Wide-angle underwater photography is a fascinating blend of art and technical mastery. It enables photographers to capture the grandeur of the underwater world—from the vastness of coral reefs to the gentle glide of manta rays or the mesmerizing movement of a fish school. Professional photographer Craig Dietrich has dedicated years to refining his approach to wide-angle imagery. Residing in South Florida, Craig has not only explored the richness of his local waters but has also traveled the globe in pursuit of breathtaking moments beneath the surface.
His passion is evident. “I love to shoot wide angle,” he says, “as I feel it gives the viewer the feeling of being in the Blue themselves.” For Craig, this genre of photography isn’t just about documenting marine life; it’s about evoking emotion and immersing the viewer in a world they might never experience firsthand.
The key to successful wide-angle shots lies in technique, timing, and vision. Each dive brings a unique set of circumstances—light, water clarity, subject behavior—and each of these can affect the outcome of an image. Below, Craig shares nine essential techniques he relies on to create stunning wide-angle underwater photographs, expanding on each to provide context, application, and deeper insight.
Slowing Down Your Shutter Speed
Motion underwater behaves differently from on land. The way light filters through water, the pace at which marine life moves, and the ambient hues all require the photographer to be flexible and responsive. Craig points out the value of slowing down your shutter speed in certain conditions, especially when photographing slow-moving schools of fish. A slower shutter speed allows more ambient light to enter the sensor, which helps brighten the surrounding blue water and reduce the need for intense artificial lighting.
For example, in one of his images, “Bronze Ball,” taken with a Canon 7D and a Tokina 10-17mm lens at f/11, 1/50th of a second, ISO 320, Craig used a slow shutter to allow the natural blue tones to come forward. The technique not only preserved the calm atmosphere of the scene but also conveyed the smooth, drifting motion of the fish school. Slow shutter speeds can also add a sense of motion blur or softness to the background, enhancing the realism of the underwater scene.
However, caution is necessary. Too slow a shutter, especially without adequate strobe lighting or camera stability, can result in unwanted blur. Mastering this technique involves balancing ambient light with subject movement. Practicing with various exposure settings while staying conscious of current speed and visibility will help you learn when slower shutters yield the most artistic impact.
Embracing Risk: Take the Shot
Great photographs often stem from great risks. Craig emphasizes the importance of taking chances in underwater photography. His story of capturing a mother humpback whale with her calf is a perfect example of why persistence pays off. When most of the crew believed it would be impossible to approach the whales, Craig trusted his instincts, geared up with a mask, snorkel, and fins, and pursued the opportunity.
Despite the initial reluctance of the mother whale, patience and a respectful distance allowed Craig to earn the whale's trust. The resulting image, “Motherly Love,” taken at f/9, 1/100th, ISO 160, reveals a powerful and intimate moment between a whale and her young. It’s a shot few photographers would ever get the chance to take—and fewer would succeed at capturing.
This example underscores a core lesson in wildlife photography: don’t let doubts or naysayers stop you from trying. While it’s essential to respect marine life and maintain safe distances, there’s a balance between caution and boldness. Always assess your environment, but when a rare opportunity presents itself, being the first—and perhaps only—one to act could lead to once-in-a-lifetime imagery.
Get Close to Your Subject
“Get close” might sound like a simple tip, but in underwater photography, it’s one of the golden rules. Water reduces contrast, color, and sharpness. The farther your camera is from the subject, the more you lose. Craig consistently applies this principle to capture intricate details and bring subjects to life.
In his photo “Painted Turtle,” Craig used his Canon 7D and Tokina 10-17mm lens at f/14, 1/100th, ISO 320 to get near the turtle, allowing his strobes to illuminate the texture and pattern of its shell. The vibrant details and clarity in the image would have been impossible had the shot been taken from even a few feet further away.
