 Standard SLR set up:
 SLR camera with fisheye or wide angle lens (15 - 24 mm equivalent on SLR with full
frame sensor = 10 - 16 mm lens on SLR with cropped sensor)
 Dome port
 Smaller dome port preferred - allows closer approach and lower position (if
subject on bottom); allows strobes positioned closer to camera
 Compact camera
 External (wet) wide angle lens preferred but not necessary if can zoom out to 24 mm
(equivalent on full frame sensor) AND the lens allows close focus of foreground
object (one foot or less); will still get perspective distortion (use small aperture to
achieve good depth of field), though field of view not as wide as with true wide
angle lens
 Illumination
 Strobe (one or two)
 Diffuser widens and softens beam
 Two strobes allow broad, even illumination of foreground
 Check histogram (for hotspots) and LCD for even illumination and background
lighting
 Video light (one or two)
 “Still photography, constant illumination”
 Not as bright as strobe; might need to increase aperture, decrease shutter speed, or
increase ISO
 Available light
 Consider if shallow, can get close to subject, and there is ample light (sun to back
preferred)
CFWA Part Three: Demonstration - Importance of Getting Close
 It’s all about perspective; to get the dramatic, high impact images we rely on exaggeration
or stretching of apparent image size across varying distances from the camera
 Wide angle lens preferred
 Small aperture – allows for high depth of field and adequate clarity of background objects
when focusing on foreground
 Must get close to foreground subject!
 Examples - SLR and compact camera shooting at normal and very close distances
CFWA Part Four: How to do it (focus and lighting)
 Aperture – keep small to maintain high depth of field; unfortunately, this reduces light
allowed to the camera sensor; can use strobe for foreground exposure but for adequate
exposure of background, might need to use lower shutter speed, or increase ISO
 Shutter speed - flash stops action and allows lighting for foreground but might need lower
shutter speed (maybe as low as 1/25th second) to allow for adequate exposure of
background; however, low shutter speed could result in blurred image from object or
camera motion
 ISO – generally prefer lowest ISO possible to minimize noise; however, to prevent shutter
speed from being too low (such that blurred image from motion blur would result), might
need to increase ISO
 Focus
 Focus on near object; lock focus, then recompose and depress shutter; keep smaller
aperture for good depth of field
 Lighting
 Shutter speed and ISO for background exposure
 Strobe or video light for foreground exposure
 Strobes
 Control foreground exposure by adjusting strobe power, strobe to subject distance,
strobe position, and strobe direction
 Even low power restores color and clarity of foreground object
 Use diffusers to broaden and soften cone of light
 Two strobes allow more even lighting of foreground, eliminate harsh shadows
 Check histogram for over-exposure and LCD for even illumination of foreground
 If one strobe, might position foreground subject to the side that strobe is on
 Video light – constant illumination for still photography
 Advantages
 Even some lighting will some color, contrast, and clarity of foreground object
 Can see area of coverage, shadows, and hot spots prior to depressing shutter
 Do not have to worry about strobe not discharging
 Smaller, lighter
 Aid in focusing
 Disadvantages
 Even highest power video lights not as powerful as strobe
 Might need to decrease shutter speed or increase ISO
 Probably won’t get images as sharp or brilliant as with strobe
 Limited battery time if constant illumination
 Available light
 Adequate if in shallow water, good lighting (sun to back), AND get close to
foreground subject
CFWA Part five: Composition
 Show animal in context of environment
 Multiple subjects; show animal on reef, with other animals, and (best) with diver
 Emphasize perspective for depth and impact
 Exaggerate size of object in foreground relative to background
 Show layers of depth (under surface, leading lines)
 Balance and dynamics – placement and orientation of subjects in image
 Pleasing background, rule of thirds, balance, diagonals, symmetry
 Distractions
 Not close enough
 Horizon not level
 Too many subjects – keep it simple!
 If a subject doesn’t add to the image, try to leave it out
 Poor placement or orientation of subject in frame (no swimming or breathing room)
 Poor profile or appearance of subject (poor diver profile; dangling equipment, bubbles,
poor gaze)
 Merger of subject with other subjects, background
 Amputation of parts of subject
CFWA Part Six: Examples and Critiques
CFWA Part Seven: Examples and Critiques