Sting ray

I spotted this guy on a recent trip to the Bahamas. I'm curious if people like the color of the water, etc. or if you have photoshop suggestions.

Thanks.

It was shot with a Nikon Coolpix 5000 in a Tetra housing;

1/60 @ 7.6.

There is a general opinion (and I share it) that shooting downwards is almost always a mistake, particularly in w/a. The other issue is that I think you're just too far away from the subject - there's too much water column between your lens and the ray, hence the strong cast on both ray and the reef or sand.

I don't think this image is up to the standard of some of your other work, nor do I think de-blue-ing (or other steps in PS) would be likely to make this image into what you are trying to achieve.

I second, that the cast is probably to heavy to get a top image. Anyway i would try to optimize it anyway.

You can use levels or the channnel mixer. both methods are described in detail here on the board.

Simon

I agree that this photo doesnt have a good look to it. Yes it is because it was taken shooting downwards, but i disagree that a good shot cant be taken like that. Black and white ship wrecks on a slight downwards angle look superb, I even have a photo somewhere of divers and a school of senate taken from 80ft up that worked out well with very little help, i'll see If i can dig it out. It is a good general rule to always shoot upwards, but just like the rule of thirds .. ya dont have to.

As far as stingrays as a subject, try to take shots of them head-on or even in profile. Shots of them "running away" just aren't as visually appealing. I know stingrays can be skittish but it makes getting a good shot more rewarding...As far as the downward perspective - it can be useful in certain situations, especially as it tends to flatten images and make them seem more in two dimensions than in three.

- MP