Planning

It’s usual for me to decide upon a subject before working out the best way in which to photograph it. When it came to my underwater photographs however it was the other way around. My initial intention was to construct a camera box that would muffle the noise of the shutter allowing me to get my favourite lens, the Canon 8-15mm fisheye, close to wildlife. I achieved this by creating a housing for my camera and lens using a clear acrylic dome (which originally was intended as a port hole for a boat) and a pelican case. It was only during the construction that I wondered at the possibility of using the housing underwater. Peli cases are highly regarded for their rugged build and water proofing. A few tests later and I realised I had created a workable underwater housing for a 5D

Equipment

Alongside my home made underwater housing aka peli case. I used a Canon 5D MKii, Canon 8-15mm fisheye and as ever my trusted hahnel radio trigger. I attached the peli case to a length of copper pipe and headed to the river in search of fish.

Showing the inside of the box. The foam both holds the camera and muffles noise.

The shoot

I have to admit my greatest asset with this set up was living very close to the river Test. This chalk river is famous for it’s crystal clear water and brown trout. I tried taking photographs from several different lengths of the river but the best location by far was in the local town where people fed the ducks. I attracted the fish towards the camera with small pieces of bread. In the background of the picture above you can see the legs of ducks moving in to get a meal. The greatest challenge was trying to freeze movement. Even though the water was just a few feet deep the light drop off was massive. To make matters worse the fish could detect the shutter firing and would retreat to safe distance after every shot.