I shoot a lot of macro, in all the trips without exception. Sometimes from the side it may seem that I prefer this survey to everyone else. Although in fact it is not so. Just before every dive and before each new day I try to really assess the prospects of the place itself. What can I give this or that kind of shooting. What are the objects, what is the appearance, conditions, time.
Of course, here, too, there is a certain subjectivity, for example, I can give preference to one creature in front of others. For example, what would you prefer: shark or giant mantis? And if the mantissa with caviar? And if there are a lot of sharks?) Hard choise.
Visibility is also an ambiguous parameter. It can change greatly during the course of time or as a result of certain events (large groups of divers). Again, how many meters is enough visibility? 15 meters is it a lot? And 20?
For example, if they show me 10 meters in fresh water, and yes even in summer, I'll say "wow!" At the same time, such visibility somewhere in the Philippines is very frustrating.
So there are no single criteria, and it can not be. Every time this is a kind of game, a lottery. In its fascinating, unpredictable and able to choose all the chances for a good shot, and give them. It is especially interesting when a large group of photographers dives, then before diving the most asked question is "what equipment are you going with?"
And if someone makes a different "bet" from someone, then it turns out and in fact the game. Who will be right?
It is still very important on what "class" of photo you want to get?. Do you need "another one" photo with a turtle? Or with a ridge? Where is the chance to shoot something unusual? Here the choice and at all at everyone the, and at other equal, can depend and on your mood.
But back to the choice of macro photography. Why do I choose it? Firstly, because the chance to photograph something in the macro with the proper approach and skill is much higher. Other things being equal, of course. Exceptions can be rocky places with current and a large number of flocks and large fish. I wonder how many people tried to shoot macro on the Galapagos?)
Plus, unexpectedly, the macro is extremely hard going in our freshwater. Very low visibility, monochrome, low number of objects per unit area. This is not a comforting verdict. And another macro, in contrast to the wide angle, it is almost impossible to shoot on "free" - without a air-tank. Now we finished with a minuses. Let's count advantages.
If you dive where there are corals, sponges and other similar organisms, there is always a chance to take off a good macro. It is enough to find the very same, unique piece of coral. Such photos have chances even at major international competitions.
So for me, a good macro is always better than a mediocre wide angle. For which you often need great visibility, the work of assistants / models, the presence of unpredictable and rare marine inhabitants, etc ..
In addition to this, it is easier to use additional, expanding options, accessories in the macro. Macrolens always in your pocket. Additional flash of the inon s2000 class too. Have they been snuffed? You are welcome. You can experiment with the backgrounds, and colors.
There is only one "but" - the plot. In macro, in contrast to a wide angle, it is much more difficult to create and show the plot. Most often you have to use the game colors, shapes and lines for this. This is a kind of philosophy, where there is more allegory. Pictures for a long look, and attention to detail. Which, in turn, exposes very high demands on the quality of photography.
Perhaps that's why I do not like negligent attitude towards photography, when it is "thrown" to the viewer without paying proper attention. And the better and more interesting the photo is, the more demanding I become to the little things. How can you make a unique frame, leave something in it that is disturbing and distracting. Maybe I'm picking on ... But this is just my opinion, I do not impose it on anyone.
All photos from one night dive at Lighthouse. Egypt. Dahab.
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My equipment: Canon 5Dmk2 + Canon 15mm fish eye + Nexus underwater housing+ 2 Inon 240strobes.
More details about my underwater setup: https://steemit.com/@narchuk/me-and-my-equipment
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[//]:# (!steemitworldmap 28.498430 lat 34.518841 long Features of choosing a macro d3scr)
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