The Underwater Photographer (Third Edition) by Martin Edge

Introduction

Underwater photography is an art form that combines technical expertise with creative vision. It challenges photographers to capture the essence of an alien world, where light, color, and composition behave differently than they do on land. Martin Edge’s The Underwater Photographer (Third Edition) is widely recognized as one of the definitive guides for those venturing into this specialized realm. Published in 2006, the book remains a cornerstone for enthusiasts and professionals alike, addressing both the technical demands and artistic possibilities of photographing beneath the water’s surface. With over 400 pages of in-depth guidance, lavishly illustrated with Edge's own work, it offers readers a comprehensive roadmap for success in underwater photography.

This is a short introduction to the book of the same name that is part of the “Ultimate Mastering Photography Encyclopedia – Over 350 E-Books” Collection.

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The third edition builds on the success of its predecessors by incorporating new techniques, a deeper exploration of digital photography, and additional insights into post-production. However, it is more than just a technical manual. Throughout the book, Edge’s deep love for underwater photography shines through, making this not only a highly practical guide but also an inspiring read for anyone with a passion for the underwater world.

In this detailed review, we will break down the content, structure, and core themes of The Underwater Photographer (Third Edition), while highlighting its strengths, identifying areas where it may be limited, and considering its lasting impact on the underwater photography community.

Structure and Content Overview

Edge organizes the book into a series of well-structured sections that guide readers through every step of underwater photography, from equipment selection to advanced techniques for creating awe-inspiring images. The logical flow of topics ensures that beginners can learn the basics while experienced photographers can dive deeper into specific areas of interest.

1. Introduction to Underwater Photography

Edge begins by painting a vivid picture of the underwater world, describing the magical and unique opportunities it offers for photographers. The introduction isn’t just a technical prelude; it’s a personal testament to the allure of underwater photography. He acknowledges the intrinsic beauty of marine life and underwater landscapes, which are unlike anything found on land, and he emphasizes the thrill of capturing those rare moments.

However, Edge also wastes no time pointing out the challenges that come with this pursuit. The underwater environment is inherently more hostile to photographers than land-based settings. Everything from the behavior of light to the physical limitations of working with cumbersome equipment under pressure (literally and figuratively) makes underwater photography more demanding. Edge’s introduction lays the groundwork for what the reader can expect in terms of technical demands and creative rewards, setting the stage for the more detailed chapters to follow.

2. Equipment and Gear: Choosing the Right Tools

In this chapter, Edge offers a meticulous breakdown of the equipment needed for underwater photography. Given the physical challenges of the environment, having the right gear is essential to achieving good results. He begins by discussing the two primary camera systems used in underwater photography: compact cameras and DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras.

Compact Cameras vs. DSLRs

Compact cameras, as Edge explains, offer ease of use and portability. They are often more affordable and lighter, making them an ideal choice for beginners or casual photographers. Compact cameras can be housed in underwater housings, which protect them from water and pressure. Edge acknowledges their advantages, such as auto settings that can be useful in unpredictable underwater environments. However, compact cameras come with limitations, especially in terms of control over exposure settings, image quality, and versatility.

On the other hand, Edge clearly favors DSLRs, particularly for more experienced photographers. DSLRs provide full control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, which are essential for adjusting to the ever-changing conditions underwater. The image quality from a DSLR far surpasses that of a compact camera, particularly in low-light situations, which is a frequent issue in underwater photography. Edge takes time to walk readers through the specific models available at the time of publication, comparing their features and offering recommendations based on different levels of expertise and budget.

Lenses

One of the most insightful parts of this chapter is Edge’s discussion of lenses, particularly the importance of choosing the right lens for different types of underwater photography. He explains that underwater photographers typically use either macro lenses or wide-angle lenses. Macro lenses are designed for shooting small creatures—everything from shrimp and nudibranchs to tiny details of coral reefs—while wide-angle lenses allow photographers to capture expansive scenes, such as coral gardens, wrecks, and large marine animals like sharks or manta rays.

