This Photography Hack Lets You Shoot Underwater

Camera Gear Used:

In today's behind the scenes video, I attempt to take some photographs in a pool without using an underwater housing. Instead, I'm going to be shooting a Nikon D850 DSLR camera inside a 10 gallon fish tank. This will allow me to capture images both underwater and above water at the same time while also showing the water line that separates the two halves of the image.

For lighting gear, I'm using the new Westcott FJ400 strobes with the Westcott 26" Rapidbox softbox. These two strobes are connected wirelessly with the Westcott FJ-X2m universal radio trigger. Because this flash system is both wireless and battery operated, I can easily get the lights in the exact location I need while also maintaining a safe working environment where water is involved.

Our model for the day is former Miss Puerto Rico Earth, Krystal Xamairy. In this shoot, she is wearing a Body Glove rashguard.

In the second half of this photography tutorial, I process and edit my favorite photo in ACDsee's Photo Studio Professional 2020. Using just a few sliders and adjustments, I'm able to take a raw file straight out of camera and turn it into a final polished image ready for publication.

Gear and Workflow Recommendations:

Music

Software

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[FStoppers]

Model and Gear used in the comment below!

[benhersheyloves]

The biggest hack in this video is the Rode Mic setup

[adeitsch]

@Fstoppers Rub a raw potato on the outside of the glass. It acts as a hydrophobic layer so that when you dunk the aquarium you'll see that the water droplets just disappear. It will last about 15-20 minutes or so and then you'll need to redo it but it works well.

[StephenCarmona]

I've found the following helpful while doing this type of setup..

Use Rainex on the interior and exterior of the glass. It will shed water much more quickly /cleanly and prevent any fogging issues.

Use duvateen spray mounted to sides and back of the aquarium. It helps eliminate reflections inside the housing.

I think the pictures you captured were incredible.

[nameohnezahlen]

Chrystal is beautiful. absolutely my favourite model. Glad to see a Video with her. please keep making those

[falithon]

I have a Lee and Patrick shaped hole in my daily routine since the end of the journals. Hope you guys are back soon! My grandmother has covid and we aren't expecting her to pull through, very strange having the virus strike close to home after spending so much time reading about it and listening to you guys discuss it. Stay safe.

[DreyMedia]

Patrick is still alive! Also, great tutorial.

[VGMLucifier]

_So, when the COVID-19 journals coming back Patrick / Lee_ ?😉

(Asking for a friend, but good you two are enjoying your summers!)

Good underwater tutorial for photography nonetheless!

[bobpollack]

The reason to use dedicated housing is; to protect the camera an investment of over three thousand dollars. I use a prime lens of 24-85Mm range. Great video.

[IrisNelson]

Glad to see you back in action and making tutorial, Patrick. Stay safe.

[rawformatphotography]

Great content! Happy to see you guys getting back to what you love doing!

[carlosencarnacion]

In order to make the water flow and not sick on the glass try using Rain X,

[DanteJDM]

Silicone spray or liquid for the outside of the glass. Can be found in automotive sections for windshields (anti-fog and droplets), interior maintenance and tire shine (but don't ever do that). Bottle of liquid will last you a very long time

[markboucher]

I like the natural light photo and also the photos with flash. Both good. The model is very beautiful.

[viperbite]

You could use automotive wax or rain-x on the glass to bead the water so it runs off easier

[_Ryan_]

holy crap! what an easy and simple idea. I may have to try something similar at the beach tidepools.

[daleboettcherphoto]

To avoid the water droplets. Take a candle or surfboard wax (unscented) and make a small grid pattern of the aquarium glass. Then buff it out with a microfiber cloth. This will prevent droplets from sticking to the glass after it’s dipped

[AliDrew]

I keep seeing this hack and wasn't sure how it would work. This is a great video showing how to do this safely without risking the camera

[barryobrien]

In my opinion I am not sure if the underwater distortion is worth the effort, but the surface shots look great. Maybe one of those plastic bag housings with the clear lens cap may be better, or just work at the surface. Nice work, great use of a fishtank and a lawn table

[Bloodshade]

Is there an easy fix for the perspective of warping caused by the water? Or would you just make the underwater portion its own layer and try to scale it and position it so her figure is continuous