Staging Macro Photos

Ever notice that the little critters that make macro-photography fun are rarely in just the right place to make the photos truly spectacular. Nudibranchs are often hidden under swaying sea weed. Stars are usually flat against non-descript rocks. Or that crab or shrimp is cowering in a crevice. Just how are those great macro photos taken? Luck? Hardly. Dive often enough and you'll occasionally find these tiny creatures out in the open in just the right pose. More likely than not, you're going to have to encourage them to work with you for that perfect photo. You'll need to stage your photos.

In staging a macro photo, you'll more than likely have to move and/or alter one or more underwater elements, including plants and animals. Ethical questions immediately arise. Should you handle the animals? Many feel this is simply unacceptable. It is my experience, however, that those who pursue this type of photography have a true love and appreciation for these animals. Their goal is to bring dramatic images of the wonderful underwater world to those who do not dive. If you choose to alter the marine environment in any way to enhance your photos, remember the following: Handle the animals and plants with utmost care, always returning them to the location in which they were found.

Macro photos are staged to achieve one or more of these three objectives: The right background; the right angle; and the right pose.

The right background: Colors, and especially textures, can be dramatically enhanced by moving an animal to the right background. The background which an animal is found is often a confused patchwork of algae and other encrusting growth. Move the animal to a background that is more consistent. Kelp fronds, smooth shells, or a clean rock would be good. Try to stay with backgrounds that have a natural consistency with the animal in question. Most nudibranchs, for example, do not crawl on gorgonians. Contrasting colors and textures can also add drama to the photo.

The right angle: Camera angle can make all the difference in the world. Getting low and shooting up is always a good rule. That's hard for tiny animals against a rock. If the animal is on a small rock or shell, pick it up with one hand, shooting the camera with the other. This small "stage" will allow you to rotate the animal, shooting at different angles. You could even position a diver's face in the background. For a different, dramatic effect, use sunlight in the background. You can also place the animal on a kelp frond, clean shell or rock. I know one photographer who carries a small dark rock in his BC pocket for just such photos.

The right pose: This is the hardest to achieve. It involves getting the animal to "pose" for you. Nudibranchs can often be coaxed into raising off their rock by reaching for a small piece of kelp. Crabs and shrimp will go into a defensive "claws up" posture if they perceive a threat (i.e., you poke your finger in their face). In contrast, get a hermit crab to relax and come out of its shell for a great photo. The raised arm of a sea star reveals its many tube feet. Posing small animals takes experimentation and patience.

Hours can be spent underwater in the pursuit of the perfect macro-photo. Macro-photography is easy, does not require much equipment, and subjects can be found at nearly any dive site. But to get those images that are truly dramatic, try staging some of your macro photo shots. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the results.

Dale Sheckler is editor and publisher of California Diving News as well as co-author of the book Southern California's Best Beach Dives.