H2O – a New Angle – Underwater Photography
When I blogged a couple of weeks ago that I was selling my Canon 1D mkIII, a lot of people started speculating what I would replace it with. Most thought I would get a Medium Format and although that would make sense quality wise, unfortunately it doesn’t financially. I actually never had the intention to REPLACE the 1D mkIII, I just didn’t use it much anymore and I could use the money for a new challenge: underwater photography. Or I should rather say: “in-the-water photography”, as I currently don’t have the ambition to do scuba diving photography but rather explore the new angles that I can explore from on/in/under the water.
After lots of research I decided to get myself the Olympus E-PL1 (a camera pretty similar to my trusted Panasonic GF1) and the Olympus PT-EP01 underwater housing. I’ll review this combination later, after I have some more hands-on time with it. For now, let’s say it seemed like an affordable way into underwater photography while still having decent image quality and handling.
This was my first underwater picture with the Olympus:
Unfortunately, this was the second one:
I was really dying to test out the new toy in the water. Unfortunately it’s winter here and during my last dive (2 weeks ago) the water temperature was barely above freezing (4°C). That makes it hard to find volunteers to go playing in the water. This weekend the kids and I had a short trip planned to the coast. I decided to take my wetsuit and camera with me, just in case I felt the uncontrollable urge to jump in the North Sea. Well … the urge was there. I spent about 10 minutes in the surf and a tidal pool to shoot whatever was there.
I’m pretty happy with what I got, considering the fact that I spent most of my time in the water fiddling with the unfamiliar controls. But I know it’s not more than a couple of lucky shots. I’ll need a lot more practice and experiments. If anyone knows good water related subjects or wants to help me out by assisting, let me know.
And here you go, living another one of my dreams.
But thanks for pointing out another way to get into water photography.
Nice project. Looking forward to seeing more “in the water” work
Bert! it was money well invested, now not shure why no one wanted to jump head first in nice refreshing water? if you ever plan a trip across the Atlantic you will be more than cover to dive nice warm waters here in Mexico just let me know.
Kinda saw you have a 5D mark II, why go for a smaller sensor instead of a housing for that camera? so next on the underwater list should be strobes? you could become my all time hero if you manage to dive with a sunbounce and do a navyseal style photoshoot underwater
Very cool & beautiful shots!
I really want the Bert Stephani iPhone app that tells me how to see the world like Bert.
oh what I’d love to be able to put a camera int these angles … looking from the water is a direction we don’t see from a camera much – nicely played! wonderful composition! Literally love the B+W shots!
You captured it perfectly. As a tip, underwater digital photography also requires the latest in equipments. The cameras should primarily have the sea mode, land mode and also an external flash mode. This is essential to obtain better quality pictures even in the most adverse conditions.
The black and white images of the surfer are impressive!
Have lots of fun with your new project!
thx all
@Iwan: living your dreams is easier as you think if you are prepared to compromise a little along the way
@Erwin: I’d love to do some photography in the Cenotes on day. The main reasons for not buying a housing for my 5D mkII are price and bulk. A decent housing for my 5D2 costs at least twice as much as the Olympus housing including the camera and lens. And since at this moment it’s just an experiment I didn’t want to spend too much money on it. Besides I’m a big micro 4/3 fan.
@Graphincent: Just hit your head really hard repeatedly and cure yourself with lots of Belgian beer and you’ll get to see the way I see
@Robert: A while back I was making a shot, right above the surface of a pond and got really frustrated that I couldn’t get any lower than the surface. That’s one of the things that triggered exploring these new angles.
@Willougbys: Good gear is great but shouldn’t stop anyone from trying to get something creative out of what they already have / can afford.
@Serge: thx mate
I find it pretty ironic that I myself purchased an underwater housing for myself yesterday, and then I see this post. I went with an underwater housing for my canon g10. Sure i’d love to get a housing for my 5dmk2, but for the g10 it was only 1/20th of the price, and if my own stupidity doesnt seal up the housing well enough, and i destroy my camera, well id rather it be the g10 and not the 5d. I cant wait to see more work
Like I said, LOVE IT and now I now how you took those pictures. Well done and thanks for sharing.
hey bert,
just give me a yell. If you want, you can test out my inon external slave flash.
I have been doing quite some under-above water photografie myselve some years back in time but i’m not much into it anymore.
Maybe it is time to get my dry or wetsuit wet again for the firt time this year
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@Paul: we share the same way of thinking
@Stijn: why not?
Hi Bert,
Just wondering. Do you still have your GF1? Did you purchase the E-PL1 for the underwater housing?
Yep, still got the GF1 – it feels and handles much better than the E-PL1
This is really cool! I have not tried water photography yet, but this certainly makes me want to go for it! Very cool!
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