In the vibrant world of underwater photography, few images have captured the imagination of both judges and the public like Gaetano Dario Gargiulo’s striking photo titled "The Day of the Tentacle." This winning entry in the Wide Angle category of the 2020 Ocean Art competition is not just a testament to technical proficiency but an enchanting narrative frozen in time. Taken in a tide pool in New South Wales, Australia, the image stands out for its spontaneity, creativity, and emotional connection. It is a snapshot of serendipity, where nature’s curiosity meets human ingenuity.
The photo features an octopus emerging from its den and interacting with the camera itself, with a curious child observing from the background. This blend of behavior, environment, and storytelling is what makes the image iconic. What seems like a whimsical moment is underpinned by thoughtful preparation, awareness of environmental conditions, and a deep understanding of the subject.
Setting the Scene: New South Wales Tide Pools
Tide pools are one of the most dynamic and accessible marine environments. Located along rocky shorelines, these temporary aquatic habitats are formed when the tide retreats, leaving behind pockets of seawater in depressions and cracks. In places like New South Wales, these pools teem with life. From mollusks to crustaceans, sea anemones to octopuses, the biodiversity is rich despite the shallow depth.
Gaetano’s choice to remain within the confines of the tide pool due to low tide proved fortuitous. Limited mobility often compels photographers to pay closer attention to their immediate surroundings. Rather than chasing subjects, the focus shifts to observing behavior and capturing moments as they unfold naturally. The constraints imposed by the environment often lead to a more intimate and powerful form of photography.
Behavior of Octopuses in Shallow Waters
Octopuses are among the most intelligent and curious of marine animals. They are known for their problem-solving abilities, camouflage skills, and complex behaviors. In shallow waters, their interactions with their environment can become more visible and pronounced. They may come out of their dens to explore, hunt, or even investigate foreign objects—especially those with reflective surfaces or movement.
In the case of this particular photo, the octopus’s behavior was both unusual and charming. Rather than retreating from the camera, it actively engaged with it. This interaction is indicative of the species’ innate inquisitiveness. When unthreatened, octopuses can be remarkably bold. The ability of the photographer to remain still and respectful likely played a significant role in allowing the octopus to feel safe enough to explore.
The fact that it appeared to "take pictures" is, of course, anthropomorphic, but it speaks to the depth of interaction that occurred. To have such behavior documented, at a wide angle, and with a strong composition, is a rare occurrence.
Technical Mastery: Equipment and Settings
Capturing such a detailed and vibrant image in a tide pool requires not only observational skill but technical understanding. Gaetano used a Nikon D850 camera paired with a Nikon 8-15mm fisheye lens. This combination is ideal for wide-angle photography, allowing the photographer to get very close to the subject while still capturing a broad field of view. The use of an Isotta housing protected the camera while allowing full manual control.
He also employed dual Backscatter Mini Flashes. Proper lighting is critical in shallow macro and wide-angle settings. In tide pools, light can reflect off the surface or rocks unpredictably. Using dual strobes helps to illuminate the subject evenly, reduce shadows, and bring out color contrast. Even in just a few inches of water, ambient light is often not enough for high-quality imaging.
The chosen camera settings further demonstrate technical precision. With a shutter speed of 1/20, the photographer had to remain extremely still to avoid motion blur. A narrow aperture of F22 ensured a deep depth of field, keeping both the octopus and the child in the background in sharp focus. ISO 320 strikes a balance between brightness and image noise, especially in lower light conditions of a tide pool at dawn or dusk.
Composition and Storytelling
At the heart of this photo’s impact is its composition. The central focus is the octopus reaching out toward the lens, almost as if it understands the concept of photography. In the background, we see Gaetano’s three-year-old son, adding a layer of human interest and scale. The child’s presence gives the image emotional warmth and curiosity, connecting the viewer to the scene.
Wide-angle photography in underwater settings demands an acute awareness of foreground and background. Unlike telephoto images, which isolate a subject, wide-angle shots include environmental elements that can either enhance or distract. In this frame, the composition is masterfully balanced. The octopus commands attention while the child provides narrative depth without overpowering the marine subject.
