Underwater images is in some ways the definition of a distinct segment style. It is superb how a lot of an adjustment is required when capturing on this unfamiliar medium. A particular set of abilities is required to work successfully in aquatic environments – each sensible and technical.
Photographer Petr Polách is an skilled shooter and diver, however wanted to name on all his photographic experience when capturing his impactful picture titled Dream Gate. He explains, “This image was taken while diving in the cave system in Yucatán, Mexico, specifically in the flooded cave Dream Gate’s downstream section.”
“Flooded caves are characterized by an unfavorable situation for a photographer – absolute darkness,” Polách explains. Fortunately, he had an answer…
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The story behind nonetheless
Polách explains, “The world of flooded caves, in which the diver swims in a state of weightlessness among the beautiful stalactite decorations, completely captivated me and forced me to capture this beauty in photographs.
“I wished to seize the scale of the cave house, so within the foreground is a big stalactite, adopted by a diver, and within the background a blue cave house with small stalactites.
“The colors in this cave made it possible to emphasise the space with complementary colors – orange and azure blue. I wanted to share this beauty with people who have no chance to visit this world,” he says.
But how did he handle to loosen up the pitch-black cave? “The solution is to use external underwater flashes. For this photo, I used a total of five flashes – three external and two on the case.”
Tech particulars – ‘Dream Gate’
Gear info
Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens: FE 16-35mm f/4 G
Accessories: Five flashes (three external + two on the case)
Exposure details
1/80 sec, f/9, ISO 3200
In post-processing, Polách only made minor adjustments, focusing on color, contrast, brightness, and saturation to emphasize the natural impact of the scene.
To see more of Polách’s work, visit his website.