Hello,

Does anyone here use screens to protect macro subjects from movement caused by currents and surges? I have heard that some videographers use them, but I am not sure if they prefer solid screens or a fine mesh.

I tried using a dive slate, but it created turbulent eddies and vortices around the edges that made the movement worse. Logically, a folded mesh screen that covers the subject from three sides seems like the best approach. It would also need to be very easy to set up underwater.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your experience or any DIY designs that work well.

Thank you, Val

I was just thinking of that this morning as I was struggling to film a hairy shrimp swinging on a leaf at 6m depth... I did get shots when it hopped on a piece of dead coral, but yes, a protector could be very handy in the shallows in certain circumstances.
Wonder how functional it is for surge - the dynamics seem complex.

Very interesting idea, I'd also love to hear if anyone has something that actually works

Edited Thursday at 08:56 AM4 days by bghazzal

I have tried this on land with a tent made from white ripstop nylon (for diffusion) It is surprisingly difficult to keep all of the air currents out, basically you have to completely weigh down all of the edges and closeup up the velcro zipper around the camera and/or lens to allow no air currents to get in and keep the subject still. Using a shield that is not sealed doesn't work period. You also have the issue that the shield will appear at least partly as the background if it is fully wrapped around.

I think any air that gets in then has to exit somewhere, either that or billowing of the tent sides causes air to flow in and out through any opening.

In water the forces are going to be greater so any sort of tent or shield will want to sway in the surge as well. Surge can move you, the diver around so anchoring any sort of shield is going to be difficult as the forces on it are quite high. If the shield/tent is loose fabric or mesh it will move and this movement will move the water on the other side of it. It might dampen it a bit but I don't think it will stop it. Being a wave, the surge will also diffract around the edge of the shield. Even if you could find something of an appropriate size, anchoring it on the reef without damaging things or causing subjects to flee I think would be a bigger issue.

Sorry, I am uncomfortable with this idea/practice.