Over/under shots

[aquakiwi]

I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips for over/under shots, is there a way to get rid of water droplets on the dome port other than keeping it dry?

 

[jarhed]

I tend to try to just keep it dry, some say baby shampoo works well, others use rain-x, but only recomended for glass domes. I use an acrylic dome and would never use any chemical other than shampoo on it.

I also try to find compositions that put any potential droplets in the sky, or other places that can be easily photoshopped.

Take care,
John

 

[fisheyeview]

This is something I would like to learn more about. I have tried it a couple of times, and I must say that my pictures really sucked.

 

[jarhed]

It is quite difficult.

I find that it's particularly hard to get proper exposure, definately need to shoot manual, and try many settings, checking your histogram after each shot.

Calm water helps alot, particularly if you can stand up in it.

I try to find something close to me underwater that I can light with my strobes to get some color underwater.

Always shoot with the sun, I find early morning or evening is easier to balance the light above and below the water.

Of course, lenses with diopters won't work, (can't focus above water)
I think fisheye lenses works best

I have heard of people using a split neutral density filter to help balance the exposure, might help.

The bigger the dome port the better, I use the 9" sea & sea port.

I don't think that I'm very good at this sort of shot, but have seen examples that make me want to master the technique.

Take care,
John

 

[bigfrog23]

generally i use the dunk and shoot method it works well. i lock my focus and then dunk the camera and then lift and shoot quickly before water drops form. other time i will use my glove to move the water drops around. have tried the baby shampoo and it works ok but i worry about it dissolving the silicone grease and having the housing flood. they make a rain X that is for polycarbonet windows but same thing again i worry about it messing up the seals on the housing the first two are my preferred methods. also it take me at least 10-15 shots to get a good one some times.

good luck

 

[samui13]

this might sound a strange thing to use but juice from a potato works the best i have found.

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