Filters in green waters?

[Charlie H]

I am experimenting using filters in UK waters. These give a much more natural look to underwater images in my opinion. I have posted a few results for you to have a look at and make any suggestions to make them better. The torch light is red due to the filter and I am working on a complimentary filter to correct this. Has anyone else also tried using filters u/w in UK?

Note sure on how to do a link to my gallery but they are in Charlie H folder

[KenByrne]

Some interesting shots, the effect of the red filter on the torch is a little too red so a compimentary filter is a good idea. It seems to have created some good colours in the 2nd and third shots. All the shots seem a little dark I would try playing around with levels in PhotoShop if you have it.

You don't mention what camera you're using or what settings. I've had some interesting results without filters using RAW on a Nikon D70 and correcting the white balance in PS.

Added a link to your gallery.

http://www.digigreen.net/gallery/index.php?cat=10108

[Charlie H]

Thanks for your comments Ken,
I shot them using a Nikon D2x in an Aquatica housing, using a Nikkor 10.5mm lens. ISO 400, aperture f2.8 and shutter speed ranging from 1/15 to 1/60 sec - there wasn't very much light especially as the filter takes off about two stops. I didn't want to alter any levels etc as this will obviously change the colour, but do agree a tweaking in curves may brighten them up a little. It was shot in jpeg using the cameras white balance underwater. As I haven't got CS2 I don't find there is much advantage in shooting in RAW but am always willing to give it ago any advice appreciated. Do you have your natural light pix on line?

[KenByrne]

To be fair the shots I took were in the Red Sea although I have done some at Capenwray.

I started a thread abbout the Red Sea shots.

http://www.digigreen.net/forum/index...pic,504.0.html

This one was shot in Capenwray

[Mark]

I agree that the shots are interesting and very good, the red torch light is the only unrealistic part. I played about with some filters a while ago, and will again when I get my new housing, I'll probably dive with people without torches though

[TimIngmire]

Is the viz that good or is that a feature of ambient light photography (and the perspective effect of the 10.5 I guess). As Mark said the red torch light is unnatural and, for me, distracting - I guess that's something that PS can modify.

It's an interesting technique but I've never seen it done well in green water - lots of good examples in blue water but not a lot from around the UK in the sea.

I'll have to give this a go this weekend if we can get to dive - the viz won't be great and so using a strobe will just produce lots of backscatter as on my dive in Anglesey the other week.

Charles, you don't need PS for RAW workflow, something like RawShooter Essentials does a very good job.

[Mark]

I've just ordered a filter for my new setup. I have ordered a 67mm magenta one to play with.

I must get round to posting some of the WA shots I took last Sunday with the lens I bought off Tim, whatever it was!