In this handy tutorial by Raj K Photo, you’ll learn to take impressive underwater-style photos without the need to get underwater! And, even better, this DIY hack costs less than 50pounds.
What you will need:
- Clear Acrylic Sheet
- Wood
- Woodscrews
- Duct Tape
- Multi-Purpose Sealant
You can make it to whatever size you want.
What to do:
- Cut wood to size.
- Screw in the ends but be sure to drill some holes first to stop the wood splitting.
- Draw an outline of the frame onto the acrylic.
- Place the acrylic onto the top of the wood frame, lining the outline you just drew up with the frame. It acts as a guide so you know where to put the screws.
- Use a drill bit to make pilot holes in the acrylic along each side. Use around 6 screws, evenly placed apart. Screw the screws in but be sure not to screw too quickly or hard so as to not split your acrylic.
- Flip the frame over and peel off the protective film.
- Take your sealant and seal all the gaps between your wood and the acrylic surface.
- Leave to dry for 24hrs.
- As a further layer of protection, add duct tape around the sealed areas.
- Remove any remaining protective film and clean surface.
Photographing your model using your new underwater hack
- Find a place to prop it up so that you can lay it face down with water inside. Ensure that it is secure.
- Lay your model underneath.
- Set an LED light above so that it is shining through the water onto your model. That way you can get an idea of how the shot will look.
- Place the flash units (one with a blue gel to look like water) in position above the model.
- use a reflector to bounce some light back to your model.
- Wet your model’s hair and have the model keep their head slightly off the background to make it look like it is floating.
- Take your photos!
You may also find the following articles useful:
5 Tips for Underwater Photography Without Spending a Fortune
5 Tips for Underwater Photography with a GoPro
Surreal Underwater Shipwreck Photo Shoot
Introduction to Taking Great Underwater Photos