Robert Herb Photography Blog

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 bal

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

Introduction: Underwater photography is an exciting way to explore the depths and capture the beauty of marine life and aquatic terrains. However, taking pictures underwater poses unique challenges, particularly when it comes to lighting. Because of the properties of water and suspended particles, light behaves differently underwater, requiring advanced lighting techniques to produce visually stunning photographs. In this article, I will delve into several innovative lighting methods, discussing their effects on photography, the necessary equipment, and the optimal conditions for their use. I am sure there are other lighting techniques, but these are some of the ones I have experimented with. Ambient Light Photography: Harnessing Natural Illumination The Effect: Underwater photography is a fascinating and rewarding hobby, but it can be challenging to capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of marine life. That's where strobe lighting comes in. Similar to a camera flash, u