Whether you are brand-new to underwater videography or have spent some time in the water taking videos or even photographs under the sea, there is always something new you can learn to make your videos even better. While it's very hard to get it perfect every time you go out, there are some things you can do to ensure that your videos will be great each time.
Here are some tips for taking fantastic underwater videos every time.
Do Some Research First
Before you even get in the water to take a video, you should always do a little research first. This means, if you haven't purchased your camera or other equipment yet, you need to look up what is available that would be good for the type of underwater videography you wish to do.
Research the camera you want to ensure it is capable of giving you the style of underwater videography you want. Not all cameras are created equal, so know what you want first, and then really look into each camera to find the one that best fits your needs.
The same is true for the underwater housing for your camera. Some housing is made to only go down a few feet, while others are capable of deep dives. Try to find the equipment you know you will actually use; there is no point in buying a camera with capabilities you never use.
Understand Your Subject
If your subject for underwater videography is wildlife like fish, sharks, or whales, then it's a good idea to learn about these creatures to understand what their behavior is. Whales, sharks, and fish have their own minds and will not always behave in the way you want them to. If they haven't seen divers in their area before, they may react with fear, aggression, or even curiosity.
It's a good idea to do your research on the area you are planning to dive to and learn about how these animals move and what can cause a reaction from them. This will keep you safe, it will keep the underwater wildlife safe, and it can make for better videos too. When you know how they can move, it can get you into a better position to get that perfect shot.
Don't Be Over-Prepared With Shots
One mistake many videographers make is being too planned out with the type of shots they want. This can cause you to miss out on some fantastic images and spontaneous action shots that you might love to have in your reel but didn't get because you were trying to set up a different shot. When doing underwater videography, there has to be an element of the unexpected to it. You should prepare yourself to take a video of just about anything.
Instead of over-planning every shot, relax, and let the fish and animals do what they do in their natural habitat. Be patient and observe their behavior, and their swimming habits while shooting your video. Chances are, a great shot will come up if you wait it out and don't over-plan your shots.