It is rare to find such storytelling elements aligned so harmoniously in an underwater photograph. The technical demands, behavioral luck, and artistic eye required to achieve this are significant. The fact that all these variables coalesced in a single moment speaks volumes about Gaetano’s preparedness and instinct.
Ethical Approach to Wildlife Photography
One of the most commendable aspects of this image is the ethical stance it embodies. The interaction was not staged, and the animal was not manipulated. The photographer remained patient and allowed the octopus to act of its own volition. This approach is essential not only for the well-being of marine creatures but for the authenticity of the photographic story.
Ethical underwater photography requires restraint. Flash use must be balanced to avoid distressing the subject. Physical interaction is discouraged. Environmental impact should be minimized, especially in fragile ecosystems like tide pools, where even a small footprint can cause damage. Gaetano’s image upholds these principles, showcasing a natural moment that is both captivating and responsible.
The Role of Luck and Patience
Even the most skilled photographers require a stroke of luck to capture truly exceptional images. What distinguishes professionals is how they prepare for and respond to lucky circumstances. On this particular day, Gaetano’s decision to stay in the tide pool, rather than fight the tide or relocate, positioned him to witness and capture something extraordinary.
Patience is often underrated in underwater photography. Many divers and photographers rush through locations, hoping to tick off species from a list. By contrast, staying in one place, especially in a rich but limited environment like a tide pool, increases the chances of witnessing unique behaviors. The octopus did not appear immediately; it took time for it to become comfortable. Gaetano’s patience created the conditions necessary for trust and interaction.
Environmental Context and Conservation
Images like "The Day of the Tentacle" also play a role in raising awareness about marine environments. Tide pools are often overlooked in marine conservation, seen as less glamorous than coral reefs or deep-sea habitats. Yet they are crucial for coastal biodiversity, acting as nurseries and refuges for a variety of species.
By bringing attention to these habitats, photographers help advocate for their protection. Human traffic, pollution, and climate change threaten even these shallow ecosystems. An evocative image can speak louder than data, inspiring people to care about places they might never visit.
Gaetano’s photo not only wins awards but also educates. Viewers who may never have thought about octopus behavior, tide pool dynamics, or childlike curiosity now have a visual gateway into that world.
Human Element in Underwater Photography
While marine life is often the subject of underwater photography, the inclusion of human elements adds emotional resonance. In this case, the presence of Gaetano’s young son observing the scene adds innocence and relatability. It reminds viewers of the early connections humans can form with nature. For many, it is through childhood exploration that a lifelong appreciation for the ocean begins.
This human element doesn’t detract from the marine subject but complements it. It invites interpretation, storytelling, and empathy. It becomes more than just a natural history image—it is a family moment, a lesson in observation, and a metaphor for wonder.
Gaetano Dario Gargiulo’s "The Day of the Tentacle" is more than an award-winning image. It is a convergence of opportunity, skill, and ethical practice. From the shallow tide pools of New South Wales emerged a moment of curiosity, connection, and creativity. Through thoughtful composition, technical finesse, and environmental respect, the photograph captures something timeless. It speaks not only to the wonders of marine life but also to the importance of being present, patient, and prepared.
In the next section, we will explore the technical aspects of wide-angle underwater photography in greater depth, focusing on gear selection, lighting strategies, and composition techniques that enable photographers to capture similarly evocative images.
Introduction to Wide Angle Underwater Imaging
Wide-angle underwater photography is a powerful method of storytelling. It encompasses the relationship between subjects and their environments, often revealing dramatic perspectives that can’t be seen with the naked eye. While macro photography focuses on small-scale detail, wide-angle allows photographers to capture expansive marine scenes, from shipwrecks to reefscapes, large animals, or interactive moments like Gaetano Dario Gargiulo’s winning shot.
Capturing stunning wide-angle images requires more than a good eye. It demands specific equipment, an understanding of optical principles in water, meticulous lighting control, and a refined approach to composition. This section provides an in-depth exploration of the gear and techniques essential for wide-angle success, using real-world best practices from professionals and competition winners as reference points.
