which ISO setting??

I am reading through a book on underwater photography which focuses on the technique rather than the equipment. It appears to suggest that i if i were using film, i should be using ISO64 or ISO100 film. I can set the ISO (equivelent i guess) setting on the camera - should i be doing this or allowing the camera to make the decision automatically?

You should NOT let the camera do this for you. The higher the ISO, the lower the quality of your photos.

Always start by using the BASE ISO. Only increase it if you have to for some reason, such as if you can't get a fast enough shutter speed.

Cheers

James

Thanks for the prompt response.

If i change the ISO setting to get a 'cleaner' picture, i will need to increase the exposure (which is automatic) and up the strobe setting. Anything else?

That should do it.

Cheers

James

A lot has changed in the world of underwater photography recently and even books just a couple of years old seem very dated now.

While they are still packed with useful information, it is definetly worth checking out wetpixel for all the latest tips and techniques.

Alex

The book i refer to is "Successful Underwater Photography" by Brian Skerry and Howard Hall. It looks more at the technique rather than the tools. This should allow the technology to change without it impacting the how - a lot about getting close and angling up - something to work on during the next week...

Cheers, Steve

The book I refer to is "Successful Underwater Photography" by Brian Skerry and Howard Hall

Great book, I have it and its one of the best I saw.

It is a great book. The point I was trying to make is that digital has opened up new ways of taking pictures underwater and new types of images to create.

Of course "you cannee change the laws of physics". Light is still light, apertures and still apertures etc etc. We are still going underwater and taking pictures through it.

But we should learn that these days digital means that not all the rules of underwater photography apply "some of these rules can be bent, others can be broken"!

Alex

Ah, cool. 8)

Another point made in the book is that they are giving you general 'recipies' for taking good photo's, however sometimes breaking the guidelines gives interesting affects.

So what examples of bending time with a digital camera do you have?

Always interested in expanding my photographic vocablorary

- just watched the 2nd episode of the Matix...