Whether on the surface or at greater depths, even novice underwater photographers can get good pictures, according to Sharon Pool, an amateur underwater photographer on St. Thomas. Now an expert with hundreds of extraordinary pictures in her portfolio, Pool started out using the little disposable point-and-shoot cameras with waterproof housings that you can buy at tourist shops, drug stores and dive shops.

A word of caution when using point-and-shoots: The built in flashes are rather weak, so the light will not travel far – no more than six feet underwater, Sharon notes. That means you’ll have to get up close to your subject, especially as you go deeper and ambient light decreases. To get clearer, brighter pictures, you’ll need to carry additional light.

For the more serious, much higher levels of diving skills and equipment are required. Sharon says that serious underwater photographers must be good divers with excellent buoyancy.

You also need a high quality underwater camera system. While cameras vary, some basics apply. Sharon currently uses a Nikon D-100 Ikelite digital camera with a special waterproof housing. She also carries two strobe lights to get the brightness needed for those vivid photos. Then there are various wide-angle and macro lenses.

Carrying all this equipment makes it essential for underwater photographers to be in top physical condition. "You have to stay in shape to do it," Sharon points out, noting that fighting currents is hard exercise. In addition, she notes that "people who are overweight or out of shape are more prone to decompression sickness."

As with many underwater photographers, Sharon opted for a digital camera over film because of the added capabilities and ease of handling. With film, she says, "you don’t know if you got anything" until the film is developed. With a digital camera, you can see right away if you captured the essence of your subject. Also, with film "you only have 36 shots and have to change the film after every dive."

Shooting pictures underwater is "totally different" than on land, Sharon notes. Besides lighting, camera settings are different and if you are using film, low speed is a must.

Some underwater photographers prefer to pre-focus their cameras before heading to the ocean’s depths. That means setting the distance, aperture, strobe position and optical viewer for a preset distance. Others, similar to Sharon, prefer manual adjustments on the spot. Though she uses automatic focus for everything but close-ups, Sharon adjusts everything else manually.

Getting the Shop

Sharon started diving as a teen and is a certified technical instructor, the second highest certification – only certifying other instructors is higher. In addition to teaching scuba diving for years, Sharon spent many years working in software development on oceanographic research ships. She also was part of the Pentagon’s 9-11 Project Team.

Never interested in land-based photography, Sharon started taking pictures under water about 10 years ago out of curiosity for what she saw. "I kept asking, ‘what is this fish’?" she says. She took pictures of them so she could look them up later. From there, her interest in photographing the undersea world evolved to the unusual and often unseen.

Her advice for getting the best shots includes "when you think you are close enough, get closer." She also recommends getting lower than your subject and shooting at an upward angle. Oh, and wait for your subject to come to you. You’ll get a much better shot than if you are trying to chase it.

Some of the creatures in Sharon’s photographs are only about a 1/2 (half) inch long and she often gets pictures of them sticking their little heads out of coral or cracks in rocks. She says she keeps an eye out for "something that moves in straight lines." She also looks for patterns, really bright colors, combinations of fish and plant life, and unusual behaviors, such as fish eating fish or fighting with each other.

When it comes to more ordinary subjects (sea urchin, fish and corals, for example) Sharon goes for the details rather than the overall perspective. She likes to get up-close and personal, so to speak.
As for the best spots for tourists to get good underwater shots, Sharon recommends St. Thomas’ Secret Harbor. "I can find fun stuff whenever I’m there," she says. But you can also make things happen.

By digging in the sand, you can attract sea turtles who come to see what’s going on. And squid often will follow. To attract fish, crumble a dog biscuit in the water.

If you prefer a guided tour, try one of the many dive shops on St. Thomas and St. John. The dive masters know all the good spots and can give you hints on picture taking. Some dive shops even rent higher end equipment so you can record that perfect memory of your perfect Caribbean vacation.

Sharon Pool is available at 775-5859 or e-mail sjpool33@surfvi.com.