Edge discusses the advantages of each type of lens in various scenarios. For instance, wide-angle lenses are particularly useful when working in environments where visibility is an issue, as they allow photographers to get closer to the subject, reducing the amount of water (and therefore particles) between the lens and the subject. This helps to minimize backscatter, which is a common issue in underwater photography where light reflects off floating particles in the water, creating white specks in the image.

Underwater Housings and Strobes

The section on underwater housings is particularly technical, as Edge delves into the various types of housings available, the materials they’re made from (typically plastic or aluminum), and how to maintain them. Housings are not just about keeping the camera dry—they also need to be ergonomic, allowing photographers to change settings easily while underwater. Edge shares personal anecdotes about different housings he’s used over the years, offering practical advice on how to choose the right one for your camera system.

Lighting is another critical component, and Edge dedicates a significant portion of the chapter to strobes. Underwater lighting is challenging because water absorbs light, and as you descend, colors become muted. Red and orange wavelengths disappear first, leaving blues and greens, which can make images look flat and monochromatic. Strobes (underwater flash systems) help bring color and contrast back into the picture by illuminating the subject with artificial light.

Edge’s explanation of strobe positioning is invaluable for avoiding common pitfalls like backscatter. His detailed diagrams showing different strobe positions (relative to the subject and the camera) offer a visual understanding of how to achieve the desired lighting effect.

3. Mastering Light Underwater: The Key to Stunning Images

Light is the essence of photography, but underwater, it behaves in ways that can be baffling to the unprepared photographer. Edge tackles this subject with depth and clarity, focusing on the physics of light absorption and scattering in water.

The Challenges of Underwater Light

Light behaves differently underwater than it does on land, due to the way water absorbs different wavelengths of light. As sunlight penetrates the water, red is the first color to disappear, followed by orange and yellow. This leaves mostly blues and greens, which is why underwater scenes often appear blueish or greenish in photographs. The deeper you go, the more these colors are muted, which can result in washed-out images if artificial light is not used effectively.

Edge explains how to deal with these challenges by using strobes or video lights to reintroduce color into underwater scenes. He also discusses how to use natural light to your advantage, especially in shallow waters where there is more ambient light. Timing your dive to coincide with the sun’s optimal position—typically mid-morning or late afternoon—can result in softer, more flattering light.

Artificial Lighting

A significant portion of this chapter is devoted to the use of strobes and flash units. Edge emphasizes the importance of using artificial light to restore color and contrast to your underwater images, particularly at greater depths. He provides detailed instructions on how to position strobes for maximum effect, discussing the differences between front lighting, side lighting, and backlighting. His explanations are complemented by side-by-side comparisons of images taken with and without artificial light, demonstrating the dramatic impact that good lighting can have on an image.

For example, in a series of photographs of a coral reef, Edge shows how direct front lighting can flatten the image, whereas positioning the strobe slightly to the side creates shadows and depth, making the coral stand out more vividly. He also explains the concept of “feathering” the light, where you use the edges of the strobe’s beam to illuminate the subject, rather than blasting it directly with light, which can cause harsh highlights and unwanted reflections.

Understanding Natural Light

While much of the book focuses on artificial lighting, Edge also provides tips for working with natural light. In shallow water, where sunlight can penetrate effectively, natural light can be used to create stunning effects, especially when shooting wide-angle scenes or when the water is clear and the visibility is good. He discusses techniques such as shooting “upwards” toward the surface to capture sunbursts or rays of light filtering through the water, which can add a dramatic and ethereal quality to your images.

In this section, Edge also touches on using filters to correct the color shifts that occur as you go deeper. Filters can help restore some of the reds and oranges that are lost, though they are no substitute for strobes when it comes to bringing out the full spectrum of colors in your photographs.

4. Exposure and Composition: Crafting the Perfect Shot

Photography is as much about creativity as it is about technical skill, and Edge devotes an entire section to the art of composition and exposure. He begins by explaining the fundamental principles of good composition, such as the rule of thirds, symmetry, and leading lines, but quickly shifts to how these can be applied in the unique underwater environment.

