Underwater photography

Shooting underwater photography

“Personally, the most appealing thing about shooting underwater is being able to dive into a world without external sounds. The very moment in which the photographer is with his subject turns into a magical experience: unique and enchanting.”

“The essential thing when planning an underwater shoot is to first decide the subject of your project. Next, choose if you will take macro or landscape pictures and so prepare the lens and lens port you’ll need. When it comes to underwater housing, the most important characteristic is to be able to use it an easy and intuitive way, as if there’s no housing at all. NIMAR created wonderful housing that is simple and sure. It guarantees comfort even in deep and complex dives.

Underwater shooting is certainly quite complicated for different reasons. Before a shoot, you must make some inspections and get to know the area where you would like to work. Field experience is the most important instrument; it can be helpful in unexpected moments. Once, I was traveling in Honduras, and during a dive near Roatan Island, I was shooting a shark situated at less than a meter from me with a wide-angle lens. Suddenly, the shark turned around and violently hit my lens! I was so concentrated that it was a very surprising and scary moment.”

The attraction of medium format

“During my photography studies, I had the chance to try various types of formats, both digital and analog. I can say for sure that medium format is the most interesting because it’s as practical as a 35mm, and has the same great quality and versatility of a full frame.

“I must admit, also, that meeting a client with my Phase One Medium Format adds value to my professional status.”

Earlier in my career, I occasionally rented a Phase One. After experiencing its superior quality (16-bit color depth, 15-stops of dynamic range, a sensor 2.5 times larger than a 35 mm with so many pixels, and the possibility to mount it on a view camera for special applications); I decided to buy it because it was essential for my work. I must admit, also, that meeting a client with my Phase One Medium Format adds value to my professional status, and that is an important consideration for someone who works in an exclusive sector.”