{"id":4553,"date":"2019-02-05T11:05:35","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T11:05:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kooxdiving.com\/en\/?p=4553"},"modified":"2019-10-24T10:52:17","modified_gmt":"2019-10-24T10:52:17","slug":"cenote-diving-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kooxdiving.com\/en\/cenote-diving-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Cenote Diving Photography: How To Shoot The Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen"},"content":{"rendered":"
It\u2019s just a 45-minute drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. And here you\u2019ll be able to take part in a whole range of unique dive adventures. Whether you\u2019re an advanced diver or simply a beginner. The reefs host a magnificent marine life. From crabs and lobsters to eagle rays and bull sharks. And with a few helpful tips, you can record them all!<\/p>\n
Want to know more about cenote diving photography: how to shoot the cenotes near Playa del Carmen? Read on\u2026<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a complete beginner, you need to know that beams of sunlight filtering through the cenote should be positioned down the centre of the frame. This composes the scene. And can add drama to your photo.<\/p>\n
As an intermediate photographer, you can capture dancing shafts of sunlight using faster shutter speed. This freezes the movement. And defines the rays.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re an experienced photographer you can concentrate on making the beams the brightest part of the photo. This contrast with lesser light sources produces intense photos of the shafts of light.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Plan Your Dives<\/b><\/p>\n
In order to get the best photos, you need to enlist the help of a knowledgeable dive operator. The time of day you start your shoot and the weather is vital to ensure you capture the images you want. And you can rely on your dive guide to time the light perfectly so that you can capture the spectacular light shows.<\/p>\n

\nBe Darkness Savvy<\/b><\/p>\n
Photography needs light. And cenotes can be very dark. This means you\u2019ll be using different types of shutter speed and aperture than normal.<\/p>\n
Strobes should be used sparingly as they can lessen the drama. Underwater strobes are basically flash guns that provide necessary artificial light. They send out light at various power settings and recycle after each discharge. Strobe cords allow your camera and strobe to work together to create the exposure you want.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, fellow dive buddies can provide a light source to allow you and other photographers to enjoy a visual stage.<\/p>\n

\nThe Critical Focus<\/b><\/p>\n
Taking photos in the dark brings its own challenges. As you will be using a more open aperture this reduces the depth of field. However, a great camera can focus even in darkness. Keep your focus on the close foreground features. And then the rest of the image will retain a good sharpness. Locking the focus setting may be an alternative option.<\/p>\n

\nExposure Trials<\/b><\/p>\n
Darkness makes exposure harder to judge as your screen can look brighter than usual. And this can cause underexposure. The best compositions come from diving into the darkest part of the cave. Then turning around and shooting back towards the light.<\/p>\n

\nKnow Your Cameras<\/b><\/p>\n
There\u2019s a whole range of cameras to choose that offer useful underwater data such as altitude and depth. As well as digital cameras that deliver high-quality image capture even in low-light conditions. Popular selections include:<\/p>\n
Make sure you look for features such as:<\/p>\n
<\/br><\/p>\n