Robert Herb Photography Blog

  The picture generated by AI As an underwater photography hobbyist, entering photography contests can be a fantastic way to gain recognition for your skills and passion. Here, I've compiled a list of 15 photography contests that cater to a variety of photographic interests, including several specifically for underwater photographers. Each contest is unique in what it seeks from participants, so find the one that best suits your style and dive in! I have sorted these in relevance to their importance and prestige (my personal sort). I would love to hear about your personal favorites or ones that you feel I should have included. Remember, you lose nothing by submitting photos for review, and stand to gain lots of visibility and prestige by winning any of these. 1. Underwater Photographer of the Year About: This contest celebrates the beauty and intricacy of the underwater world.  Focus: Underwater photography mastery.  How to Submit: High-resolution images, submitted via...

Three Basic Color Filters Underwater photography enthusiasts often debate whether filters are necessary or not. While some swear by them, others prefer to rely on their preset white balance settings. However, it is observed that those who use cell phones, GoPro's, Sealife's, or compact cameras without video or strobe lights tend to use filters to enhance their picture quality straight out of the camera. Similarly, people who mostly shoot videos also benefit from the use of filters.  There are many different filters of color, but today, I am going to focus just on the three basic colors; Red, Magenta, and Yellow. For those who prefer to use white balance settings, presetting them based on depth, time of day, visibility, and turbidity is a common practice. However, during night dives, a yellow filter is often used to improve contrast and show off fluorescents.  In contrast, photographers who shoot mostly during the day may choose to experiment with or without filters or white ba...

Photo created by AI I often get asked how I was able to land a great job as a Professional Photographer, being published in many dive magazines, and working and living in the Caribbean, on a beautiful Island, for a top resort? One of the ways I did this was through building a compelling portfolio. Below are some great tips and methods for accomplishing this for yourself. Creating an underwater photography portfolio is an exciting endeavor that showcases your skills, creativity, and passion for the underwater world. A well-crafted portfolio not only displays your best work but also serves as a key tool in expanding your reach, connecting with clients, and securing features in magazines or online platforms.  Whether you're a seasoned diver with a camera always at the ready or a photographer venturing below the surface for the first time, building a compelling underwater photography portfolio is your ticket to showcasing your work, capturing hearts, and opening doors to new opportunit...

The world beneath the waves is a mysterious and captivating realm that photographers have long sought to capture through their lenses. Underwater photography is an art that requires a deep understanding of color and light, as well as an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the underwater world. At the heart of this photographic discipline lies the role of color, which is both a challenge to be overcome and an avenue for breathtaking artistic expression. Deciphering Color Beneath the Waves Underwater photography is a unique and challenging field, where capturing vibrant and accurate colors is a crucial element. The underwater environment has its peculiarities when it comes to light behavior, which can make it difficult to capture the true essence of an underwater scene. As sunlight penetrates the ocean, it undergoes selective absorption and scattering, which causes a gradual loss of color from the spectrum, starting with reds and moving toward blues. This phenomenon significant...