Exposure: Balancing ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed

One of the most important aspects of photography is controlling exposure, which involves balancing ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Edge walks readers through the basics of how these elements interact and how they must be adjusted to suit underwater conditions.

ISO: In underwater photography, lighting conditions are often dim, especially as you descend. Edge explains the importance of increasing the ISO to compensate for the lack of light, but cautions against pushing it too high, as this can introduce noise into the image. He recommends experimenting with ISO settings to find the right balance between light sensitivity and image quality.
Aperture: Aperture controls the depth of field, and Edge offers specific advice on when to use a wide aperture (for isolating subjects with a blurred background) versus a narrow aperture (for sharp, expansive scenes). In macro photography, for example, a narrow depth of field can be used to focus attention on the intricate details of a small subject, such as a seahorse or a nudibranch, while in wide-angle photography, a larger depth of field ensures that both the foreground and background are sharp.
Shutter Speed: Fast-moving marine life presents a challenge for photographers trying to capture a crisp, clear shot. Edge explains how to adjust the shutter speed to freeze motion, while also compensating for the reduced light underwater. He notes that, when using strobes, the strobe’s flash duration effectively becomes the shutter speed for illuminating the subject.

Edge provides a host of practical examples, including detailed exposure settings for different underwater scenarios, such as photographing fast-moving schools of fish, shooting wide-angle reef scenes, and capturing macro shots of tiny creatures.

Composition: Bringing Artistry to Underwater Photography

Composition is where creativity meets technique, and Edge offers a wealth of advice on how to frame and balance your images for maximum impact. He discusses the rule of thirds, leading lines, and the importance of framing your subject within the natural elements of the scene, such as using coral branches or rock formations to direct the viewer’s eye toward the main subject.

In underwater photography, the background can often be just as important as the subject, particularly when shooting wide-angle scenes. Edge encourages photographers to consider the entire composition, from foreground to background, to create a sense of depth and scale. He shares his own methods for creating dynamic compositions, such as positioning the camera at a low angle to capture marine life against the backdrop of the water’s surface, or using large foreground subjects to anchor the viewer’s eye.

Edge’s examples and accompanying photographs illustrate these points vividly. In one image of a sea turtle swimming through a coral reef, he shows how using a wide-angle lens and positioning the turtle slightly off-center creates a more dynamic composition, drawing the eye through the image and creating a sense of movement.

5. Macro and Wide-Angle Photography: Exploring the Extremes

Two of the most popular and visually striking genres of underwater photography are macro and wide-angle photography, and Edge dedicates entire chapters to mastering these techniques.

Macro Photography: The Art of the Tiny

Macro photography involves photographing small subjects at very close range, often with a 1:1 magnification ratio. Edge explains how to approach this delicate genre, where the slightest movement can cause blurring or disturb the subject. He emphasizes the importance of patience and subtlety, especially when photographing shy marine life like seahorses or small crustaceans.

Macro lenses, such as 50mm, 60mm, or 100mm lenses, allow photographers to capture the intricate details of subjects that are often missed by the naked eye. Edge provides tips on using manual focus to ensure precise sharpness, particularly when shooting at shallow depths of field. He also offers advice on lighting, noting that in macro photography, it’s often best to use one or two small strobes positioned close to the subject to avoid harsh shadows and bring out texture and detail.

In a series of stunning macro photographs, Edge demonstrates how macro photography can reveal the hidden beauty of the underwater world, from the vibrant patterns of nudibranchs to the translucent bodies of tiny shrimp.

Wide-Angle Photography: Capturing the Big Picture

Wide-angle photography, in contrast, is all about capturing expansive underwater scenes, from coral reefs to shipwrecks to large marine life like sharks and manta rays. Wide-angle lenses (typically in the range of 10-20mm) allow photographers to capture a vast field of view while still maintaining a sense of closeness to the subject.

Edge discusses the unique challenges of wide-angle photography, particularly in terms of lighting and composition. When shooting wide-angle, the photographer must consider how to light both the foreground and the background effectively. Edge’s solution is to use multiple strobes, positioned at different angles, to evenly illuminate the scene without creating harsh shadows or backscatter.