Using wide-angle lenses encourages this proximity. They allow photographers to capture not only the subject but also its environment. By getting closer, you also minimize the amount of water between the lens and the subject, reducing the loss of color and sharpness. The key is to approach slowly, move smoothly, and never startle the animal. Let it become comfortable with your presence before you lift your camera to shoot.
Patience Beneath the Surface
Patience is more than a virtue in underwater photography—it’s often the key difference between a decent shot and an extraordinary one. Marine life doesn’t perform on cue. Often, moments of magic unfold only after long periods of quiet observation.
Craig’s image “Baby Steps” illustrates this well. In it, a humpback mother gently pushes her calf to the surface, teaching her how to breach. Had Craig rushed the moment or swum away in search of a better composition, he would have missed the powerful behavior that only unfolded with time.
Photographers must learn to recognize the signs that something special might happen. Subtle movements, patterns in animal behavior, or even shifts in light can be indicators. Once you observe those cues, patience becomes your best asset. Staying still and composed allows the underwater world to accept you as part of the environment. Subjects might come closer, and unpredictable interactions may unfold before your lens.
To practice patience underwater, plan longer dives, conserve air, and resist the temptation to chase fleeting scenes. Let the ocean reveal its rhythm to you.
Be Ready for the Unexpected
While patience matters, so does speed—especially when surprise moments happen. Craig’s photo “Takin' A Dive,” where dolphins unexpectedly leapt into the water, shows the importance of always being ready. These moments occur without warning, and hesitation can cost the shot.
Before each dive, Craig evaluates the potential scenarios. Is it dolphin country? Are there bait balls or migratory species in the area? What are the conditions like for wide-angle compositions? This kind of preparation is invaluable. It allows the photographer to set appropriate camera settings before even entering the water.
Readiness includes your gear setup. Are strobes angled properly? Is the dome port clean? Is the exposure dialed in for ambient light? These checks minimize the need to adjust settings mid-dive, giving you precious extra seconds when something exciting occurs.
Being ready also means mental preparation. Know your equipment. Be familiar with changing settings by feel alone. Practice fast compositions and framing techniques. The goal is to make the camera an extension of your vision so that when the moment comes, you're ready to react instinctively.
Wide-angle underwater photography is both challenging and rewarding. It demands technical precision, emotional sensitivity, and physical agility. Craig Dietrich’s career is a testament to how these qualities come together to produce compelling images that bring the ocean to life for viewers around the world.
In this first section, we’ve explored five foundational techniques Craig relies on: mastering shutter speed to enhance ambient light, embracing risk to pursue rare moments, closing the distance to increase clarity and impact, cultivating patience to witness behavior, and maintaining readiness to capture fleeting events.
These approaches are not just tips—they are philosophies that guide every dive and every shot. Whether you're a budding underwater photographer or an experienced diver looking to refine your craft, these lessons provide a roadmap for creating compelling, powerful images that do justice to the vast, vibrant world beneath the waves.
Mastering Exposure for Underwater Backgrounds
In wide-angle underwater photography, light behaves differently than in terrestrial environments. Water absorbs light rapidly, especially red and warm tones, and it causes light scattering, especially when suspended particles are present. As a result, achieving proper exposure for both the subject and background is an essential yet delicate balancing act. One of the most powerful techniques Craig Dietrich employs is exposing the background first—before anything else.
This method helps in achieving balanced images where the background doesn’t blow out or disappear into murky darkness. For instance, in his photograph “Black Manta,” Craig made a deliberate choice to underexpose the foreground and properly expose the deep blue water behind the silhouetted manta ray. Taken with his Canon 7D, Tokina 10-17mm lens, f/20, 1/200th shutter speed, and ISO 320, this setup allowed the shape of the manta to be framed dramatically against a glowing blue background.
To master this technique, photographers should first assess the ambient light. How deep are you? Is the sunlight filtering directly overhead or at an angle? Begin by metering for the water column and adjusting your aperture and shutter speed to preserve the natural color gradient of the ocean. Only afterward should you bring in strobes to illuminate your subject.