Camera Systems and Housing Considerations
The foundation of any great underwater image begins with a reliable camera system and housing. For wide-angle work, full-frame DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are typically preferred due to their dynamic range, low-light performance, and lens compatibility. Gaetano used the Nikon D850, a full-frame DSLR known for its sharp resolution and color fidelity. However, other excellent systems include the Canon R5, Sony A7R series, Nikon Z8, and similar mirrorless models.
Housing choice is critical. It must be watertight, durable, and offer full manual control of the camera. Materials vary from polycarbonate to aluminum, with aluminum housings generally offering better reliability, ergonomics, and longevity. Key housing features for wide-angle shooting include large dome ports, dual strobe ports, ergonomic shutter and aperture dials, and wide handles for stability.
The dome port is especially vital. A dome port is a large curved glass or acrylic element placed in front of wide-angle lenses. Its curvature restores the field of view underwater, compensating for refraction and allowing for better edge sharpness. Smaller flat ports introduce distortion and reduce the angle of view, which is detrimental to wide-angle success.
Lens Selection for Wide Angle
Lens choice is arguably the most important decision for wide-angle photography. The goal is to get as close to your subject as possible while still fitting the environment into the frame. This minimizes water between the lens and subject, reducing scatter and preserving contrast.
Fisheye lenses are favored by many underwater photographers. They allow extreme fields of view—up to 180 degrees—while focusing very close to the subject. Gaetano used the Nikon 8-15mm fisheye zoom lens, which offers versatility in framing while maintaining sharp image quality. On a full-frame body like the D850, this lens produces dramatic curvature without sacrificing clarity.
Other options include rectilinear wide-angle lenses such as the Canon 16-35mm or Sony 14mm f/1.8. These lenses maintain straight lines in architecture or wreck photography but often have longer minimum focus distances and less dramatic field of view. They are best paired with large dome ports to preserve sharpness at the edges.
Proper dome port matching is essential. A mismatched dome and lens can lead to softness in corners, chromatic aberration, or focus issues. Use manufacturer recommendations or third-party port charts to choose the optimal combination.
Strobe Use in Wide Angle Scenes
Lighting is perhaps the greatest technical challenge in wide-angle underwater photography. Natural light alone is rarely sufficient, especially beyond 10 meters, where color absorption and light loss become extreme. Artificial lighting—strobes—compensate for this, restoring lost colors, defining texture, and bringing subjects to life.
Strobes must be powerful enough to illuminate wide scenes. Models like the Inon Z330, Sea & Sea YS-D3, and Retra Pro offer high guide numbers and wide beam angles, which are critical for broad coverage. Gaetano used Backscatter Mini Flashes, which are compact but effective for close-range work in shallow water. For deeper dives or larger subjects, more powerful strobes or dual setups are recommended.
Strobe placement affects the quality and drama of the image. For wide-angle, the goal is often to avoid backscatter and produce even lighting across the frame. General guidelines include:
Place strobes slightly behind the dome port to avoid flaring.
Angle strobes outward or parallel rather than pointing directly at the subject.
Use diffusers to soften the light and reduce hot spots.
Adjust strobe distance based on the subject’s proximity—closer for macro-sized scenes, farther for wide environments.
In scenes with a strong ambient light source, such as shallow reefs or tide pools, strobes can be used for fill flash. This balances the natural light while enhancing contrast and color. In darker environments, strobes may become the primary light source, requiring careful balancing of flash output and exposure settings.
Exposure Settings for Control and Clarity
Exposure control underwater follows different rules compared to topside photography. Water absorbs and diffuses light rapidly, so settings must be tailored to each scene. A typical starting point for a wide-angle is:
Shutter speed: 1/125 to 1/250 to freeze motion and prevent ambient light blur.
Aperture: f/8 to f/16 for broad depth of field and corner sharpness.
ISO: 100 to 400 for low noise and clean blacks.
In Gaetano’s image, the slow shutter speed of 1/20 was a deliberate choice to balance the ambient light of the tide pool. This approach requires excellent stability or tripod use to prevent motion blur. Wide apertures such as f/5.6 may be used in low light, but they reduce depth of field, which can hurt sharpness in environmental portraits.
Manual exposure is almost always preferred for underwater photography. It gives full control over how the scene is lit and how the background renders. TTL (through-the-lens) flash can be helpful in fast-moving scenarios, but it is often inconsistent in complex wide-angle scenes.
