Catherine
CFWA is probably the most difficult type of underwater photo, but it can produce striking results. There is a basic formula to it:
1) Find a good, identifiable, colorful, relatively small and stationary reef subject (fan, sponge, benthic fish, or just a nice concentrated scene).
2) Compose the subject, getting as close as you can, with the most vertical angle possible (looking up). Try to get the sun in the frame if it is available.
3) Meter the background, get the smallest aperture with the slowest shutter speed possible.
4) Based on (3) adjust your strobe power settings and aim the strobes. Keep the strobes pointed as straight ahead as possible and as far away from the lens port as your strobe arms will permit (minimizes backscatter) while still lighting the subject. Big powerful strobes are fine but not necessary, you just want to splash on enough light to bring out the colors on the subject.
5) Take the picture when it is clear of bubbles.
6) Take another and another with slightly different settings and angles (change something a little with each bracket).
Many contemporary camera/strobe combinations will do a pretty good job of all this automatically with TTL. The technique there is to use aperture priority and use the smallest aperture possible that is within the strobe capabilities. Bracketing, of course, helps with both manual and TTL methods.
Marty Snyderman is an excellent still photographer although his primary interest is making films. He and Wiseman have a good book on Caribbean/Bahamas/Florida marine life id. Marty's books tend towards marine life id and behavior, less on photo technique. He used to offer a course on underwater photography on his website that I understand was excellent. I don't know if it is still available, you might google him and find out. It would be worth taking for any level U/W photographer. Marty has also published two editions of a classic book on California Marine Life. I am kinda partial to the second edition, it contains 43 of my images.