Probably the hardest thing someone wanting to film nature can do is go underwater. Filming underwater presents a multitude of challenges that do not appear when filming on land. Managing the lighting, and focusing on what you want to focus on are two big issues that appear underwater. There are some tips I have in order to help you film underwater better.
The first thing you need to do to film underwater is to have the right equipment. Make sure that you have waterproof equipment, and that it will be able to withstand the water you plan to film in. Water can damage electronics, so choosing the wrong camera to bring underwater can lead to utter devastation. Make sure to bring a waterproof camera that has been tested to prevent any mishaps. GoPros nowadays have fantastic quality and are very durable cameras. Look into different makes and models if you plan on being adventurous with your camera.
When filming underwater, making your shots look good can be tricky. It may be tempting to edit your shots to make them look perfect, but the clarity of the water makes the editing seem more noticeable. When editing an underwater film, less is more. Know when and where to use lights and filters when editing, to ensure that your film still looks completely natural, and not edited. It is best to stay in shallow waters, where light can reach. And the light rays shining throw the surface can be breathtaking! This is one of few circumstances where golden hour doesn’t do you any favors, plan to shoot when the sun is directly above.
Sometimes our footage underwater can come out in a way we don’t intend. Sometimes we take a video that we think looks good, only to get back home and edit it and see how it really looks. It is important especially when underwater filming to check your footage since it is so difficult to go back underwater to get more film. Pay attention to the colors, all the blue can drown out its opposite colors which are oranges/reds. Using a filter which enhances these colors can make your video pop more. Checking your film while in the process can minimize the risk of having to go back and refilm.
Filming underwater is very tedious. It really is not something that you can just pick up and be good at. The most important aspect of improving your underwater film skills is to practice! The more you film underwater the better you will get at capturing picture-perfect moments. Try different things and find what works and what doesn’t, and your shots will naturally improve over time!
Have you ever tried filming underwater? Did it go well?