Stuck inside? Improve your underwater photography while at home

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Stuck inside? Improve your underwater photography while at home

March 30, 2020 - 13:06
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While divers around the world find themselves landlocked during the coronavirus pandemic, many are looking to online learning to increase and improve skills. California underwater photographer Brent Durand has announced he is developing a new series of free video tutorials for divers interested in doing underwater photography.

Practice underwater photography at home, with free video tutorials by Brent Durand.

"We are all aware of the stresses rippling through the dive industry as a result of COVID-19," said Durand. "To help look at the bright side, I have started a weekly video tutorial series on how to improve your underwater photography and video while at home. The format is very casual and more vlog-like than my standard tutorial videos, but hopefully entertaining as well. My goal is to inspire all of us who shoot photo and video underwater so that we are excited to book the next exotic trip and stock up at our local dive shop as soon as safe to do so. This is a small community and we all play a part. I hope you enjoy the videos!"

The first video in the series focuses on depth of field, exposure challenges, composition and creative lighting techniques. Go to:

The second video just posted in the series focuses on improving your skills in using a camera housing and reviewing photos in imaging software. Go to:

Image editing & getting to know your gear

Now may also be a good time to learn more about editing one’s images. On Durand’s YouTube channel, underwater photographers will find a variety of free helpful videos about postproduction tips in Adobe Lightroom, covering topics such as backscatter removal, white balance and how to speed up one’s workflow. It may also be a good time to get to know your camera rig better. Brush up on underwater photography camera settings and how to use camera gear with free video tutorials about lights, strobe positioning, black backgrounds, wet lenses and composition tips.To watch the free video tutorials, go to the photographer’s YouTube channel at: .

Virtual photo lesson

You can even register for a virtual photo lesson, available to those who want individual custom instruction on specific aspects of underwater photography, gear and postproduction. “The lesson will cover exactly what YOU want to learn!” states Durand. Book your virtual lesson here:

About the photographer

An avid diver for over 20 years, Durand is a widely published underwater photographer and dive writer who has served as editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and imaging expert at Scuba Diving Magazine and Sport Diver. With a reputation for insightful-yet-simple reviews and tutorial articles, he has written for most of the top dive publications. Helping hundreds of divers “take their photography to the next level,” Durand has led underwater photography workshops in California, the Bahamas, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. ■

For more information, visit: .

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