This lesson is dedicated to the unsung heroes and heroines of underwater videography, the loyal and long-suffering spouses and friends of underwater videographers. These poor, tortured souls often submit themselves to untold miseries to satisfy the ''Hollywood Epic'' desires of their often grouchy companions.
A Chimp Can Run The Camera
From your viewpoint, being a underwater model is much harder than being a videographer. As I heard one model say about her video-crazed spouse, ''A chimp could run the damn camera. I do all the work.'' To videographers who disagree with the ''chimp theory,'' I ask you: How many times have inexperienced models ruined your shots?
Dress For The Part
Avoid masks that give a bug-eyed appearance, and don't festoon yourself with dangling gear. Tidy up and appear sleek, rather than a drunken spider with dangling legs.
Color-coordinated dive gear improves video, but it can sometimes be too bright and too colorful. The light reflected from fluorescent fins, for example, can highlight particles suspended in the water around the fins. I like light colors with subdued contrast between basic gear, accessories and trim. Bare, light-skinned hands are easily overexposed if you're wearing dark gear. Wear gloves that are slightly lighter than your outfit.
If your chimp is a serious underwater videographer, have him or her buy you ''posing outfits'' for taping. When just diving for fun, wear your older gear.
Women, don't overdo makeup. Use just enough eye makeup so your eyes can be seen behind the mask. To avoid looking like an underwater zebra, choose water-resistant makeup that won't run when wet.
Standardize Hand Signals
The chimp makes confusing hand signals and dozens of thumb and first finger OK signs. Just what does the OK signal mean? OK to stop posing? OK to pose again? OK, I'm going to start shooting? Given a crystal ball or underwater tarot cards, you may sometimes decode the signals, but don't even try. Tell the chimp to explain the basic hand signals that will be used and exactly how you should reply or respond. Before getting in the water, make a list of desired scenes on a slate that you can both refer to during the shoot.
Look At The Action
Look at the strongest object or action in the scene. If an eel is about to bite your face off, look down the eel's throat. If a large fish swims by, look at the fish. Whenever strong action is occurring, look at its source, not at the camera lens!
Align Like A Trumpetfish
Align yourself with any leading lines you see in the scene. Pretend that you are a trumpetfish and align yourself with anything you can. Subjects in parallel imply unity; you will appear to belong in the scene.
The Discovery Position
Too much parallel alignment soon becomes boring. Try crossing the main leading line when you enter a scene. This makes your entry more dramatic: You are exploring and discovering; you have just arrived.
Remember the Four S's
Don't pose with your body straight up and down, straight on, straight away or straight across. Position yourself at an angle to the camera.
Keep It Tight
Minimizing the distance between you and the camera is important for color and details. Tighten up the pose. If you are examining a shell in your hand, hold it a few inches from your face. If you are showing something to the photographer, hold the object close to your body, not at arm's length.
Remember To Smile
When posing or engaged in strong action, your face may show a strained expression. (This is especially true if you are cold, tired, bored, confused or angry at the chimp for taking too much time for the shot.) Remember to smile. It may be difficult to see with a mask and regulator, so try hard.
To comment on this article, e-mail jim@jimchurchphoto.com.
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