Last year, I added a waterproof camera to my Christmas wish list. I thought it would be a fun way to experiment with my photography and a new way to capture our kids. Our goal is to spend a little more time in the pool this summer…and when we go on vacation – the ocean.
So I was delighted when I received the Nikon COOLPIX AW120 16.1 MP Wi-Fi and Waterproof Digital Camera for Christmas. Even though it was made to be an indestructible camera…it still felt a little weird to actually submerge the camera under water.
But on our Spring Break vacation, I did it. I dipped the camera underwater looking for those elusive, floating photos.
So here are my 5 tips for taking those fun, underwater photos on your next vacation. (At least my experience with a point and shoot camera.)
1. Shooting Blind.
For this first trip out, my method was about shooting blind. This means, I was in a 3′ high pool, without going underwater myself. I held the camera underwater in the general direction of my target and shot without knowing what I was capturing. This trial-and-error approach means that you have to try several times to get the hang of it. But it’s also really freeing. Don’t worry about limb chops or composition. The goal of the photo is to capture your kids doing something truly fun.
2. Snap and Hold.
When I was using my camera, I had to hold it underwater, push the shutter about 1-2 second before I really wanted and then hold down on the shutter for about 5 seconds. I was never quite sure when the photo actually snapped. It takes a couple of times to figure out they rhythm. And maybe you won’t ever really figure out when it takes. But there are always different stages of the cannonball jump to capture.
3. Embrace any imperfections.
If you are shooting blind (#1) and holding down the shutter because you’re not sure when the actual shutter will happen (#2), then you need embrace the imperfections in the photos. They won’t all turn out. But that’s ok. They don’t have to. Keep trying. Eventually you’ll get something that you love. With water, it’s almost impossible to get something that isn’t fun, creative, and inspiring.
4. Discover new layers and textures.
One of the beauties of water is the layers associated. The waves, ripples, bubbles, sunlight and calmness. Water captures them all. Use your camera to capture as many different modes of water you can. Test it out by moving your hand to create a tide. Or do like I did and capture as your son or daughter jumps into the water. You’ll get plenty of water bubbles floating to the surface.
5. Video’s worth it.
You have a camera that captures above and below water. By using video you can seamlessly move from one environment to the other – all within a matter of seconds.
If you’re looking to add a little fun to your vacation photos, I highly recommend getting a waterproof camera. The point-and-shoot cameras are lightweight, relatively inexpensive (especially when compared to waterproof housing), and can capture a perspective of your trip that people typically don’t get to see.
I’d love to hear your summer vacation plans! What fun summer trip are you planning now?
