Strobes

Note: The pages in this section are still under development. I have written much of the text, but I haven't gotten to drawing any of the figures or selecting any photographs to use as illustrations. I will finish these pages as time allows...please be patient! 

- d.r.

Because of the lighting conditions underwater, strobes are an essential tool for getting good photographic results. The light levels tend to be low, so the strobe adds some light for you. But much more important is the issue of color. Since the water eats up the colors in sunlight, starting with red and working down the spectrum as you go deeper, everything appears drab and bluish. Your eye compensates for to some degree, but photographic film isn't as flexible. The only way to render the reef in its "natural" colors is to take a piece of the sun underwater with you.  That piece of the sun is a strobe.

Strobe use is relatively easy, but there are several technical issue of which you need to be aware. There are also some techniques you can use to get the most from your strobe.

This section is designed to help you master your strobe so you can use it effectively. The section comes in 4 chapters, 3 of which address a major topic in strobe use. The 4th covers some common problems you might encounter while diving and photographing with your strobe.

• Required Equipment:  The essential components of a strobe system.
• Exposure Control: How to use your strobe with your camera
• Strobe Aim: Learn how to minimize backscatter or avoid it altogether.
• Common Problems: Your picture came out with strobe problems. What went wrong?

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