Using the techniques mentioned below, I re-edited our underwater pictures from our Bahamas 2009 trip.
The method is much more simple than the Photoshop action I was previously using. It’s just a matter of white balance and blacks adjustment.
The technique is explained here:
As you can see, it’s quite easy.
Now, I have more pictures to process.
In order to make better pictures underwater, I’m not only fitting out a used case for my 5D, but I’m also learning a new technique for developing the underwater raw photos in Lightroom to better reflect what they should look like.
Normally, pictures you take underwater are extremely blue:
Previously, to fix this, I would import the file into Photoshop, run a custom action which would add a red layer, do some magic and then, I’d save the PSD file and adjust it some more and maybe it would look okay:
Now, I don’t know about you, but that looks a bit strange what with the purple water and all. So, I’m now working in Lightroom using a technique that uses white balances and black levels to make corrections. It’s non-destructive, doesn’t require a second PSD file and is very flexible. Much faster as well. Here’s that same picture with the new method:
Blue water, proper skin tones, over all, much better.
After some setbacks and issues with the EOS M, I had an epiphany. We have two “old” EOS 5D cameras. Why couldn’t I just find a used housing for one of them? Sure enough, I found one for half price of what I would normally have to pay for a new case for a new model. I picked it up and have been finding used or on-sale lens ports to go with it.
This idea has several advantages as well as several disadvantages. First, the speed and responsiveness of the camera are incomparable to even a high-end mirrorless. Second, the pixel quality is one of the best in the industry despite it being a bit long in the tooth. The dynamic range is also much better.
The down side, though, is that the housing weighs eight million tons, and with all the accessories, it will be difficult to carry on a dive trip.
Well, I’ll just have to try it out and see.
::: jeffphillips.org ::: 