Use histograms to assess exposure underwater, not just the LCD. The small screen often misrepresents brightness. A well-exposed image will have data across the range without clipping in the highlights or shadows.
Achieving Sharpness from Edge to Edge
Sharpness across the frame is a technical challenge with dome ports and wide-angle lenses. Water is a dense medium, and any mismatch between lens curvature, dome radius, or focus point can lead to softness, particularly in the corners.
To improve edge-to-edge sharpness:
Use a small aperture (f/11 or higher) to increase depth of field.
Focus about one-third into the scene to maximize hyperfocal depth.
Ensure the dome port is free from smudges, scratches, or salt residue.
Use manual focus or focus lock if the camera hunts or misses focus.
Consider using diopters (close-up lenses) to shift the focus range if the lens requires a shorter minimum distance than the port allows.
Correct port placement and extension rings are critical. Even a few millimeters off can create optical distortions. Manufacturers usually provide recommended extension ring combinations for wide-angle lenses with domes.
Composition Principles for Impactful Images
Composition elevates a technically good image into a visually compelling one. In a wide-angle composition, the composition is more complex due to the inclusion of multiple elements—foreground, midground, and background.
Strong wide-angle compositions often use these strategies:
Get close to the foreground subject to create impact and scale.
Use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye through the frame.
Include a secondary element—fish, diver, child—to add narrative.
Utilize negative space to emphasize isolation or texture.
Frame the subject against open water or sky to avoid clutter.
In Gaetano’s photo, the octopus anchors the foreground, while the child provides a secondary point of interest. The negative space around the octopus emphasizes its form and interaction. The image works because each element supports the story rather than distracting from it.
Consider shooting in portrait orientation when photographing vertical subjects like coral spires or seamounts. For landscapes, use horizontal orientation but avoid placing the horizon line dead center unless symmetry is the goal.
Managing Buoyancy and Positioning
Control of body position and buoyancy is fundamental for wide-angle photography. Unlike macro, where you may hover in place, wide-angle often requires dynamic movement to find the right angle or lighting.
Neutral buoyancy allows the photographer to move smoothly without disturbing sediment or startling marine life. Trim—horizontal body position—is essential for approaching subjects low to the seafloor or framing scenes upward toward the sun.
Use of a backplate and wing system, or balanced BCD, helps maintain horizontal posture. Minimize weight to reduce fatigue and prevent sudden descents. When shooting in surf zones or surge-prone tide pools, stability is even more important. A tripod, rock brace, or low squat may be needed to keep the camera steady.
Position yourself below or level with the subject to add drama. Shooting from above often flattens the image. Sunbursts and silhouettes are best captured by aiming upward and placing the sun at a slight angle to reduce flare.
Practical Advice for Wide Angle Shoots
Arrive early and scout the location in ambient light before entering.
Check gear thoroughly—dome, strobes, o-rings, and battery levels.
Approach subjects slowly, from the side rather than head-on.
Take multiple shots with slight angle changes to improve framing.
Review images regularly and adjust lighting or settings on the spot.
Back up memory cards immediately after the dive.
Always consider environmental conditions—current, visibility, surge, and sun angle. Wide-angle excels in clear water with low particulate matter, ideally during early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and directional.
Wide-angle underwater photography is a rewarding yet demanding pursuit. It combines optical physics, compositional mastery, and an intimate understanding of marine behavior. From camera setup to lighting, exposure, and body positioning, every element plays a role in achieving compelling images.
Gaetano’s award-winning photo exemplifies these principles in action. It shows that even in a shallow tide pool, with the right gear and technique, breathtaking moments can be captured. As we move to the next section, we will explore behavioral photography—how to predict and interact with marine life ethically to capture unforgettable encounters.
Introduction to Marine Behavior in Photography
A successful wide-angle underwater image often hinges not just on gear and technique but on the photographer's ability to understand and predict animal behavior. While technical perfection brings clarity and vividness, it is the subject’s behavior—curious glances, coordinated movements, rare interactions—that brings a photo to life. Capturing such behavior authentically requires patience, observation, and respect for the environment.
