18 Photographers Share Their Incredible Stories on Nature and Wildlife Photography
Photograph/Adriano Morettin
Adriano Morettin
Twenty years ago, he picked up a camera and was initiated into the world of underwater photography. This passion has allowed him to dive into different waters across the globe, where he continues to make breathtaking images of the world below.
“This photo was 15 years in the making. That’s how long back the idea was born… it stayed with me all this while.”
Every time I would dive into the waters in front of the Miramare Castle in Italy, I would always imagine photographing the jellyfish with the castle in the background. Luckily, the opportunity arrived last summer, when a swarm of barrel and fried egg jellyfish visited the area. But the picture did not come easy, as I had to patiently wait for the two jellyfish to touch near the surface of the water. Besides chasing them and enduring several stings, I had to find the right exposure in order to convey the subtle lighting of the castle in the background and the jellyfish in the foreground.
Camera: Nikon D800E
Lens: Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye
Exposure: 1/160sec at f/18, ISO 100
Tip
Understanding Colours in the Ocean’s Depth
At various depths, water absorbs different wavelengths of light. For instance, red is the first colour to disappear at a depth of 15 feet. This is followed by the disappearance of orange, yellow and green at 25 feet, 35–45 feet and 70–75 feet, respectively. Here’s when you need to previsualise the palette of your photo and use your strobe to modify it accordingly.