The benefit of this strategy is a more realistic, immersive image. It prevents your photos from appearing overly artificial and instead invites the viewer into a believable, atmospheric underwater moment. This is particularly important when working with wide-angle compositions that aim to show both subject and environment in harmony.
Using the Sun to Enhance Drama
Light from the sun, though weakened underwater, can still be a dramatic and powerful tool in wide-angle photography—if used correctly. Craig Dietrich’s image titled “Sunball Manta” demonstrates how leveraging the sun’s position adds depth, emotion, and visual tension to an image. Taken at f/22, 1/160th, and ISO 320, Craig used a small aperture and adjusted exposure to prevent the sun from blowing out the shot while still allowing its rays to filter dramatically through the water.
The concept is straightforward but difficult to execute: position yourself so that the sun is behind your subject or peeking through the environment. This can be done by maneuvering under coral arches, kelp forests, or marine life such as a large manta or turtle. By using a high f-stop (f/16 or more), you can create a defined “sunburst” effect, where individual rays of light are visible. This adds contrast and guides the viewer’s eye through the frame.
Strobes play a crucial supporting role in this setup. They should be used conservatively to fill in shadows without overpowering the natural backlighting. When done right, the result is breathtaking: a glowing world where marine life appears touched by divine light.
However, this technique is highly dependent on environmental conditions. Water clarity, plankton presence, and sun angle all affect the outcome. Morning and midday dives often provide the best opportunities due to the vertical descent of sunlight. Clear oceanic water, especially in places like the Bahamas or the Maldives, is ideal.
Practicing this technique will require patience. The angle, distance, and exposure balance can take multiple attempts to get right. But once mastered, sunburst imagery can elevate your underwater portfolio and add cinematic flair to your visual storytelling.
Framing with Upward Angles
A defining characteristic of compelling wide-angle underwater photography is its use of perspective. One of the most effective framing techniques Craig Dietrich uses is shooting from a lower position looking upward—towards the surface or a brighter background. This creates a visual hierarchy, giving the subject presence and drama while also incorporating the ambient light above.
In his photo “Close-Up Shark,” Craig utilized this principle to make the shark appear both majestic and intimidating. Shot with the Canon 7D and Tokina 10-17mm at f/14, 1/100th, and ISO 320, this upward angle emphasized the shark’s proximity to the camera while simultaneously incorporating the soft surface glow behind it. The result is a powerful composition that draws attention to the subject’s features while providing a sense of place.
Upward angles also allow for dynamic compositions. When a subject is placed in the lower third of the frame and the upper part includes the shimmering water surface, bubbles, or sunlight, the resulting image feels more alive and multidimensional. It taps into the viewer's natural inclination to look toward light and movement.
Photographers should practice buoyancy control to perfect this technique. You’ll often find yourself beneath the subject, requiring careful positioning to avoid disturbing the sand or coral below. Additionally, good strobe placement is essential to avoid creating unwanted shadows or reflections.
This method is particularly effective for photographing large marine animals like sharks, turtles, rays, and groupers. It also works well for divers as secondary subjects. The technique can even transform mundane subjects, such as reef fish or sea fans, into visually striking compositions if framed correctly with light and environment.
Understanding Composition in Wide-Angle Scenes
Wide-angle composition is an art of balance. With so much of the scene included in the frame, the risk of cluttered or unfocused imagery increases. The challenge is to create a visually harmonious image where the subject, background, light, and colors all contribute to a clear focal point. Craig Dietrich emphasizes the importance of simplicity in wide-angle shots, advising photographers to aim for “big sweeping images” that invite the viewer into the frame without overwhelming them.
The first rule of good composition in wide-angle is to identify a strong subject. Whether it’s a shark, diver, coral formation, or wreck, the viewer must be able to tell immediately what the photo is about. Everything else in the frame should support this focus. Use leading lines such as reef ridges, sunrays, or fish schools to draw the eye toward the main subject.