In this part, we explore how understanding marine behavior elevates wide-angle photography. We examine how to approach marine life without stress, how to anticipate key moments, and how to embed ethical practices into every dive. Drawing inspiration from images like Gaetano Dario Gargiulo’s octopus interaction, we uncover the foundations of wildlife-aware photography and how behavior-rich images are achieved without manipulation or disturbance.
Reading the Environment Before the Dive
Understanding behavior starts before entering the water. Observation at the surface offers cues about current, swell patterns, visibility, light angle, and animal presence. For instance, shore dives with tide pools or reef shallows reveal marine activity during specific tidal phases. Low tide may trap animals in isolated pools, while high tide introduces larger species and better lighting conditions for reef scenes.
Pre-dive scouting also allows identification of habitats and potential photographic setups. Coral bommies, cleaning stations, overhangs, and sandy slopes offer different opportunities. Observing fish movement from a boat or shoreline helps estimate school size, approachability, and timing.
Behavioral understanding requires recognizing signs in the environment—ripples indicating baitballs, shadows under ledges hinting at resting sharks, or coral polyp extension that suggests feeding activity. Familiarity with the underwater ecosystem adds depth to your preparation, ensuring that you are positioned when key behavior unfolds.
Animal Behavior Basics for Wide Angle Shots
Each species exhibits characteristic behavior influenced by its physiology, diet, predator-prey relationships, and environmental conditions. Wide-angle images often focus on larger subjects or groups—turtles, sharks, dolphins, rays, schooling fish, or octopuses. Observing and learning about these animals is crucial for both timing and framing.
Octopus: Known for curiosity, camouflage, and intelligence, octopuses are highly responsive to non-threatening interactions. They may retreat into dens but emerge when left alone. Gaetano’s image succeeded because the octopus became comfortable with the camera and photographer, eventually interacting out of curiosity rather than fear.
Turtles: Typically relaxed unless approached too quickly. Green sea turtles may rest under ledges or swim between reef patches. Hawksbills feed on sponges and are more active on coral reefs. Observing feeding patterns helps predict their path for front-facing shots.
Sharks: Behavior varies by species. Reef sharks are cautious, usually circling before approaching. Mantas often circle cleaning stations, giving predictable movement patterns. Understanding their approach angle and comfort distance ensures close, clear images without startling them.
Schooling Fish: Jackfish, barracudas, snappers, and sardines often school tightly. They react to movement. Slow, deliberate motion from the side or beneath keeps schools tight. Rushing them causes scattering and missed compositions. Ideal images position the school against open water or sunbursts.
Groupers and Eels: Typically stationary or slow-moving. They respond poorly to strobes if surprised. Positioning strobes slightly behind and off-center avoids startling them with direct flash.
Recognizing feeding, mating, sheltering, or cleaning behaviors gives photographers an advantage. Rather than passively waiting, you become a patient observer tuned into the natural rhythm of the reef or tide pool.
Patience and Timing in Behavior Capture
The most powerful images often result from waiting. Unlike macro, where subjects may be more static, wide-angle scenes involve moving elements—animals, divers, and light. Waiting for a school to form the right shape, or for a creature to approach, can take minutes or even hours.
Time spent observing without pressing the shutter is an investment. Wide-angle behavioral photography thrives on patience. An experienced photographer doesn’t chase but anticipates. Movement behind the subject rather than toward it encourages natural interaction. Staying at the periphery of a scene gives marine animals time to accept your presence.
Timing also applies to the relationship between light and behavior. For example, many reef fish are more active at dawn or dusk. Schooling events, cleaning behaviors, or coral feeding often follow solar patterns. Knowing these rhythms can lead to encounters otherwise missed by divers focused on technical readiness alone.
Non-Intrusive Approaches to Marine Life
Ethical wildlife photography prioritizes the subject’s comfort over the image. Wide-angle lenses encourage proximity, which means photographers must be even more respectful of personal space. Animals are not props. A truly compelling image is built on trust and time, not coercion or physical manipulation.
Core practices for non-intrusive photography include:
Approach slowly from below or the side, not head-on.
Avoid touching, chasing, or blocking the animal’s path.
Let the animal dictate the encounter—leave if it withdraws.
Minimize noise from equipment or bubbles near sensitive species.
