Robert Herb Photography Blog

  An AI-generated image that best represents this blog posting. Creating a strong sense of depth in underwater photography is notoriously tricky and presents unique challenges for photographers. Whether diving in the clear, vibrant waters of Roatan, rich with marine life, or exploring a mysterious shipwreck in the South Pacific, you may find that everything looks flat and two-dimensional. This loss of depth perception is a common issue, as the magical blur that typically separates a subject from its background—something we often achieve topside with fast lenses—simply doesn't happen as readily below the surface.    In underwater photography, achieving the breathtaking depth of field that brings the subject to life can require careful planning and specific equipment. The hues of the ocean can further complicate this, often washing out colors and detail, leading to a lack of contrast. However, advancements in technology have introduced innovative solutions to overcome thes...

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...

An AI-generated image that represents the use of Radial Filters in Adobe Lightroom. During a recent presentation I did for a group of divers that I was able to dive with and take underwater pictures of, I was asked how I was able to make my photographs "POP" ? Since they were on the same dives and took many of the same pictures of a subject, they were very impressed with the difference in my photos versus theirs. As I usually say to my audiences, it is no longer about who has the best camera or gear; it's all about processing images that make a real difference in pictures. With post-processing tools like Adobe Lightroom , you get the tools that will take average underwater photographs and allow the user to turn them into "WOW" pictures. Below are just some tools that will allow the user to take an average underwater photograph and turn it into something you can be proud of. Composition truly matters in underwater photography! How an image is framed and how you ...

Robert Herb Photography Tips for Capturing the Haunting Beauty of Shipwrecks with Light Control Exploring an underwater shipwreck is a unique and captivating experience that reveals stories of history, tragedy, and the mysteries of the ocean’s hidden world. However, capturing the haunting beauty of these wrecks through photography presents challenges. The interplay of light and shadow is crucial in underwater wreck photography, as it can either enhance the eerie charm or detract from the scene’s impact. Let’s explore some tips and techniques for effectively managing light and shadow to showcase shipwrecks in their full, ghostly glory. Understanding the Wreck Environment Shipwrecks are often large structures with many nooks, crannies, and cavernous interiors. These environments present a unique challenge when it comes to lighting. Natural light filters down from the surface, creating a beautiful but uneven glow over the wreck. As you go deeper, you lose more light, so you need to ...