Photographing Fish & Stuff - Weights

[Errolc]

Hi - recently got obsessed with snorkelling photography - max only 5 metres - main issue is buoyancy. Even with 7 Kilos on board, stop to focus, feet go first then I'm shooting to the top - attached photo shows the prob - just not sharp despite photo editing. I think for neutral bouyancy at 3 - 5 metres I'd be neg at the top wouldn't I? Any thoughts? Thanks - Errol

 

[cdavis]

Neutral at 5 m and you will be positive at the surface. Add some weight. You might need to put some on your ankles, buy neck weights for that if needed. Also try exhaling a bit. About half a lungful works better than full lung for what you are trying to do, just takes getting used to. If you like the half lung format, do some searching for "frc" or "exhale diving" on this forum and read up on the pros, cons, and safety issues.

Connor

 

[Errolc]

Thanks Connor - will do the ankles - would never thought of neck weights.. Just wanted to check I wasn't being too crazy. Have tried the half exhale - but tended to overdo it - so big rush for the exit . Next hols pl - Errol

 

[cdavis]

"Have tried the half exhale - but tended to overdo it - so big rush for the exit . "

Know EXACTLY what you mean, it takes a bit of practice.

 

[fabikp]

Hi Errol, according to my own experience I think it would be quite difficult to be neutral at 3-5 m. I am neutral at about 7-8 m and must be careful when swimming on surface for snorkel to be out of water, especially during exhale. Like cdavis says, half full lungs may help and manual setting of the camera too. Feet first make problem worse, because in this shallow depth the hight of your body matters and head first dive and taking picture at horizontal position ( maybe lying on the bottom) would be better - the lower is your rib cage, the more negative is your buoyancy. Pavel

 

[Errolc]

Hi Pavel - usually already in horizontal position as best way to approach the fish - tend to scarper if dive straight down at them. Can't lie on bottom as its coral - clearly also precludes holding on. For same reason can't use a lump of lead attached by line to a float to ditch after shots and retrieve at the surface. Doubt safety issues with half exhale apply at my depths so seems like my best option. Thanks very - new to this forum and it clearly is a good one - Errol