What book(s) would you recommend?

[MarkHerm 1]

Hi!

I am think about getting a little more serious with underwater photography. So far I used a Panasonic LX3 compact as point and shoot camera (no flash, no manual mode etc.) but I'll buy a Nauticam housing for my OM-D very soon.

 

Hence I am looking for a book that gets me started with what I need to know to take some nice pictures. I am a relatively advanced on land photographer as I am using DSLRs (Canon 5d) for years in various settings including studio photography with various strobes etc. So I know what ISO, exposure time, and aperture is and how the relate for getting good exposure and I know the general rules on how to compose potentially interesting images - at least on land.

Is there any good book that build on some above water photography knowledge and explains the specifics for underwater? I am thinking about stuff like strobe positioning, rules of thumbs for exposure for different specific uw scenes/subjects and so on.

 

I read that Martin Edge's book gets a lot of praise. Would you recommend this one for me?

 

Thanks,

Mark

[Aquapaul 26]

Yup, The fourth addition of "The Underwater Photographer" by Martin Edge. It covers pretty much everything that's relevant and current from point and shoot to DSLRs. Great reference book that you can go back to over and over.

[Steve Williams 0]

I second Paul's recommendation. Martin's book will be great for you.

 

Good luck!

Steve

[bvanant 195]

Don't underestimate looking at photography books that aren't specifically about UW photography. I think the technology is relatively easily mastered by most folks, but seeing the difference between good and ho-hum photos before you take them is where IMHO the real art is. I think there a lots of good books out there but particularly like Within the Frame; it makes me think about what to shoot rather than how to shoot.

Bill

[ErinBrown 1]

Another vote for the Edge's book. One thing I'd recommend there is that if you travel pic up the ebook version. The hard copy is an excellent book but too heavy to travel with, so I found myself buying it twice, once in hard copy and one e-book. In my opinion, electronic is definitely the way to go on this one.

[MarkHerm 1]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll start with Martin's book then.

 

I thought about an ebook edition but so far I only saw the Kindle edition. While I use a Kindle reader, I don't assume the pictures and all would translate well to the Kindle monochrome display.

@Erin: what ebook edition are you using and on which platform?

 

Thanks!

[Cary Dean 3]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll start with Martin's book then.

 

I thought about an ebook edition but so far I only saw the Kindle edition. While I use a Kindle reader, I don't assume the pictures and all would translate well to the Kindle monochrome display.

@Erin: what ebook edition are you using and on which platform?

 

Thanks!

I use the Kindle reader on an iPad and it seems to be a pretty good experience.

[MarkHerm 1]

I use the Kindle reader on an iPad and it seems to be a pretty good experience.

 

Thanks for the hint. I got the Kindle version and use it on my iPad as well. Works great and I like the portability. Now I got a lot of stuff to read though

[ErinBrown 1]

Same here, kindle on iPad, nice and portable

[Alastair 2]

As well as Martin's book which i think is almost essential - i would look at the Scott Kelby books - although focused at land photographers he has really helped my land photography and consequently my UW photogrpahy (composition, lighting, Light room). And as has said before look at all sorts of publications for different styles, dive magazines and another of my favourites www.uwpmag.com which is online magazine and has good reviews and articles. Not to mention all the great advice and pictures on this website

[JKrumsick 3]

While I think Martin Edge's book is pretty good. It's a hefty thing that sits on the shelf. And yes, it covers quite a lot... but it also refers to conversations here on wetpixel frequently. I suggest keep reading this forum... it's free, weighs nothing and has more updated information.

[garyyoss 6]

Another staple book on photography in general is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. While it has nothing to do with underwater photography I always recommend it to everyone as I have found it a useful resource since being recommended to me.

Of course pick up Martin's book as well.

Gary

 

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Edition-Photographs/dp/0817439390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348717910&sr=8-1&keywords=understanding+exposure