Robert Herb Photography Blog

Underwater photography is undeniably one of the most challenging genres in all of photography. The unique environment, dominated by blue hues, swift changes in lighting, and the natural flatness of underwater light, often leaves your stunning reefscapes, intricate wreck interiors, and dramatic silhouette shots appearing dull and lackluster. I've been there myself; capturing the vibrant, dynamic world beneath the waves can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.   The good news is that you don't necessarily need expensive new equipment like advanced strobes or high-end lenses to make a significant improvement. Often, the most effective, yet underutilized tool is right at your fingertips, within Adobe Lightroom Classic (v14.4) and Lightroom Mobile (v9.4). Specifically, the Tone Curve Panel offers powerful adjustments that can breathe new life into your underwater images.   In this guide, I'll share insightful tips on how simple curve adjustments can dramatically elevate your ph...

Underwater photography can transport viewers into a world of silent beauty, where marine creatures glide effortlessly and light dances through the water. But what if your images did more than just capture moments? What if they told a story that resonates, inspires, and connects people to the ocean’s mysteries? In an age where visual storytelling is more powerful than ever, the ability to narrate a compelling story through your underwater photos can elevate your work from mere documentation to a form of art that engages viewers on a deeper level. Whether focusing on a specific species, like the elusive Spotted Drum fish, or documenting the broader dynamics of a coral reef ecosystem, your photos can tell a story that words alone cannot. This guide will help you craft compelling narratives with your underwater photography. From planning and composition to capturing sequences and using light to set the mood, you’ll learn how to create stories that showcase the beauty of the underwater worl...

AI Generated - Lr AI Tools How to simplify underwater editing with Lightroom’s latest AI-powered tools. During my weekly underwater show and photo presentations at Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resorts, I often receive questions about how my photos and videos appear to be captured in crystal-clear water despite the actual conditions we dove in that week. While I credit post-processing tools like Adobe Lightroom for this, the introduction of AI into these tools has made the editing process significantly easier. Underwater photography presents unique challenges, including murky water, backscatter, and subdued colors, making it difficult to achieve stunning results. Adobe Lightroom has introduced new AI-powered tools to simplify the editing process for underwater images. This guide provides an overview of some of Lightroom's latest features, detailing where to find them and offering a step-by-step approach to effectively use these tools. Additionally, it includes specific exa...

How to Narrate Compelling Stories with Your Photos Underwater photography is more than just capturing beautiful images; it's about narrating a compelling story. Following these steps, you can tell engaging stories through your underwater photos, with the "Spotted Drum" fish as our example. 1. Plan Your Story Before you dive, decide the narrative you want to capture. For instance, with the "Spotted Drum", you might focus on its behavior, habitat, and interactions within the reef. Think about the beginning, middle, and end of your story to create a cohesive narrative. 2. Research Your Subject Understanding the Spotted Drum's behavior and habitat will help you anticipate moments worth capturing. Spotted Drum are known for their distinctive juvenile and adult stages, each with unique patterns and behaviors. Knowing their peak activity times and preferred hiding spots can significantly enhance your storytelling. 3. Compose Thoughtfully Composition is key to story...