Control buoyancy carefully to avoid contact with the reef or substrate.
Some of the most emotionally resonant images come from moments when animals willingly engage—looking into the lens, swimming past, or investigating out of interest. Gaetano’s octopus came out because the camera was left stationary and non-threatening. The child in the background was positioned by chance, not forced. These are the ethics that distinguish real wildlife stories from artificial setups.
Understanding Cleaning Stations and Predictable Interactions
Certain locations offer more predictable behavior. Cleaning stations are hotspots for reef interactions. Here, fish or rays pause to allow cleaner wrasses or shrimp to remove parasites. These stations offer unique behavioral moments—open mouths, still postures, or hovering sharks.
Approach cleaning stations carefully. Avoid startling the cleaner species, or the entire event may stop. Wide-angle images taken at these locations benefit from natural repetition. Animals often return to the same spots, allowing multiple attempts to refine framing or strobe positioning.
Mating or spawning aggregations, such as those of parrotfish or groupers, also follow seasonal and lunar cycles. Researching such events allows for preplanned shoots that align with peak behavior. However, these sensitive moments demand the highest level of respect and minimal disturbance.
Incorporating Human Elements Without Disrupting Behavior
Adding a diver or human figure can increase scale, narrative, and emotional impact. However, care must be taken not to alter animal behavior. Human presence, especially with bubbles, can drive fish away or cause stress to sensitive species.
For natural human-animal interactions:
Use snorkelers in shallow settings for minimal disruption.
Position divers behind the main subject to avoid overpowering it.
Use natural body language—relaxed arms, streamlined posture, calm bubbles.
Brief dive buddies in advance to maintain distance, avoid flash, and remain patient.
In Gaetano’s winning image, the child’s presence created narrative depth without disturbing the octopus. It was a serendipitous alignment of behavior and human interest. In underwater photography, such moments can be planned by position but never forced. Patience and respect are what allow them to unfold authentically.
Behavioral Cues for Anticipating Action
Marine animals often exhibit cues before behavior. Recognizing these signs allows a photographer to be ready with settings, framing, and focus.
Examples include:
An octopus changing color or texture may signal alertness or movement.
Turtle lifting off the seafloor signals it is about to swim.
Sharks circling tighter may indicate curiosity or pre-approach.
Schooling fish compacting usually precedes motion bursts or predator evasion.
Cleaner wrasses approaching a manta suggest cleaning behavior is about to start.
Photographers who learn to read these signs react quickly and position themselves without causing interruption. The result is images full of motion, context, and authenticity—moments caught on the cusp of action rather than after it.
Long-Term Observation and Revisiting Subjects
Building a relationship with a location or individual animal can yield exceptional images. Returning to the same reef, tide pool, or wreck allows photographers to understand rhythms of behavior, territorial boundaries, and seasonal changes.
Over time, even skittish species may grow accustomed to a non-invasive photographer. This gradual trust results in more candid, cooperative imagery. Some photographers spend years documenting the life of a single turtle or cuttlefish, compiling a body of work rich in detail, behavior, and ecological context.
Wide-angle photography benefits immensely from such long-term engagement. Schools form at predictable times, coral blooms return with the tide, and natural light shifts through the seasons. Each of these variables adds depth to behavioral work.
Ethics of Competition Photography and Authenticity
Competitions like Ocean Art value images that are not only technically brilliant but also ethically captured. Judges increasingly look for authenticity and stories that respect wildlife. Artificial interactions—feeding, cornering, or capturing marine life—violate the core values of responsible photography.
Ethical photographers:
Never touch or manipulate animals for behavior.
Avoid baiting or altering the environment to force an interaction.
Do not damage coral, move rocks, or block exits from dens.
Are transparent about post-processing and setup conditions.
Use their images to inspire conservation, not just admiration.
Gaetano’s image resonated because it told a true story: a tide pool, a curious octopus, a child. No part of the moment was contrived, and the octopus’s behavior was natural. It became a symbol of connection rather than control.
Understanding marine behavior transforms wide-angle photography from scenic documentation to storytelling. Ethical practice, patient observation, and informed anticipation allow photographers to capture the ocean's creatures not as objects but as participants in their world.
