Learn to shoot with the Nikonos V
How to Create Underwater Silhouettes

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The underwater realm is unquestionably one of the most colorful places on the planet. Coral reefs explode in bursts of riotous color. Fishes of every imaginable shape and hue cruise over these gardens of life, seeming to advertise themselves in gaudy stripes, dots, patches and bands of red, blue, yellow and purple. Some of the most striking underwater images have been of these reef inhabitants and the gardens they inhabit. However, underwater photographers can also choose to capture the grandeur of the underwater world by creating what is known as a silhouette.

Silhouettes lack the colorful details of traditional underwater portraits or seascapes. The subject is often captured as a black outline against the bright blue of the surface, generally highlighted by the light of the sun. These images although lacking color can often express powerful moods and emotions. The black outline of a graceful Manta Ray gliding overhead like a massive fighter plane, its delta wings extended in flight is an image that will capture the imagination and attention of the viewer. This technique has also been used to photograph the stark images of Hammerhead Sharks, Whales, Whale Sharks, divers and schools of fish overhead. Indeed, solely your imagination and creativity as a photographer limit the list of possible subjects.

Often however, when underwater photographers first try to experiment with this silhouette technique, their images usually seem bland and lifeless. While the subject is well framed and compelling, the image just doesn't seem to "pop".

So what's the problem?

Below are some hints on how to shoot silhouettes like the pros.

First of all, as with all photographs the composition of the image is critical. The diver must learn to perfectly position himself so that the subject is directly between the lens of the camera and the sun. This is easier to do when the water is clear than when the water is cloudy. Silhouettes are more dramatic and work best when the photographer is diving in clear water with decent visibility.

When photographing subjects as silhouettes, make sure you are close enough to the subject so that it can easily be discerned in the final image. A tiny image of a far away shark is not as exciting as one where the diver feels as if the shark is about to swoop directly overhead.

Because the photographer is often shooting at a strong upwards angle with plenty of available light, the choice of film speeds is not very critical. Film with slow speeds and small grain such as Kodak Ecktachrome 100 and Fuji Sensia 100 can be used effectively. Most underwater photographers strive to capture a strong vibrant blue background. To achieve this, we choose Kodak's Ecktachrome on many occasions since it tends to accentuate this color of the spectrum better than some other films.

One of the keys to a powerful silhouette is the exposure rendered by the camera. Since the photographer is relying on natural light, it is important to use a shutter speed fast enough to freeze the action. A blurred image of a swimming animal is generally not the desired effect. In order to ensure a sharp image try to shoot at a speed of 1/125th or faster. In addition to freezing the image of the subject, these fast speeds will also help to isolate the individual rays of the sun producing a dramatic sun burst effect. By outlining a stunning silhouette of a large marine animal with this sun burst effect, the photographer now has added an element of drama to the image.

When shooting silhouettes, it is important to properly expose the surrounding water. Divers should meter the water around the subject by using the light meter inside their camera (not always easy to use) or with the help of an external underwater meter. Once the photographer has positioned himself such that the subject is properly positioned and the meter indicates an exposure of 1/125 or higher for the surrounding water, the image is ready to be shot. Nikonos V cameras have built in light meters which are accurate but occasionally difficult to read through the viewfinder. Ikelite makes terrific external light meters such as the DM 4200, which have large illuminated dials to help the photographer see the proper exposure readings at a glance.

Our metering choice is the Sekonic L-164 Marine Meter II. It is easy to use and easy to read even with a mask on. External light meters can be pricey, some can be as high as $500.00 but worth it if you are going to be a serious underwater photographer. It is generally more effective to use a Manual exposure rather than utilizing the camera's TTL functions for these types of shots.

While the technique is not difficult to master the camera's TTL system often does not produce the exact exposures necessary for truly stunning silhouettes. As with filely all forms of underwater photography, it is helpful to bracket your shots. Make sure you vary the exposure up and down by at least one f/stop to ensure that you get the very best image possible under the circumstances.

Silhouettes can make for some amazing and compelling images. Go out and give it a try…you'll be happy you did! :

Things to Remember:

• Silhouettes are more dramatic and work best in clear water.
• Get as close to the subject as possible.
• Shoot at a strong upward angle with plenty of available light.
• Shoot at a speed of 1/125th or faster.
• Meter the surrounding water and set your aperture.
• Take the shot, bracket and have fun!.

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