Underwater Photography

Underwater Photography is one of the most fascinating and challenging activities to do with the underwater world.

The Nelson Underwater Club has a good sized group of keen Photographers and even a couple videographers who compete annually for the photography trophies that are up for grabs.

The N.U.C. runs an annual Underwater Photography competition, usually in one of the local marine reserves. This competition is great for the novice photographer as the judging isn’t based on the quality of the photo’s, instead it is based on the amount of species you get a picture of!

This years competition was held at the Horoirangi Marine Reserve, we had a great turnout but unfortunately the visibility wasn’t the best for the event.

We still managed to get over 15 species ticked off the list and we even managed to tame some good sized snapper!

Tips for Novice Underwater Photographers

Getting used to diving is one of the most important things you can do before you start underwater photography. If you are a novice diver get used to using your BCD correctly and also get used to balancing underwater. If you cant control your bouyancy you are going to have a hard time getting a good focused shot.

Try and get as close as you can to your target and take your shots from your targets eye level or even slightly below your target.

Here is a great shot from Andrew MacDonald of a carpet shark. Notice how the shot is taken from below the target making it look bigger than it really is.

Play around with the settings of your camera. You can dramatically change the vibrance of your photos by choosing the correct white balance.

NELSON UNDERWATER CLUB PHOTOGRAPHY TROPHIES

LUCAS TROPHY – Presented by Lucas & Son

1. The Photographer to submit a set of three (3) prints taken in local waters during the preceding 12 months, these to be made up from the following subject materials: (a) underwater fish photo, e.g. crayfish, octopus etc; (b) underwater scenery or subject of choice, e.g. whale, diver, wreck etc, (c) subject of choice to be a surface shot of marine or fresh water orientated subjects.

WILTSHIRE TROPHY – Presented by D Stanton.

1. Subject matter = The surface photo of most interest to Club members, taken during the year.

The judges should bear in mind that the photo should be of good quality but does not necessarily need to be of a serious subject.

CIZAREWITCH TROPHY - Presented by Messrs D. Boulton, M.Barnes & A. Leachman

1. Subject matter = The most outstanding underwater photo taken during the year.

2. Photos to be taken in New Zealand waters.

The judges should bear in mind that this trophy is to encourage underwater photography within the Club. Photographic skills, ie composition, lighting, focus should be taken into account but the rarity of the subject matter should be considered.

VIRGIN TROPHY – Presented by G Fisher

Only open to competitors who have not won this Trophy previously. Photo to be an underwater shot taken in local waters .

OVERSEAS UNDERWATER PHOTO TROPHY – Presented by P & A Barnett

1. Limit of 6 photo’s per entrant

2. Photo must have been taken in the current 12 month period

3. Entrant must be a current financial member of NUC

4. Photo’s must be taken while diving underwater in a country outside New Zealand.