Successful Underwater Photography (Paperback)

by Brian Skerry (Author), Howard Hall (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
From fundamental principles of photographing marine life to making a living selling underwater photographs, Successful Underwater Photography provides an unlimited wealth of practical advice, surefire strategies, and tested tips for taking extraordinary photos of elusive underwater subjects. Written by two top photographers who specialize in marine photography, this solid, lavishly illustrated field guide provides no-nonsense information on such topics as taking available-light photographs, silhouettes, marine wildlife portraits, close-focus wide angle photographs, and extension tube photographs to name just a few. Readers will also find proven guidance for purchasing underwater photographic equipment, taking photos of shipwrecks, and repairing and maintaining field equipment. Plus, 150 stunning, full-color photos demonstrate the authors’ successful techniques in action. For all aspiring underwater photographers who want to unlock the secrets of how top names in the field achieve spectacular results, Successful Underwater Photography is your definitive one-stop guide.

About the Author
Brian Skerry is a professional photojournalist specializing in underwater subject matter. He has worked in diverse environments including the open ocean, beneath ice, and inside underwater caves and shipwrecks. Currently an assignment photographer for National Geographic, his work also appears in People, Smithsonian, Sports Illustrated, US News and World Report, Yankee, Men’s Journal, and dozens of other publications. He also does film work for CNN, Discovery Channel, NOVA (PBS), and National Geographic films. He lives in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. Howard Hall is a well-known marine naturalist, underwater photographer, film producer, cinematographer, and writer whose articles and photographs have appeared in Life, Natural History Magazine, The New York Times, GEO, International Wildlife, Skin Diver, Vista USA, and National Geographic. The winner of six Emmy awards, he works in television with NBC, CBS Sports, PBS, ABC, and National Geographic, and also directs IMAX films, receiving a 1995 Oscar nomination for his work on The Living Sea. He lives in Del Mar, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Amphoto Books; illustrated edition edition (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0817459278
• ISBN-13: 978-0817459277
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #680,035 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, detailed manual with inspiring examples, October 12, 2004

By	Under Exposed (Perth, Western Australia) - See all my reviews

This is by far the most helpful book on underwater photography that I have read up to now. It is not just a coffee-table book of gorgeous images. The authors have genuinely set out to teach the craft of u/w photography. Each photograph is discussed in detail - how it was taken, how the exposure was determined, shooting angle, the instructions to the model, how they got the fish to look through the hole, etc. Best of all, they teach you how to appraise other photographs, to identify the technique used and to criticise weaknesses. The images and the technique data are mainly from film cameras, but digital cameras are discussed too. An excellent, inspiring, articulate, readable and beautifully-presented book. Sits next to Jim Church's Essential Guide to Composition on my quick access bookshelf.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FINE BOOK ON UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY, October 24, 2005

By	Capt. Lou Costello "Capt. Lou" (Videomaker, USA) - See all my reviews

This outstanding effort by Brian Skerry with Howard Hall is very definitely one of the finest books I have ever read on the art and wizardry of taking pictures in the hostile environment of a watery world. Lots of good info here on equipment and techniques for the aspiring underwater photographer. Although published at the dawn of the age of the practical high definition digital camera it shows that the essence of photography is above all to work with light and that the rules are the same for any camera. Packed with splendid images and insightful text this book belongs on the bookshelf of all divers who aspire to excellence in the world of underwater photography.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Real pros at work in this book! , February 23, 2007

By	CMA "CMA" (New York State) - See all my reviews

Worth owning just to see the beautiful photography within! Designed for the professional and avid amateur, this book is full of useful advice and discussions of such topics as: what happens to light underwater, shooting wildlife and people underwater, angle choices, and even suggestions on how to sell underwater photography. A great choice!