Photographers Corner – Buoyancy Control
Eric Keibler Oct 21, 2009
One of the most important things you can learn that will improve your underwater photography is proper buoyancy control. Learning how to control your buoyancy and your related attitude in the water will enable you to capture your subjects more effectively and easier.
One of the most effective ways to improve your buoyancy is to practice without your camera in a local lake. One of my favorite places for this is the Beautiful Blue Lagoon in hunstsville Texas. There is an old wooden sailboat sitting at a slight angle with the toe rail at about 15 feet. Using this rail as a visual reference, concentrate on maintaining a proper horizontal attitude and the rail in your site all while not kicking or skulling with your hands.
One of the most effective ways to improve your buoyancy is to practice without your camera in a local lake. One of my favorite places for this is the Beautiful Blue Lagoon in hunstsville Texas. There is an old wooden sailboat sitting at a slight angle with the toe rail at about 15 feet. Using this rail as a visual reference, concentrate on maintaining a proper horizontal attitude and the rail in your site all while not kicking or skulling with your hands.
Dave and I discovered the usefullness of this drill during a Principles of Technical Diving course confined water session. We found ourselves underwater when an thunderstorm went overhead. We dicided it was safer to remain underwater so the students received an elongated hover session while we waited for an improvement in the weather. It was amazing how much their buoyancy improved.
Since that class, I have incorporated this drill in all of my classes, no matter where I find myself teaching. I also try and repeat it myself when I add new equipment to my diving kit. Everyone can improve from better buoyancy control, even if you are not planning on taking photographs.
