This webinar is part of the Fred & Edie Greene Speaker Series

Underwater Photography: Getting the Shot
Scott Bennett

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever,” said Jacques Cousteau. With bodies of water encompassing nearly 70% of the earth, the underwater world offers a treasure trove of photographic possibilities, from dramatic scenery to an astonishing array of creatures great and small.

Not long ago, photographing this realm was difficult. Limitations of the first underwater rangefinder cameras combined with expensive equipment, restricted underwater photography to a select few. Nowadays, with the advent of digital cameras, underwater photography is now easier and more affordable than ever before.

Creating images underwater features a unique set of challenges in addition to those faced by land photographers. This presentation will feature images taken over a period of twenty years in a variety of locations, from Mexico and the Caribbean to Africa and the Indo-Pacific. A range of techniques will be covered, from camera settings, lighting and strobe positions, to creating a strong compositions, finding subjects and photographing wildlife behaviour. In addition, post-processing techniques will be demonstrated to complete “getting the shot”.

Bio:
Born and raised in Southern Ontario, the arts have always played a vital role throughout Scott Bennett’s life. After completing a 3-year course in Classical Animation at Oakville’s Sheridan College in 1983, he worked extensively in the animation industry throughout the ensuing two decades. During this time, the purchase of a 35mm camera piqued an interest in photography, which soon became an obsession.

An opportunity to spend two years in Australia kindled a travel bug that grew progressively more intense with each passing year. As well as travelling extensively throughout the country, he obtained his scuba diving license, an event that later would prove pivotal. Returning to Toronto, the frigid Canadian waters ensured this new pursuit remained dormant, until an extended business trip to the Philippines nine years later. Diving soon turned into a passion, and a 20-year interest in photography soon extended to the underwater world.

After 25 years in the animation business, he decided to pursue photography full-time and now contributes photographs and articles to publications around the world. While eager to pursue any subject, he specializes in underwater photography, working in conjunction with governmental tourist agencies, magazines, and resorts to promote awareness of the uniqueness, beauty, and diversity of locales.