Underwater Photography | Eric Cheng | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Renowned underwater photographer Eric Cheng shares his experiences, techniques, and insights on capturing stunning images of marine life and ecosystems.

Transcript

Presenter: Welcome everyone to Photographers at Google. My name is Ricardo Lagos. Iím a software developer. Itís my distinct pleasure to introduce you to our special guest, photographer Eric Cheng. Ericís award-winning photography has been published in over 60 magazines and books worldwide. He has won contests such as Natureís Best Magazineís Pho... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛟 Underwater photography requires a combination of technical knowledge, patience, and understanding of marine life behavior.
• 🙂 Lighting techniques, such as using strobes and adjusting angles, are crucial for capturing colors and enhancing subjects.
• 📌 Specific locations, like Raja Ampat, Galapagos, and the Bahamas, offer diverse marine ecosystems and unique photography opportunities.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does lighting work in underwater photography?

Underwater photography often requires manual exposure and strobe lighting to enhance subjects and capture the uniqueness of colors in the water. The goal is to expose the background and fill the foreground, creating a harmonious combination of light and color.

Q: Are underwater cameras neutrally buoyant?

Underwater cameras can be made to be neutrally buoyant, depending on the setup. Some photographers add floats to their camera rigs to make them buoyant, while others prefer a slightly negative buoyancy for better control and stability.

Q: How do photographers capture small marine life, such as pygmy seahorses?

Photographing small marine life requires macro lenses and close-up shots. However, these creatures can be elusive and easily scared away. Patience, waiting for the perfect moment, and finding creative ways to capture their unique characteristics are essential.

Q: What are the challenges of shooting wide angle and macro in underwater photography?

Wide-angle shots require large dome ports, while macro shots need a shallow depth of field to capture intricate details. Maintaining steady camera movement and adjusting lighting in manual mode are crucial for achieving high-quality images.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Eric Cheng is an award-winning underwater photographer whose work has been published in numerous magazines and books worldwide.

• Through his website wetpixel.com, he has created an online community where photographers can share their work and discuss ocean-related issues.

• Eric shares insights into the gear and techniques involved in underwater photography, as well as stories and specific shots from various locations, such as Raja Ampat, Galapagos, and the Bahamas.