Robert Herb Photography Blog

Introduction: Beneath the ocean's surface lies a mesmerizing world waiting to be captured through the lens of an underwater photographer. The journey from a casual photographer to a skilled artist involves not only capturing the essence of underwater scenes but also mastering the intricacies of exposure. In this in-depth exploration, I will dissect the concept of exposure, delve into the nuances of the Exposure Triangle, and provide a hands-on understanding of how each element within the triangle can significantly impact the final brilliance of your underwater photographs. Unveiling the Essence of Exposure: Exposure is the heartbeat of photography, dictating how light interacts with the camera sensor to produce an image. Achieving the perfect exposure entails a delicate equilibrium between three fundamental elements: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. This guide will unravel the secrets behind each of these components, empowering underwater photographers to unleash the full potentia...

A Comprehensive Guide for Underwater Hobbyist and Enthusiast Photographers Introduction: Metering modes are a critical aspect of photography, influencing how a camera interprets and calculates exposure based on available light. Photography hobbyists and enthusiasts might find these metering modes perplexing. This guide delves into the various metering modes, shedding light on their functionalities, applications, and the advantages and disadvantages for aspiring underwater photographers. Understanding Metering Modes: Let's explore five primary metering modes, each contributing to the art of exposure calculation: Evaluative Metering (Matrix Metering): How it works: Divides the frame into zones, analyzing contrast, color, and brightness to calculate an overall exposure. Where it measures: The entire frame. Best for: Versatile scenarios without extreme brightness variations. Advantages: Effective in balanced scenes with sophisticated algorithms for accurate metering. Disadvantages:...

What – Why – When – Where Again, this week, I was asked by an Underwater Photographer hobbyist/enthusiast, to spend a little time and help them figure out why their photos were not coming out of the camera, like what they had shot underwater. Camera manufacturers have made it easier for photographers to take photographs. However, the multitude of features can be overwhelming, and only a few are utilized. The abundance of shooting modes is a case in point. After conversing with numerous photographers, I have realized that many do not comprehend how different shooting modes function, and more importantly, when, where, and why they should select a specific mode. Many photographers report an affinity for aperture priority. I wonder why. It certainly has its place. But if I look at their work and many of the images were created with a wide-angle lens, aperture priority should be the least of their concerns. When shooting with wide lenses, aperture priority is less of a concern. The ...

One of the hardest decisions a Diver or Snorkeler has when considering diving into underwater photography is what kind of camera should I start out with and why. Below, I will try and assist you in this decision by at least giving you some basic information regarding the various types of cameras that are used by underwater hobbyists/enthusiasts. Underwater photography offers a mesmerizing portal into the aquatic realm, a canvas rich with colors, textures, and life forms. Whether you're a casual snorkeler or a dedicated scuba diver, the quest for the perfect underwater camera can be both exciting and daunting. In this expanded guide, I'll navigate deeper into camera choices, their intricacies, and how they align with various underwater scenarios. Smartphones: The Everyday Aquatic Ally Advantages: Portability: The ubiquitous nature of smartphones makes them an ever-present option. They slip easily into a pocket or pouch, always ready for that spontaneous underwater moment. Integ...

After finally purchasing your first camera, you insert the batteries, and new flash card, switch it on, and take your first picture.  Unfortunately, this picture does not look good, it doesn't look anything like what you hoped for or saw in person. You know that the camera is not at fault, you have seen the advertisements and sample pictures. So what is the problem? Before you throw the camera away or return it, let's look at some essential camera settings and what each does to a picture. Introduction:  It's essential to be familiar with the controls of your digital camera to achieve the best results. To unlock the potential of your camera, you need to master key controls that can shape the character of your photographs. In this guide, I'll cover ten essential controls that every photographer should know, listed in order of importance. We'll start with the PASM dial, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO, and delve into their purposes and the profound effects they have o...