Secondly, consider the rule of thirds, placing key elements along the imaginary lines dividing the frame. For instance, positioning a manta ray in the lower-left third while allowing sun rays to enter from the upper-right adds dynamism and flow. Symmetry can also be powerful—particularly when shooting wrecks, caves, or marine architecture—but should be used deliberately and with precision.
Color contrast and light gradients help separate the subject from the background. Warm-colored fish stand out against deep blue water, and a well-lit diver pops against a darker cave backdrop. Use your strobes to bring attention to the main elements while allowing the ambient light to control the mood and environment.
Negative space is another underutilized tool. Empty water, when used correctly, can give breathing room to a composition. It allows subjects to “float” and creates visual balance. Resist the temptation to fill every corner of the frame with detail. Sometimes, what you leave out is as important as what you include.
Wide-angle lenses can also introduce distortion—particularly at the edges of the frame. Be cautious when placing human or animal subjects near the corners, as they may appear stretched or skewed. Compose with a critical eye and consider cropping slightly in post-processing to refine balance.
Environmental Awareness and Ethics
Although not often listed as a photography “tip,” Craig Dietrich emphasizes the importance of ethical shooting practices. Wide-angle photographers tend to get closer to the environment, which increases the risk of unintended damage. Poor buoyancy, rapid movement, or careless finning can disturb marine life or break fragile coral. Responsible photographers always prioritize the well-being of the subject and habitat over getting the shot.
When working with large animals like mantas, sharks, or whales, it’s important to observe from a distance first. Don’t pursue or block their movement. Instead, let them approach you. The most captivating images often come when the animal is relaxed and unbothered.
Craig’s patience with a mother humpback whale before capturing “Motherly Love” is a perfect example of ethical photography leading to powerful imagery. Respect fosters trust, and trust creates opportunity.
Wide-angle photographers also influence divers and marine tourists through their work. By showcasing beauty without interference, they can inspire others to protect and preserve the ocean. This is particularly important when sharing images on public platforms, where viewers may not understand the risks involved. Clear communication and responsible messaging help reinforce positive behaviors in the underwater community.
Technical Considerations and Gear Choice
Craig Dietrich’s equipment choices reflect the specific needs of wide-angle shooting. His use of the Canon 7D paired with the Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens is a common and reliable setup for underwater wide-angle photography. The lens’s curvature allows for extremely wide fields of view while minimizing distortion at close range—a crucial factor when shooting in tight spaces or near large animals.
However, lens choice is just the beginning. Dome ports, strobe arms, floatation devices, and sync cables all play important roles. For instance, a large dome port is necessary to maintain sharpness across the frame and preserve the optical curvature of fisheye lenses. Poor dome quality or improper port placement can result in blurred corners and light refraction artifacts.
Lighting is equally critical. Craig’s strobes, often positioned wide apart and slightly behind the dome, help avoid backscatter while providing even illumination. Strobe angle, intensity, and diffusion matter. For beginners, practice using different angles and power settings to understand how light wraps around your subject.
Color correction is often needed, even with proper exposure and lighting. Filters, custom white balance, and post-processing adjustments help return the vibrancy lost through water absorption. Investing in software skills—such as Lightroom or Photoshop—can be as valuable as mastering your camera’s manual settings.
Shooting in RAW format is non-negotiable. The flexibility it offers in correcting white balance, contrast, and sharpness without degrading image quality is indispensable for underwater photographers. Memory space may be sacrificed, but image fidelity is preserved.
In this section, we explored some of the more advanced principles Craig Dietrich applies to wide-angle underwater photography. From mastering background exposure and manipulating sunlight to shaping compositions with upward angles and understanding the ethical implications of our underwater presence, these insights go beyond surface-level technique.
Wide-angle photography is about more than fitting more into the frame. It’s about intentional design—balancing color, light, form, and emotion in a single image. When done well, the results are not just photographs, but immersive experiences.
As Craig demonstrates, the tools are secondary to the vision and discipline behind the lens. Whether you're photographing mantas beneath sunbursts or sharks gliding through the current, success lies in preparation, practice, and respect for the marine world.
