Top Tips from Other Dive Photo Pros

"Work on your diving skills -- it allows you to work close without spooking your subject, stirring up silt or risking damaging delicate marine life. And don't try to photograph everything on a dive; instead, focus your attention on the subjects your camera is best set up to capture."

-- Alex Mustard (www.amustard.com)

"Color primarily exists as a function of artificial light. Mastery of strobe, and the balance to ambient light, is often transformational."

-- Stephen Frink (http://stephenfrink.com)

"Do a bit of research first about the area where you are going diving and the animals likely to be encountered, then be observant, be patient, have respect for the lives you confront and do no harm. No image is worth an animal's life. In short, do your homework so when you are in a real-world situation you are ready! It also helps to learn how the camera works before you jump in and that it is functioning as it should."

-- Douglas Seifert (www.douglasunderwater.com)

"When shooting animals underwater, don't rush in to get the shot. Stop a few feet away from your subject and observe its behavior for a few minutes. This way, you will notice any patterns and be able to time your shutter release accordingly."

-- Mike Veitch (http://mikeveitchblog.com)