First images taken with DSLR

[Scuba_Pro46]

Hi Guys,

After shooting with a G10, 2 strobes and wet macro lenses for about 3 years I decided to take the leap to DSLR by housing my 7D, courtesy of Sanah from Scubacam in Singapore, great service.

So my setup is the NA-7D, two inon Z240's and only using my 100mm macro at the moment,

I am/was very worried about the learning curve but after 3 dives with the rig I am getting used to how it all works, I am using everything on manual as thats just how I like to use my gear, at the moment just trying to figure out lighting techniques, eliminating backscatter etc.

Any opinions are greatly welcomed:


Black-foot Anemonefish - Amphiprion nigripes by LukeyG46, on Flickr


Black-foot Anemonefish - Amphiprion nigripes by LukeyG46, on Flickr


Black-foot Anemonefish - Amphiprion nigripes by LukeyG46, on Flickr


Sarcophyton sp. by LukeyG46, on Flickr


IMG_8116-as-Smart-Object-1 by LukeyG46, on Flickr


IMG_8133-as-Smart-Object-1 by LukeyG46, on Flickr

If anyone has any critiques or what they would have done to improve any of the images above please comment,

Thanks,

Luke

 

[BUDMANOK]

looks like you have it figured out nice pics

 

[chile7236]

nice set of pics.

 

[Scuba_Pro46]

Thank you guys,

Appreciated,

DSLR is so much fun! Luckily for me I can be in the water with it every other day for work.

 

[deeper thoughts]

Very nice!!

 

[James R]

Very nice! If I were to C&C one of them, I would personally prefer the DOF to not be quite as shallow in IMG_8116, but even so it's a really nice image.

I am looking forward to seeing more of your work!

Best,

 

[Scuba_Pro46]

Thanks everyone,

James, I know what you mean, I am still getting used to how shallow the DOF can be using the 100mm its quite amazing, I think that photo was at F7.1! Thank you for the critique.

I have a question that someone may be able to help with;

When I was using the G10 it was easy to get a black background as I could rack the shutter speed up to 1/500 etc. obviously on DSLR its only 1/250, does anyone have any techniques for black background shots, i.e. anything more than shooting with nothing in the background high shutter speed and high aperture?

Thanks,

Luke

 

[Scubanomad]

great images. yes the first image would look nicer if the background were black to isolate the clown fish.
Use a small aperture. A combination of a fast shutter speed 1/250th and a small aperture will block out any ambient light

• minimizing what is behind your subject, an maximizing the ratio of (subject to background distance) / (subject to strobe distance).
• If there is a background behind your subject, (which is often the case, strobe positioning can often be used to darken the background. Having your strobes at the sides, pointed slightly inward towards the camera housing will work. The 10-2 position can also work. See the article on underwater strobe position diagrams.

Play with the position of your stobes, Underwater Strobe Positions|Underwater Photography Guide

 

[James R]

Maybe trying some different strobe positions may help. It's definitely something I will play with on my next trip...check this link: Underwater Strobe Positions|Underwater Photography Guide

 

[Scuba_Pro46]

Brilliant information,

Thank you guys,

I am in the water today and tomorrow so will give it a whirl and see what happens,