The most memorable underwater images are those that resonate emotionally, depicting life as it unfolds. Behavior-based photography requires more than technical skill—it demands empathy, restraint, and time.
In the final section, we will explore how post-processing, storytelling, and competition preparation shape award-winning images. From color correction to narrative presentation, we will examine the final steps that take a wide-angle image from camera to global acclaim.
Introduction to Post-Processing in Wide Angle Underwater Photography
After capturing an image, the final phase of the creative process begins—post-processing. This stage enhances what the camera saw, bringing the raw file closer to the emotion and impact experienced underwater. When done ethically and carefully, editing brings out the best in wide-angle photography while preserving natural aesthetics and truth to the scene.
Post-processing is not about manufacturing moments but enhancing clarity, contrast, and composition. It involves correcting for underwater color loss, removing distractions, balancing light, and emphasizing key elements. For images like Gaetano Dario Gargiulo’s, subtle editing can emphasize the unique interaction between the octopus and the camera without altering the integrity of the moment.
This part explores the essential steps in editing wide-angle images, preparing them for competitions, and telling stories that resonate with audiences and judges alike.
RAW Processing and Color Correction
Shooting in RAW format is critical for underwater photography. Unlike JPEG, RAW files retain all data from the camera sensor, offering greater flexibility in color correction, exposure recovery, and sharpening.
The ocean filters out colors the deeper you go—reds disappear first, followed by oranges and yellows. Wide-angle images, especially those shot beyond a few meters, often suffer from blue or green color casts. Even in shallow water, ambient light influences tone and warmth.
The first post-processing step is white balance adjustment. Use reference points like sand or gray subjects to achieve neutral tones. Software like Lightroom or Capture One allows for precise control over temperature and tint. Balancing the blues and greens while recovering reds and oranges restores a natural, vibrant look.
Contrast and clarity adjustments help define the subject against its background. Shadows can be slightly lifted to reveal detail, while highlights should be controlled to preserve sunlight bursts or reflective surfaces. Be cautious not to over-edit—preserving dynamic range is more important than boosting saturation.
Exposure and Tonal Balance
Underwater lighting often creates uneven exposures. Bright strobes illuminate foregrounds, while the background fades into shadow. Balancing these elements in post-production ensures a cohesive image.
Use gradient filters or adjustment brushes to balance brightness across the frame. For example, darkening the upper portion of an image can enhance focus on a brightly lit subject in the foreground. Selective exposure adjustments help unify multi-depth scenes often present in wide-angle work.
Global contrast adjustments should be modest. Too much contrast can crush shadows or create unnatural halos around subjects. Instead, use local tools to bring out specific areas. Clarity and dehaze tools can help in shots affected by particulate matter or backscatter, especially near the edges of the dome port.
Sharpening, Noise Reduction, and Detail Recovery
Wide-angle images benefit from controlled sharpening. Lens curvature, water particles, and dome port optics often soften detail, particularly in the corners. Use sharpening tools selectively—focus on the main subject while leaving background elements untouched.
Noise reduction is important when shooting at higher ISO, especially in darker scenes. Apply noise reduction selectively to avoid smearing texture. Tools like luminance sliders reduce grain in backgrounds without erasing fine detail in coral or fish scales.
Detailed recovery tools can enhance specific areas. For instance, enhancing eye clarity in marine animals can increase emotional connection. However, avoid over-processing, which can result in artificial textures or halos.
Cropping and Reframing
Despite careful composition underwater, sometimes images benefit from minor cropping. Cropping helps remove distracting elements, improve symmetry, or re-center the subject for better storytelling. It is often used in competition entries to create a stronger visual narrative.
Aspect ratio adjustments also affect impact. Square crops may focus attention tightly on behavior, while wide crops emphasize landscape and environment. Vertical orientation can showcase coral spires or open-water sunbursts effectively.
Cropping should not drastically alter the original image. Most competitions require minimal modification, and excessive cropping reduces image resolution. Always work from the highest resolution file and save versions with cropping history intact.
Removing Backscatter and Distractions
Backscatter—tiny reflective particles illuminated by strobes—is a common issue in wide-angle photography. It can distract from the subject and reduce clarity. While careful lighting reduces backscatter during the shoot, some removal may still be needed in post-processing.