Storytelling Through Sequences
A single underwater photograph can be stunning, but a sequence of images can build an emotional narrative. Craig Dietrich believes that the most compelling wide-angle photography doesn't just capture isolated moments—it tells a visual story. Whether it's a humpback whale teaching its calf to breach, a diver exploring a cavern, or a sea turtle navigating a coral garden, every interaction holds narrative potential.
Storytelling in underwater photography means being deliberate about how you observe and shoot a scene. It's not about snapping the most visually exciting frame and moving on. It's about documenting the evolution of a moment—how the marine life moves, reacts, and interacts with its surroundings.
For instance, Craig’s “Baby Steps” image didn’t occur in isolation. It came after long observation, documenting the behavior of a mother and calf over time. By waiting patiently and capturing multiple frames—perhaps the approach, the teaching moment, the aftermath—he was able to choose one that encapsulated the emotion of the event. But the other images in the sequence contribute to a complete narrative, even if they’re not all published.
To shoot sequences effectively:
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Anticipate Behavior: Learn the subject’s natural movement patterns. If photographing a sea lion pup, expect playful loops or bursts toward the camera. If shooting a turtle, anticipate where it may go next based on its swimming direction.
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Use Burst Mode Wisely: Set your camera to burst or continuous shooting mode when action begins. Capture several frames to choose from later. Sometimes the difference between an average shot and an exceptional one is just milliseconds.
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Vary the Composition: In a sequence, try different compositions. Start wide, move closer, change angles. Use both the environment and the subject to tell a full story.
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Frame for Movement: Leave negative space in the direction your subject is facing or moving. This creates flow and makes the viewer feel the subject is going somewhere, not just floating in space.
These narrative approaches elevate underwater imagery from documentation to storytelling. Each dive becomes not just an opportunity to capture beauty, but to preserve stories that unfold in one of the planet's most dynamic environments.
Photographing Divers in Wide Angle Frames
Divers are more than background elements—they can become subjects in their right or powerful compositional anchors. Craig Dietrich frequently includes divers in his wide-angle shots to add scale, context, and human connection. A diver gives the viewer a reference point, showing just how vast a reef or how large a marine animal truly is. It’s also an effective way to evoke wonder or highlight the spirit of exploration.
When photographing divers, coordination is key. Spontaneous shots are possible, but the best images often result from some level of planning. If you’re diving with a buddy or a model, brief them beforehand. Discuss signals, positioning, and movement patterns. Instruct them to avoid kicking up sand, hovering too close to coral, or blocking light sources.
Here are a few tips Craig applies when including divers:
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Positioning and Distance: Keep the diver slightly behind the main subject to ensure they don’t overpower the image. This creates a layered composition and avoids competition for attention.
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Use Silhouettes: When shooting into the sun or against a bright background, allow the diver to become a silhouette. This keeps the focus on the environment while still giving context and scale.
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Eye Contact and Body Language: If possible, capture a diver looking at the subject. This adds intentionality. Their posture should be relaxed, with legs and fins extended neatly—no flailing.
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Incorporate Bubbles or Beams: Exhaled bubbles, flashlight beams, or backlighting can be used to draw attention to the diver or accentuate motion. These subtle details add atmosphere.
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Diver Gear Color: Brightly colored fins, tanks, or wetsuits can either enhance or distract. Choose gear that complements the environment. Neutral colors are best for blending, while bright colors pop in murky water.
Photographing divers transforms an image into a shared experience. It creates a bridge between the viewer and the underwater world. When executed with thought and creativity, diver portraits can become some of the most emotionally resonant images in an underwater photographer’s portfolio.
Capturing Environmental Context
Wide-angle underwater photography excels when it captures more than just a subject—it captures the setting, the ecosystem, and the natural harmony between marine life and habitat. Craig Dietrich emphasizes that showcasing the relationship between subject and environment makes an image more engaging and meaningful.