In terms of composition, Edge emphasizes the importance of balance. Wide-angle shots often feature both a close-up foreground subject and a distant background element, such as a diver or a sunburst. Balancing these elements is key to creating an engaging and visually appealing image. Edge also discusses the use of negative space, where the subject is framed against a large, open expanse of water, creating a sense of isolation and tranquility.

6. Advanced Techniques: Filters, Movement, and Black and White Photography

Once readers have mastered the basics, Edge introduces more advanced techniques that can add artistic flair to underwater photographs.

Using Filters

Filters can help correct color imbalances that occur as light is absorbed by the water. Edge explains the different types of filters available, including red filters that help restore some of the red wavelengths lost at depth. While strobes are the most effective way to bring color back into underwater images, filters offer a more natural-looking alternative in shallow waters or when shooting wide-angle scenes with ambient light.

Capturing Movement

One of the most challenging aspects of underwater photography is capturing motion, whether it’s a fast-moving fish or the gentle sway of seaweed in the current. Edge discusses techniques for freezing motion, using fast shutter speeds in conjunction with strobes, as well as creative techniques like long exposures to capture the flow of movement in a more abstract way.

In one of the most visually striking examples in the book, Edge shows a long-exposure shot of a school of fish swimming in a circular pattern. The long exposure creates a blurred, ethereal effect, emphasizing the movement and energy of the scene. He explains how to set up such shots, balancing exposure time with available light and ensuring that the camera remains steady during the long exposure.

Black and White Photography

While underwater photography is often associated with vibrant colors, black and white photography offers a different way to explore underwater scenes. By removing color from the equation, photographers can focus on texture, contrast, and composition. Edge provides tips on how to shoot with black and white in mind, particularly when it comes to lighting and exposure. He also discusses post-processing techniques for converting color images to black and white, emphasizing the importance of retaining detail and contrast.

7. Post-Processing: Bringing Your Images to Life

In the digital age, post-processing has become an essential part of photography, and Edge devotes a chapter to editing underwater images. He provides a step-by-step guide to using software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance images, correct color balance, remove backscatter, and sharpen details.

Color Correction

One of the most common issues in underwater photography is the loss of color due to light absorption. Edge walks readers through the process of adjusting white balance and using color correction tools to restore the natural hues of the underwater world. He provides before-and-after examples of images that have been color-corrected, demonstrating how small adjustments can dramatically improve the overall look of an image.

Removing Backscatter

Backscatter, the unwanted specks of light that appear when particles in the water are illuminated by the strobe, is a frequent issue in underwater photography. Edge explains how to use tools like the healing brush and clone stamp to remove backscatter in post-processing, while also offering tips on how to minimize backscatter during the shoot itself by positioning strobes correctly and avoiding areas with a lot of suspended particles.

Sharpening and Detail Enhancement

Underwater images often benefit from sharpening and detail enhancement, especially when they’ve been shot in low-light conditions. Edge provides practical advice on how to use sharpening tools effectively, without introducing noise or artifacts into the image.

8. Ethics and Conservation: Photography with a Purpose

Throughout the book, Edge emphasizes the importance of ethical photography and environmental stewardship. In this chapter, he discusses the impact that photographers can have on marine environments, both positive and negative.

Minimizing Environmental Impact

Edge offers practical advice on how to minimize one’s impact on fragile underwater ecosystems, such as avoiding contact with coral reefs, controlling buoyancy to prevent disturbing the seabed, and refraining from using strobes on sensitive marine life, like certain species of fish and invertebrates.

Using Photography for Conservation

Edge also encourages photographers to use their work to promote environmental awareness and conservation. He shares stories of how his own photographs have been used to highlight issues like coral bleaching, pollution, and overfishing. He urges readers to consider the role that their photography can play in advocating for the protection of the oceans and their inhabitants.

