6 Tips for capturing creative underwater vacation photos
Whether you use a watertight case or a GoPro, more and more of us have cameras that shoot underwater. Next time you’re at a resort pool, take a memorable vacation photo of your child. With tips from photojournalist and mom Kate Thornton, you’ll wow your friends and followers with some underwater wonders!
1. Be safe
Safety is key. Always have a second adult present to help supervise and allow you to concentrate on your subject.
2. Avoid midday light
Light and water are more colorful earlier or later in the day. Photograph near sunrise or sunset for the best effect. Midday light can be harsh and unflattering.
3. Move closer
Get in close to avoid murky results. Your subject will be clearer the closer you get. Pool water is not always as clear as it seems! A wide angle lens is ideal to include all of your subject in the frame.
4. Add extras
Lightweight props and costumes help get kids’ creative wheels turning and keep them engaged in the process. You’ll be sure to capture more interesting poses!
5. Be proactive
Give your child a little direction. Ask him to let the air out of his cheeks and smile, blow bubbles or do a Taekwondo pose. He’ll tire, so shoot quickly.
6. Click, click, click
Take lots of photos. It’s difficult to focus underwater. Hair and bubbles often obscure your subject. The more photos you take, the more likely you are to nail that perfect shot!
KidTripster Tip: Experiment with black and white and sepia tones in editing for more variety.
Kate Thornton is a mom and trained photojournalist with over a decade of experience. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, her photographs appear regularly in The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, and Charleston Wedding Magazine. To see more of Kate’s work, click here.
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