A turtle gliding over a reef. A shark navigating a shipwreck. A school of fish swirling through a cathedral-like cavern. These are moments where the setting enhances the subject, not merely supports it. Craig’s “Painted Turtle” image exemplifies this concept, with reef textures and soft ambient light contributing to the turtle’s calm, unhurried movement.
To successfully capture environmental context:
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Step Back When Needed: Even though Craig encourages getting close to your subject, sometimes stepping back allows you to include the habitat. When the subject is large—like a whale or manta—it becomes essential to capture the surrounding water column or coral terrain.
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Use Natural Frames: Look for reef arches, coral fingers, or even sunlight beams to frame your subject. These elements guide the viewer’s eye and create a sense of enclosure or scale.
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Balance the Scene: Avoid overwhelming the composition with too much clutter. Simplicity still matters. Use space, such as open blue water, to separate elements and give the scene breathing room.
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Color Gradients: Deeper water appears darker, while shallower areas reflect more light. Position your subject to leverage this gradient. A subject against a vibrant blue pops more than one lost in darkness.
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Use Diagonals: Position reef lines or ridges on a diagonal to give depth and dynamic energy to the frame. This technique is particularly useful for scenes that might otherwise feel flat.
Environmental context is about visual storytelling on a broader scale. It communicates place, mood, and even an ecological message. An image of a lone shark in open blue water speaks of solitude and power. A diver dwarfed by massive coral formations speaks of awe and fragility. Craig's ability to marry subject and space is what gives his photographs both artistic beauty and lasting impact.
Preparing for a Professional Underwater Shoot
Professional underwater photography is as much about preparation as it is about talent. Craig Dietrich’s success doesn’t come from chance—it comes from rigorous planning, attention to detail, and situational awareness. For aspiring professionals or serious hobbyists, modeling this mindset can make the difference between missed opportunities and world-class results.
Here’s how Craig prepares for a professional-level shoot:
Equipment Readiness
The ocean is unforgiving to gear. Salt, pressure, and moisture test every seal, button, and circuit. Craig checks and rechecks his equipment before every dive:
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O-Rings: Clean, lubricate, and inspect for damage. A worn or improperly seated O-ring can flood your housing.
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Desiccant Packs: These help control condensation inside your housing—especially when going from warm air to cold water.
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Battery Levels: Charge all batteries the night before. Have spares ready, including those for strobes, focus lights, and cameras.
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Lens Choice: Select a lens suited to the dive site. Craig typically uses the Tokina 10-17mm fisheye for wide-angle scenes, but at times he may opt for rectilinear lenses if shooting architecture or wrecks.
Environmental Research
Before diving, Craig gathers as much information as possible about the location:
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Depth Ranges: Knowing the expected depths helps him plan exposure and strobe settings.
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Current Conditions: Strong currents influence composition and maneuverability.
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Marine Life: Understanding what animals are present allows him to anticipate behavior.
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Time of Day: Midday sun may be better for lighting coral reefs, while early morning or late afternoon creates moodier lighting.
Dive Briefing and Coordination
If working with a dive team, Craig ensures everyone is aligned on goals and safety:
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Communication: Underwater signals are agreed upon in advance.
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Modeling Direction: If a diver will be included, they are briefed on movements, poses, and positioning.
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Shot List: He mentally or physically prepares a list of must-have shots, whether it’s silhouettes, close encounters, or wide habitat shots.
Backup Systems
Professional preparation includes redundancy:
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Two Cameras: One in the main housing, one spare in a Pelican case on the boat.
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Memory Cards: Multiple cards ready, labeled, and stored dry.
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Data Management: Images are backed up immediately after the dive—often to a laptop and external hard drive.
Craig’s thorough approach allows him to work confidently even in unpredictable conditions. He’s not scrambling for batteries or struggling with foggy lenses. His preparation buys him freedom—freedom to focus on creativity and capture exceptional images.