Strengths of the Book

1. Accessibility and Clarity

One of the key strengths of The Underwater Photographer is its accessibility. Martin Edge has a gift for explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, without dumbing down the material. His clear, straightforward writing style makes the book approachable for readers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced photographers.

The progression of topics is logical and well-structured, allowing readers to build their skills gradually. Beginners can start with the basics of equipment and exposure, while more advanced photographers can dive into the chapters on creative techniques and post-processing.

2. Practical, Hands-On Advice

The book is filled with practical advice that readers can apply immediately to their own photography. Edge doesn’t just explain concepts in the abstract; he provides step-by-step instructions and real-world examples that show how these techniques work in practice. The inclusion of detailed settings for different shooting scenarios (e.g., macro, wide-angle, fast-moving subjects) helps readers make informed decisions about their own gear and techniques.

3. Visual Inspiration

The book is richly illustrated with high-quality photographs taken by Edge himself. These images serve not only as examples of the techniques being discussed but also as a source of inspiration. The stunning underwater shots capture the beauty and diversity of marine life, demonstrating the creative possibilities that underwater photography offers.

The visual examples are complemented by diagrams and illustrations that clarify technical concepts, making it easier for readers to understand and apply the advice. For instance, diagrams showing strobe positioning or exposure settings provide a clear visual reference that enhances the text.

4. Comprehensive Coverage

The Underwater Photographer covers a wide range of topics, from basic equipment and techniques to advanced post-processing and ethical considerations. This comprehensive approach ensures that readers have a well-rounded understanding of the field, enabling them to tackle a variety of underwater photography challenges.

Edge’s attention to detail and thorough explanations make the book a valuable resource for anyone serious about underwater photography, whether they are just starting out or looking to refine their existing skills.

Limitations and Considerations

1. Outdated Equipment Information

One of the limitations of the third edition is that some of the equipment recommendations and technical details are now somewhat outdated. Given that the book was published in 2006, many of the camera models, housings, and accessories discussed may no longer be relevant in the rapidly evolving world of digital photography. While the core principles and techniques remain applicable, readers should supplement the book with up-to-date information on the latest gear and technological advancements.

2. Assumption of Diving Knowledge

Another consideration is that the book assumes a certain level of diving proficiency. While it is an excellent resource for underwater photography, it does not cover basic diving skills or safety procedures in detail. For readers who are new to diving, it may be necessary to seek additional training and experience before attempting some of the more advanced techniques described in the book.

3. Focus on High-End Equipment

Although Edge makes an effort to address different budget levels, much of the advice in the book is geared toward those with access to high-end equipment. Professional-grade cameras, lenses, and lighting gear can be expensive, and readers who are working with more modest budgets may find it challenging to apply some of the techniques without investing in costly equipment. However, many of the concepts discussed are adaptable to a range of gear, and readers can often achieve similar results with more affordable options by making some adjustments.

Conclusion

Martin Edge’s The Underwater Photographer (Third Edition) remains a seminal work in the field of underwater photography, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for photographers of all levels. Its comprehensive coverage of equipment, techniques, and creative approaches makes it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to explore the underwater world through the lens.

The book’s strengths lie in its clarity, practical guidance, and visual inspiration, making it both an educational tool and a source of artistic motivation. While some of the equipment information may be dated and the assumption of diving knowledge could be a barrier for absolute beginners, the core principles and techniques taught by Edge continue to be relevant and valuable.

For those serious about underwater photography, The Underwater Photographer is more than just a manual—it is a celebration of the beauty and complexity of the underwater world. Edge’s passion for the subject, combined with his extensive experience, ensures that readers are not only equipped with the technical skills needed to succeed but also inspired to capture and share the wonders of the deep.

In a field that is constantly evolving, the third edition of Edge’s book remains a cornerstone for underwater photographers, and its enduring relevance speaks to the timeless nature of the principles it teaches. Whether you are a novice looking to embark on your underwater photography journey or an experienced photographer seeking to refine your skills, Martin Edge’s The Underwater Photographer (Third Edition) offers a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for capturing the beauty of the underwater world.