DIVE LOG AUSTRALASIA FEB 2026

This photo demonstrates two principles of composition that are all so important. The rule of thirds with the diver position 1/3 and the foreground, midground background principle. There are two main features that attract your attention but in this case, it adds to the overall effect.

Photographing Wrecks Considerations Helpful thoughts for wreck photography. Plan your photo shoot to tell a story. Select wide lenses unless you want to capture small subjects for a specific purpose such as a cup, bullet clips, a buckle or medical kit. Include wide panorama photos and details of machinery or weapons and munitions. Historic wrecks can highlight old technology such as Steam engines, condensers and hausers which add to the mystique of your wreck story. Many history buffs love it. Include a model enjoying the dive in to highlight the diving experience. Make sure that you and you model discuss the photo before the dive. The model needs to know how to pose and what sort of photo you plan. I usually show them a diagram of the intended photo so they know where to pose. Preset the camera and lighting. Shoot upwards to take advantage of ambient light.

Always be conscious of rules of composition. Try to build in foreground, mid ground and background as well as placing subjects using the rule of thirds. If you have two conflicting subjects in the foreground both vying for your attention, highlighted it may be a distraction to the viewer. A single highlight in the foreground will attract the eye of the beholder and is usually desireable. Set exposure settings for the lightest and brightest area to avoid over exposed hot spots. Try to use the ‘sweet spot’ of lenses. This is best optics of the lens. Try to get into tight spots with once in a lifetime photo opportunities first. If you are the eighth diver, you will encounter a silt out and the photo opportunity is forever lost. If you have travelled across the globe, you may never pass by the wreck again. So it can be a literally a once in a lifetime opportunity. Then again, take turns. There is nothing worse than hogging the dive. Keep an eye out for sharks hiding in the dark. Make sure you make it back to the dive boat.

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Dive Log Australasia #416 February ’26

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