Adapting to Challenges on the Dive
Even the best-prepared dives present challenges. Visibility might drop. Marine life may be absent. Equipment can fail. Craig Dietrich’s experience has taught him to adapt on the fly and turn obstacles into opportunities.
Poor Visibility
When visibility is low, wide-angle shooting becomes difficult—but not impossible. Instead of wide reef scenes, Craig focuses on closer wide-angle shots with strong subjects and foregrounds. He uses strobes to cut through murk and adds mood through shadows and vignetting.
Currents
Strong currents limit mobility. Instead of swimming long distances, Craig anchors himself in place and waits for subjects to come into frame. He watches how marine life reacts to the flow and lets nature dictate composition.
Shy Subjects
If marine animals are uncooperative, Craig slows down, becomes part of the background, and minimizes movement. Marine creatures are curious by nature. Given time, they often come closer, creating a more natural shot.
Technical Failures
If a strobe fails or housing fogs, he doesn’t abandon the dive. He adapts. A broken strobe might mean embracing silhouettes. Fogged lenses might inspire high-key abstracts. The point is, creativity thrives under constraint.
Professionalism isn't about avoiding problems—it’s about responding to them with grace and skill. Craig’s resilience underwater is a major reason why his portfolio is so rich with diverse, emotionally resonant imagery.
Wide-angle underwater photography, at its highest level, is a complete storytelling discipline. It blends environmental understanding, human interaction, technical precision, and emotional narrative. In this part, we examined how Craig Dietrich goes beyond taking pictures—he creates visual stories through sequences, incorporates divers to build emotional bridges, highlights environmental context, and prepares like a true professional.
His work doesn’t just show marine life—it reveals relationships, moments, and meaning. This is the mark of a true visual storyteller. Every image he takes becomes a window into the ocean, not just as a place, but as an experience.
The Emotional Impact of Wide-Angle Underwater Photography
Wide-angle underwater photography does more than capture an expansive scene; it evokes emotion. A diver might remember the serenity of swimming alongside a sea turtle or the awe of floating beside a towering coral wall. For the photographer, it's not just about getting the shot—it’s about capturing the feeling of being submerged in a different world. Through skillful use of composition, light, and perspective, wide-angle images can stir a sense of wonder, humility, and connection to the underwater realm.
Craig Dietrich often speaks about photography as storytelling. His wide-angle images are not simply records of places or animals—they are narratives. A school of fish swimming in unison can symbolize harmony, while the solitude of a single manta ray gliding through the blue can communicate peace and isolation. Wide-angle lenses are perfect tools for telling these underwater stories because they pull the viewer into the scene, making them feel like they are there.
Creating emotional resonance in underwater imagery requires thought and patience. Waiting for the right moment, aligning the perfect natural light, and positioning the subject thoughtfully in the frame can all enhance the story. This is especially true in wide-angle work, where so many elements are visible and must work together harmoniously.
Managing the Challenges of Underwater Conditions
While wide-angle underwater photography offers tremendous opportunities, it also brings technical and environmental challenges. Currents, surges, low visibility, and unpredictable animal behavior can complicate even the best-planned dives. Craig Dietrich emphasizes adaptability—being prepared for the unexpected is crucial when operating in dynamic environments.
A significant issue is backscatter, where particles in the water are illuminated by the strobe and appear as distracting white dots in the photo. This is especially prevalent in wide-angle shots, as more water is included in the frame. To mitigate this, photographers angle their strobes outwards and keep them positioned slightly behind the lens to avoid lighting the water directly in front of it.
Visibility can also impact wide-angle effectiveness. In murky water, the expansive scene a wide-angle lens aims to capture may appear dull or unclear. In these situations, focusing on strong foreground subjects and minimizing background space can still yield effective images. Shooting upwards—towards the light—can help create contrast and silhouette effects that enhance the visual appeal.
