I was able to try out some underwater photography during a few snorkeling stops in the Caribbean this year. The above image is of a sea turtle during a stop in Barbados. 

I used a DiaPack Underwater Case to protect my camera when shooting. I also used my old Rebel XTI just in case there was an issue. I used the case on four different spots, all with great success. I would defiantly recommend using this waterproof bag. The only draw back is that you pretty much have to set your camera to no flash auto and take what you get. You can use the view finder to frame your shots though, but that is about it. 

Sometimes when shooting I didn’t bother to try and frame anything, I just pointed the camera in the direction of something that looked cool, and fired away. This approached seemed to work well for my first time trying this type of photography.

It was very fun to shoot underwater. Not sure when I will have the opportunity to do it again. 

   Click here to see more of my underwater shots.

I have tried to shoot fireworks on a handful of occasions with limited success. The above shot is from forth of July a year ago in Portland Maine. This is probably my best fireworks shot so far.

I have run into three issues when trying to capture fireworks. The first is finding a compelling foreground or background to use in my shot with the fireworks. The second is where to focus the shot. and the third is getting my shutter speed correct.

The best way to frame your shot is to scope out the area beforehand. You need to know where the fireworks will be launched from, and where in the sky they will explode. I am still working on the focus I think I will try an infinity focus next time I try. Lastly you have bump up your ISO, use a wide F-Stop and get your shutter speed as fast as you can while getting the light you want. I go with an ISO around 800 and an F-Stop of 5.6 or less.

I still have a lot to learn, and I am just getting at least decent with shooting fireworks. But, I am having fun and hope to keep getting better and get more interesting shots.

   Click here to see more of my fireworks shots.