How About Underwater Wedding Photography?

Modern day weddings strive to create the most spectacular displays. And one aspect where they go all gung-ho is with wedding photography. There is no dearth of innovation when it comes to clicking the newlyweds in the most audacious of settings. And the latest niche in the business is is underwater wedding photography.

Being unique in ideas and methods can bring you rich dividends in the form of fame and popularity. But along with that, you need to be fearless and willing to take the plunge! The adventure and element of daring give newlyweds a special thrill in having their wedding day photos to be one of a kind.

So find a resort with a big pool or set off towards the sparkling blue ocean where you can have a grand ceremony. And then, pose for pictures in an exclusive aquatic environment. Underwater wedding photography is challenging. There are quite a few things you need to follow for a successful underwater photo-shoot.

1.Lighting is a difficult element to maintain underwater.

Shoot as much as you can during the day under ambient light instead of resorting to artificial sources. Shots in shallow water are better than those at deeper ends, as shallow pools have better sunlight diffraction underwater.

2.Make sure you and the newlyweds are comfortable underwater.

Sometimes, it takes a little convincing to get the couple to agree. As a photographer, you need to primarily focus on the safety of everyone involved. Once everyone is confident and comfortable with the situation, then you are good to go.

3.If you are shooting traditional portraits, a large pool would suffice.

Shallow pools have an abundance of natural light. So get the newlyweds to be romantic under the waves and your camera can capture the moments perfectly.

4. Use the wedding dresses as props.

Wedding gowns usually come in lightweight material and would typically float or flow with the undercurrents. Use this effect to create a serene and otherworldly look, as the subjects will appear to be weightless and surreal.

5. Makeup the main concern.

For brides, getting waterproof makeup which won’t run underwater is a good idea. As for the hairdo, be prepared for it to come undone when you dive. But setting the hair in an appropriate style would balance it from becoming unruly and unkept.

6. Make use of small artefacts.

Making use of small artefacts like a large photo frame or small props like flower bouquets or “Just Married” signs, balloons, etc. is a good idea. Additional props can enrich the otherwise bland frames and add the extra zing to your photos.

7. Try not to alarm the aquatic life.

Marine animals are scared easily. So approach them with care and caution. Clicking your subject amidst a shoal of fish can offer richer detail than just the blank and blue aquatic environment. Moreover, marine plants and animals can be a backdrop which snatches eyes away from background noise and scatter.

8. Underwater photographers need to use an external strobe rather than the built-in flash.

This will help in reducing the backscatter while lighting up your subjects properly. Take care that ‘Auto-Flash’ option on your camera is turned off, instead setting it to ‘Forced-Flash’. Flash will add colour to your shots, without which your photos will have too much blue tint, giving them a melancholy feel.

Happy adventure time!

Photo Courtesy: Maloman photographers and Amykarp.com