Lighting is another technical hurdle. Wide-angle shots often include both foreground and background elements at varying distances from the lens. Balancing ambient light with artificial strobe light requires practice. The goal is to avoid hotspots and underexposed shadows while maintaining natural color tones. Many photographers, like Dietrich, prefer shooting with manual settings to maintain full control over exposure and light intensity.
Creative Techniques and Experimental Approaches
Craig Dietrich encourages photographers to experiment and push boundaries. One of the creative techniques he employs is split-level photography, which captures both underwater and topside scenes in a single frame. This approach is technically challenging but highly rewarding, offering a unique perspective that highlights the connection between land and sea.
Another experimental technique involves using slow shutter speeds to create motion blur, which adds an artistic dimension to wide-angle shots. When photographing a moving school of fish or a swimming shark, a slower shutter can convey the energy and movement of the subject while maintaining a clear background.
Creative composition also involves breaking conventional rules. Placing subjects off-center, using negative space, or shooting into the sun to create lens flare can all result in visually striking images. These methods can infuse the photographer’s personality into the work and distinguish their portfolio in a saturated field.
Craig also advocates for post-processing as an extension of the creative process. While underwater photographers strive to get the image right in-camera, editing software allows for enhancements in contrast, color balance, and sharpness. The key is subtlety—enhancing what’s already there without over-processing.
Environmental Ethics and the Role of the Photographer
As a seasoned diver and ocean advocate, Craig Dietrich highlights the ethical responsibility of underwater photographers. The ocean is a fragile ecosystem, and photographers have the power to both document its beauty and advocate for its protection. Every image captured and shared has the potential to influence perceptions and inspire conservation.
Wide-angle images, in particular, can showcase entire habitats and ecosystems. A single frame can include coral reefs, fish, turtles, and even other divers. These scenes serve as visual records of biodiversity and can be used to monitor changes over time. Photographers are, in many ways, historians of the sea.
Responsible underwater photography means minimizing impact. Dietrich stresses buoyancy control, avoiding contact with marine life, and being aware of one's fins and equipment. Even unintentional touches can harm delicate corals or disturb animals. The best photographers know how to blend into the environment and become unobtrusive observers.
Sharing images with educational messages is another powerful tool. Captions, presentations, and exhibitions can all accompany photographs with context about the species shown, the health of the reef, or the threats facing marine environments. Dietrich often uses his images in outreach efforts and conservation campaigns.
Staying Inspired and Continuing to Learn
Underwater photography is an evolving journey. New equipment, techniques, and environments offer endless learning opportunities. Craig Dietrich is a proponent of continual growth—revisiting the same dive site at different times of day, in different seasons, or with new gear can yield completely different results.
Photographers are encouraged to review their work critically and seek feedback from peers. Joining underwater photography communities, attending workshops, and entering competitions can provide valuable insights and push creative boundaries.
Nature itself is a source of inspiration. Watching animal behavior, studying reef formations, and paying attention to how light changes at depth can inform photographic decisions. Dietrich often finds that the most memorable images come not from forced planning, but from being present and open to the moment.
Keeping a sense of curiosity and wonder is essential. The ocean is full of surprises—from a sudden visit by a dolphin pod to the discovery of a camouflaged octopus. Wide-angle photography allows these unexpected encounters to be captured in their full context, preserving the magic of the underwater world.
Conclusion
Wide-angle underwater photography is more than a technical pursuit—it’s an art form, a way to tell stories, and a platform for advocacy. With a combination of the right gear, thoughtful composition, and a deep understanding of marine environments, photographers can create images that resonate on both visual and emotional levels.
Craig Dietrich’s approach emphasizes preparation, patience, and purpose. His photographs invite viewers into the underwater world, offering a glimpse of its scale, diversity, and beauty. More importantly, his work encourages responsible diving and conservation-minded photography.
Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced shooter seeking to refine your craft, embracing the wide-angle perspective can open up new dimensions in your work. Through each frame, you have the opportunity to not only document what lies beneath the surface—but to connect others to it, inspire action, and celebrate the ocean’s majesty.