how to do it all at once???

[divergal]

I thought I posted this yesterday but nothings there so apologies if another message appears!

I have only taken my little camera underwater a couple of times but really pleased with the last lot but what struck me was how you all do it all at once without an extra pair of hands? Ok so you see a shot, you get your buoyancy correct, you make sure you arent damaging the reef, but to take the shot you need to hold your camera as still as possible, press the button while trying desperately to shine your light on it! Obviously if I had a strobe this would help and I guess so would getting one of those nifty little lights that clips onto your arm but still think I would need at least another arm!

Am only doing macro shots at the mo to avoid having to get a strobe but when I was doing an evening dive it left my torch dangling about a bit. I have seen those head torches but think I would feel a bit of a plonker wearing one of those.

So, if you have any brilliant tips or easy diy stuff I can do please let me know!!

[Jules]

I have an additional accessory called a "phil", he is tall blond and hunky and can occasionally be relied upon to hold a torch steady whilst I press the shutter. He is also useful for carrying twinsets and post dive entertainment. They are often hard to find but I found mine on a dive boat in the Sound of Mull and decided to keep him

[Jules]

Sometimes if the subject is on the bottom you can place the torch on the ground too...
if the subject is on a ledge of something you can also hold the torch and the ledge or just hang with torch in one hand and camera in the other if you get your bouyancy right ...
but definitely taking photogrphhs as a team works really well and is a lot of fun.
The ideal "torch bitch" would be someone who is into wildlife spotting and can't afford a camera! Phil has his own so for really good subjects we take turns to take a couple of shots or often when i can't be bothered to take pics i'll just do the torch for him.
Helen Mutter is the most profient torch bitch I ever buddied and I think to this date she doesn't take underwater photos although she is in fact an excellent photogrpher on land. I think having a photographers eye gives her the abilty to light the shots nicely.

Jules

[TimIngmire]

TBH it is difficult and really only comes with practice. If you are doing macro shots, then the best results really need you to be resting on the bottom so that you are steady.

If you are using a torch then that's best held by a buddy or a "Phil" unfortunately not all with help carry twinsets and provide apres-dive entertainment.

You can also buy a tray and bracket to hold various torches in a strobe-like manner - have a word with CU or similar.

HTH

Tim

[divergal]

Originally Posted by Jules

I have an additional accessory called a "phil", he is tall blond and hunky and can occasionally be relied upon to hold a torch steady whilst I press the shutter. He is also useful for carrying twinsets and post dive entertainment. They are often hard to find but I found mine on a dive boat in the Sound of Mull and decided to keep him

Ha! you got a spare one?? I had one once but it proved unsatisfactory so I had to let it go!!

[divergal]

Originally Posted by TimIngmire

TBH it is difficult and really only comes with practice. If you are doing macro shots, then the best results really need you to be resting on the bottom so that you are steady.

If you are using a torch then that's best held by a buddy or a "Phil" unfortunately not all with help carry twinsets and provide apres-dive entertainment.

You can also buy a tray and bracket to hold various torches in a strobe-like manner - have a word with Cameras Underwater or similar.

HTH

Tim

guess I'll just have to practice!! going to phone them about something else so I shall mention that too!

[Jules]

Originally Posted by divergal

Ha! you got a spare one?? I had one once but it proved unsatisfactory so I had to let it go!!

no, this was an upgrade from the previous model which didn't like to be immersed in water but was fully functional on land. The amphibious model suits my lifestyle better. (I am in such trouble if he read this..!)
They are hard to find though and and thos e you do find occasionally have features that you weren't made aware of when you first tested them hence have to be disguarded failly quickly . LOL