U/W photography in MN

[buff]

With spring not too far off.........yeah, right. I look forward to using my u/w camera. I realize now that a great dive trip like the one I took to Bonaire is financialy out of the question. That leaves only diving in MN.

Has anyone had any luck taking good pics in our turbid, murky depths? What makes a good subject? What time of year is best?(I assume spring before the algae blooms). Has anyone tried to take photos fish while spawning?

Thanks
Mike

 

[MNScuba]

I've seen some good photos taken of inanimate objects like trees, but have also seen some great shots of bass, walleye and crappie as well. Though not as exciting or brightly colored as tropical fish, they do have a certain flair to them. Walleye are especially neat to photograph due to their eyes... I'll be experimenting with this myself come spring...

Let me know if you need someone to go with!

 

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by buff
... Has anyone had any luck taking good pics in our turbid, murky depths? What makes a good subject? What time of year is best?(I assume spring before the algae blooms). Has anyone tried to take photos fish while spawning?

Pics - people (divers), places (wrecks) and things (fish & plants)

I've tried capturing them all. Note the "tried". The adage of get close to your subject seems particularly true. You do need to ensure you have adequate lighting. I've found even on "bright sunshine" days (40 ft or less) you need a strobe. I've taken pics up here (Canada - St Lawrence River) from May through October.

I've learned to be patient, that all dives will not have me taking pictures. Once you're in the water you soon learn to spot if you're going to have excessive backsplatter. Best time? Honest I've had great pics throughout the year. Different sites, different conditions.