Spot healing tools and clone brushes can clean up small particles, especially around high-contrast areas. Avoid removing natural elements that define the scene, such as sand trails or fish. The goal is to enhance clarity, not sanitize the environment.
Distractions like bubbles, parts of gear, or edge shadows can also be removed if they don't contribute meaningfully to the composition. However, avoid over-cleaning, which can sterilize the image and remove its natural feel.
Preserving Authenticity and Integrity
Ethical post-processing preserves the truth of the scene. Adjustments should enhance but not fabricate. Colors should be restored, not invented. Animal positions, expressions, or behaviors must not be altered digitally.
Reputable competitions have clear rules: no addition or removal of significant elements, no digital composites, and no manipulation that misrepresents natural behavior. Judges value authenticity over perfection. A slightly flawed but real moment carries more emotional power than a technically perfect but artificial one.
Transparency is key. If edits are made, especially for competitions or publications, photographers should disclose them. This builds credibility and trust within the community and with the audience.
Preparing Images for Competition
Submitting to competitions requires strategic preparation. Beyond quality, the image must connect with themes, categories, and storytelling expectations. Wide-angle entries often succeed when they tell a complete story: a striking subject, a well-balanced composition, and a moment that evokes emotion or curiosity.
Competition images should be:
Technically excellent—sharp, well-lit, balanced
Emotionally engaging—expressive, unique, surprising
Visually clean—free of distracting elements
Properly formatted—according to resolution and aspect ratio requirements
Captions matter. Gaetano’s story added a human element that deepened the image's meaning. The child watching, the tide pool setting, and the octopus’s behavior created a narrative that resonated with judges and viewers. A good caption contextualizes the image and reinforces its authenticity.
Competitions often reward originality. Avoid trends or overused subjects. Instead, submit images that reflect your unique voice and experience underwater. Judges seek not only visual beauty but also connection—between photographer and subject, viewer and image.
Telling a Story Through a Single Frame
The strongest wide-angle images are stories. They contain characters (animals or humans), setting (reef, wreck, tide pool), and action (interaction, approach, curiosity). Storytelling transforms a technically good photo into a timeless piece.
Composition, lighting, and subject all work together to build this story. The angle of the shot, the direction of the animal’s gaze, the placement of light—all communicate something beyond what’s shown.
In Gaetano’s image, the story was layered:
An octopus emerges from its den.
It interacts with a camera.
A child observes curiously in the background.
Each element adds emotional weight. The photo invites questions: What is the octopus doing? Is it aware of the camera? What is the child thinking? These questions engage the viewer and leave a lasting impression.
Your goal as a photographer is to create this kind of engagement. The camera is your tool. Light, composition, and color are your language. Behavior is your narrative. Together, they form images that speak beyond their pixels.
Sharing and Impact
Once edited and polished, your image has the potential to reach global audiences. Social media, exhibitions, conservation campaigns, and publications offer platforms to share your vision. When shared responsibly, wide-angle images educate, inspire, and advocate for the ocean.
Always provide context with your image. Share not just the settings, but the experience. What did you feel? What did you observe? What did the moment mean to you?
Photography is a medium of empathy. Images like Gaetano’s succeed because they remind us of the wonder in the natural world and the importance of protecting it. By telling real stories with honesty and care, you contribute to a collective awareness that goes beyond the frame.
Conclusion
Wide-angle underwater photography is a convergence of vision, technique, ethics, and storytelling. From mastering equipment and lighting to understanding animal behavior and finalizing images through post-processing, each step builds toward a single goal—to capture moments that move, educate, and inspire.
Gaetano Dario Gargiulo’s “The Day of the Tentacle” is not just a competition winner. It is a benchmark of what wide-angle photography can achieve when done with patience, respect, and creativity. His image was not made in haste or staged under control. It was earned through presence and understanding—a moment shared between human, animal, and ocean.
As you pursue your wide-angle images, carry this philosophy with you. Go slowly. Watch carefully. Shoot with intention. Edit with honesty. And share your stories not just to impress, but to connect. For in that connection lies the true power of underwater photography—not only to show the world what’s below, but to help save it.