Importance of a photographic eye, Has it ever been more crucial in underwater photography? Options

[Alex_Mustard]

It the good ol' days, underwater photography was difficult. If you could capture something interesting clearly you were doing well. These days underwater camera kit is hugely capable and folks bring back pictures from their first trips that would probably have won major competitions 10-15 years ago.

A lot of the old pros jokingly complain that digital make it too easy and these days and anyone get a picture to come out. But I like to see this problem the other way round. These days it is the photographer's eye that is all important.

I believe we are seeing a shift in who is taking the best underwater pictures. 10+ years ago all the good images came from a small handful of familiar faces. These days a quick browse on Wetpixel POTW or Flickr etc reveals some stunning images coming from hundred of people.

Whether people are shooting with DSLRs or compact cameras it is now the eye of the photographer, the compositions they choose, the stories they communicate, the creativity they bring to their photos, that really make images stand out. If they are blessed with the eye, people are producing stunning images with very little shooting experience.

No longer do you need the best kit and years of experience to get outstanding underwater photos. The advances in kit have changed the skill set required to stand out - from a technical one to an artistic one.

Anyway - nothing like an opinionated comment to kit off some debate... Do people agree?

Alex