How to Use Props to Spice Up Underwater Photos?

Underwater photography is a delicate play of light and colour, so finding a perfect photo under natural circumstances is not that difficult. But if it’s humans you are photographing, then at some point you are going to run out of poses.

And that is where props will come to your rescue. Props are things which models (or whoever it is you are shooting – could be your friends or family members too) use which is easily available and fits perfectly with the mood of the photo.

Want to know more about how to use props and how they can bring a new dimension to your underwater photographs:

1. You can use some obvious props that come with the package. For instance, if you are shooting in the sea or another natural water body, then conch shell, corals, surf board, sea weeds or playful fish.

2. You can fashion a prop out of day-to-day things which resemble creatures or things from the natural world. For example, a very famous photographer used a transparent umbrella and tied some pink ribbons on the edge to give it a jellyfish-like  appearance.

3. If you are shooting in a pool, then you don’t have to worry about poor lighting, since pools are not that deep and the white tiled walls reflect light.

4. Also, while shooting in a pool, you have the freedom to use a whole variety of props. Almost everything in your house can be used in that case, like a chair, a broken guitar, a bicycle, a magazine, a tennis racquet, some clothes which have a lot of flair (since water accentuates the flow of fabric) or some kitchen utensils et al.

5. Make sure that these props  do not wilt or get damaged underwater. In addition to that, pay attention to the expressions of your model since maintaining poise underwater is difficult. It is there for a fleeting second, so make the most of it.

Image courtesy: Evolution.Com.Ph