PADI Photography & Videography Underwater 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why do underwater photos often appear blue-green even when taken at shallow depths?
- Water selectively absorbs red and orange wavelengths first (Correct answer)
- Camera sensors are less sensitive to warm colors underwater
- Saltwater contains chlorophyll that tints light blue-green
- Strobes emit primarily blue-green light frequencies
Correct answer: Water selectively absorbs red and orange wavelengths first
Water absorbs red wavelengths within the first few feet of depth, progressively removing warm colors and leaving blue-green hues dominant.
Question 2: What is the primary advantage of shooting in RAW format for underwater photography?
- Smaller file sizes allow more shots per dive
- Post-processing allows extensive white balance and color correction (Correct answer)
- RAW files are waterproof and resist compression artifacts
- Cameras autofocus faster when saving RAW files
Correct answer: Post-processing allows extensive white balance and color correction
RAW files retain all sensor data, allowing photographers to correct white balance and recover color information lost to water absorption in post-processing.
Question 3: When filming a wide-angle scene of a coral reef, the videographer notices strong backscatter in the footage. What is the most effective solution?
- Increase the video light intensity to overpower the particles
- Move video lights to the side and angled away from the lens axis (Correct answer)
- Switch to a narrower angle lens to reduce particle visibility
- Film only during slack tide when particles have settled
Correct answer: Move video lights to the side and angled away from the lens axis
Positioning lights at a wide angle away from the lens axis prevents illuminating suspended particles directly in the camera's field of view, minimizing backscatter.
Question 4: A diver wants to photograph a shy moray eel retreating into a crevice. Which approach best demonstrates good underwater photography etiquette?
- Use a long macro lens and remain at a respectful distance (Correct answer)
- Gently prod the eel outward with a pointer stick for a better shot
- Block the crevice entrance to prevent the eel from hiding
- Increase strobe power to illuminate deep into the crevice
Correct answer: Use a long macro lens and remain at a respectful distance
Using a long macro lens allows close-up shots while maintaining distance from the subject, minimizing disturbance to marine life.
Question 5: What does the term 'depth of field' mean in underwater photography?
- The maximum depth at which a camera housing remains pressure-proof
- The range of distances in a scene that appear acceptably sharp (Correct answer)
- The distance from the lens to the subject being photographed
- The color shift that occurs at increasing depth
Correct answer: The range of distances in a scene that appear acceptably sharp
Depth of field is the zone of acceptable sharpness in an image, from the nearest to the farthest point that appears in focus.
Question 6: Which f-stop setting produces the SHALLOWEST depth of field, isolating a subject from its background?
- f/22
- f/16
- f/8
- f/2.8 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: f/2.8
A wide aperture like f/2.8 produces a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating the subject — a technique often used for macro subjects.
Question 7: A photographer is shooting a sea turtle at 15 meters depth without artificial lighting. What color correction technique can be applied in-camera?
- Set a custom white balance using a grey card or white slate at depth (Correct answer)
- Switch the camera to monochrome mode to avoid color problems
- Use the 'cloudy' white balance preset designed for underwater use
- Increase ISO to maximum to compensate for color loss
Correct answer: Set a custom white balance using a grey card or white slate at depth
Setting a custom white balance at depth using a neutral grey card or white slate compensates for the color shift specific to that depth and water conditions.
PADI Photography & Videography Underwater 2
Why do underwater photos often appear blue-green even when taken at shallow depths?