Book Review: Underwater Photographer 
Last Update: 12 March 2007 10:41 PM
10 comment(s) | discuss in forums
Author: Dr. Alex Mustard ( Alex_Mustard )
Related Link: The Underwater Photographer
Book Review – The Underwater Photographer – 3rd Edition. By Martin Edge.
This morning a copy of Martin Edge’s new book The Underwater Photographer dropped through my letterbox. The book will be officially released at the London International Dive Show (1/2 April 2006), but I believe that this is such an important book for underwater photographers that I wanted to write a review straight away. The reason I got my copy early, which I state so that you can account for any bias, is that I wrote a short section on filters (just 10 of the 392 pages). But apart from that I don’t actually know the author very well and we have never dived together.
The Underwater Photographer is a third edition, but it has been so thoroughly revised to include digital techniques that it could have easily justified a new title. If you own the second edition then you will already probably want the third. The late, great Jim Church said of second edition that it “set a standard that will only be surpassed when Martin writes a third edition”. And Martin has clearly worked tirelessly to ensure that it does live up to that billing.
First impressions are that this is a substantial volume at just under 400 pages. It is full colour throughout, and is divided into 5 sections: The Basics and Beyond; The Digital Revolution; Using SLRS and Compacts Underwater; The Mindset (Martin’s Think and Consider approach to underwater photography); and The Big Four (Composition, Lighting, Macro and Wide Angle).
The Underwater Photographer is seriously comprehensive and will clearly serve as a faithful reference manual. But the author’s enthusiastic, personal and accessible style make it easy reading. As Peter Rowlands says in the foreword Martin’s gift is to be able to explain this multi-faceted subject both simply and comprehensively. Technical issues are dealt with thoroughly but reassuringly free from jargon, and even if it gets a bit technical, you can always skim through the heavy stuff and skip to Martin’s personal recommendations, to instantly improve your shots. There are a few opinions I disagree with, but I would say the same about most other underwater photography books I have read.
To really get the most out of this book you really have to buy in to Martin’s philosophy. In my opinion, Martin’s strength as a photography teacher is that he is not an instinctive photographer. His images are the result of analysis, planning and calculated execution. He understands better than most why his images work, and when they don’t why they have failed. He understands the technical and artistic decisions that go into producing a great image. Put simply his book helps the reader do the same.
Another nice feature of the book is that the author regularly directs the reader to useful further information. Often on this very website. There are even links to specific forum discussions – so be careful what you write! He also regularly refers to other photographers’ work as examples and asks thought provoking questions such as: “Consider your favourite underwater photographer… Doubilet? Newbert? Cathy Church? How do you think your images would improve if they chose your subjects?”
I am wracking my brain for negatives. Weaknesses are few. If I had to say something, I would say that the standard of the images is not absolutely world class throughout (although I would add the standard and detail of the teaching most certainly is). The images have been chosen to demonstrate techniques and to re-affirm points. But I would like to see an extra sprinkling of gratuitously stunning images in there.
In conclusion, this book is very impressive and as up to date as a work of this magnitude could hope to be. In short, if you are an underwater photographer and you want to improve your images then I recommend buying this book. That’s as straight as I can put it.
Alexander Mustard
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Comment(s):I own two copies of the second edition. I read the first copy and bought a second so that I would always have a pristine copy in my collection. I have read the book twice and today I have ordered two copies of edition three. Apart from the forums, this is ‘the’ book that has helped my images the most!! Bruce
Posted by bruceterrill on 03/27 at 06:48 PMAlready a complete fan of the 2nd edition - it is my favourite airplane read. Browsing this book has been part of my pre-trip process for along time.
I am really looking forward to this “improved” 3rd edition’s arrival in my mailbox.
Peter
Posted by pmooney on 03/27 at 08:45 PMI have the first and while much was becoming dated the main content and intent still works.
Will order this one ASAP.
Posted by PRC on 03/27 at 10:24 PMI own the first and second edition and will also order the third edition asap. I remember, about 4 years ago, I believed my old Nikon F5 was making an error (using the 105mm on macro) when the viewfinder was showing F45 while the maximum of my lens was F32. In his book Martin explains in normal language the meaning of “Relative F-stops”. He is the perfect teacher…
Posted by BART HEINES on 03/28 at 02:09 PMBetween Mustard’s review and the previous comments, I think I’ll have to pick up a copy. I was planning on upgrading my camera when I get my tax refund. I think this will help with my investment!
Posted by WillyVolk on 03/30 at 07:54 AMLike so many other keen amateur underwater photographers, I first depended on edition 1 of Martin’s book to learn how to take photographs underwater - first with an amphibious range-finder camera, and then with a housed SLR. I have subsequently depended on the book (and edition 2) for a “tune up” before every dive trip, and it never ceases to amaze me how a short review of the book quickly builds one’s confidence and gives one the tools to take some cracking photos. Before reading Martin’s book, only 20% of my shots were keepers. Immediately after reading his book for the first time, that figure went up over 60%!
I must be one of the first lucky people to get the new 3rd edition of Martin’s book… The timing is perfect because I have just made the switch from an F100 (film) to D200 (digital) and have no idea where or how to begin! I’ve got so many questions.... What are histograms? How will I cope without TTL flash? (manual flash sounds awefully difficult!) What workflow process should I follow? What is RAW and how do I turn this into an image similar to what I would have got if I shot on slide film? What should I set white balance at?
Well I’ve now read the new book and, not surprisingly, Martin has answered these questions and many more with easy to understand explanations and guidelines. Once again, save for the experienting that I will have to do with manual flash settings, I feel ready to conquer the seas with my new kit…
Martin’s new book is an excellent manual and reference book for novice to advance underwater photographers alike, and it covers what one needs to know about digital and film techniques… Great stuff.
Posted by markhardy on 04/02 at 04:09 AMMy long awaited copy finally arrived in Sydney this week and it was worth waiting for. This is the best book on underwater photography I have ever read - and trust me, I have bought them all....
Posted by Don Silcock on 07/19 at 03:33 PMI’ve been a big fan of both the first and second editions of this wonderful book.
I recently received my copy of the new edition, and took it with me on a dive trip to Tawali, PNG.
Read my review of the book at my website BlueBeyond.com.au (http://www.bluebeyond.com.au/index.php/2006/book-review-the-underwater-photographer-digital-and-traditional-techniques/)
Like Alex Mustard said, there are really no negatives to this book.
Posted by mondo on 07/21 at 07:12 AMJust ordered my copy. Looking forward to read it!!
Posted by Nunomix on 03/12 at 06:22 PMOK..how could I do anything else but order a copy after reading such a positive review and also so many accolades. It’s my first foray into digital after so many years with my trusty old RS. Hope it’s not too late to teach an old (salty) dog new tricks...!
Posted by brianmered on 03/13 at 02:41 AM
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