Dive In....Fun with Underwater Photography

I've been wanting an underwater camera for a long time.  When I told my husband, he replied, "Why would you want one, you don't even swim in our pool."  I realized he had a point.  I rarely went in our pool this summer (mainly because I like a warm pool preferably 86 degrees) but I my thought was if I had a camera I would go in the pool more (anything for a cool image, right?).

In any case, I tabled the idea.... that is until I went to Shutter Sisters Oasis and had the opportunity to try out the LifeProof case for the iPhone (available soon for the iPhone 5).  Ohhh....emmm...geee....did I have fun with this little gadget.

Once I got over the initial fear of submerging my phone into the pool, which believe me took a bit of convincing and standing poolside watching, I had such a blast and I was blown away by the images I was able to get with my iPhone.  It made me realize that I don't really need to spend money on a special camera or housing unit for my DSLR (at least not just yet).

I must admit that it was hard to tell whether or not I was getting the person in frame because holding your breath, trying to stay under water in a saltwater pool and keeping your eyes open while clicking the + button on your iPhone is no easy task.  But the beauty of digital images (and lots of available space on your  iPhone) is you can click away and most likely you'll get something that will bring a smile to your face....at least I sure did.

All and all, I'm so glad I decided to take the plunge, both literally and figuratively, and try out this great case....if I hadn't I would have missed out on all this underwater fun!  Oh and you can bet that this little tool is now on my Christmas wish list.  

Guest Post By Eva Creel Photography

Today we have a very special guest post by a former Behind the Lens participant, Eva Creel. You may remember her dreamy underwater images that we showcased in August 2011.  If not, we encourage you to revisit her interview and be prepared to be totally inspired!

In her guest post below, Eva shares how she moved beyond an artistic road block and found a new muse. Perhaps this is something you've experienced too?


As I read her words, I found myself shaking my head in agreement....I totally understood what she said and where she was coming from. And now after reading her story and watching her videos (you'll find the links below), I'm even more motivated to try and master this feature on my camera and incorporate a new element into my work.


Thank you Eva for honesty, openness and your willingness to share. You continue to inspire us!

by Eva Creel

Recently I hit a proverbial wall, I had artistic block and self doubt began to way heavily on my shoulders. I wanted to charge more for my work but what did I have to offer that was different from all the other amazing, and talented photographers out there.  I wanted to lock up my camera and crawl back into bed so I did. I had a lovely pity party for myself and it was… boring.

As much as I’d sometimes like to quit, I can’t. Having a camera and taking photos is part of my identity, I’m a wife, and a mother but before all of that I was and am a photographer. And just like shrinks need shrinks, I believe that photographers need photographers. So I made my bed and logged into an inspiration finding marathon. What did I find? Inspiration by the buckets. I was reminded how vital it is to stay connected with other artist and professionals. To support each other and grow with each other because we will never be done learning and might from time to time need a good swift kick in the proverbial F-stop to stop pouting and start creating.

If I wanted people to pay more for a session, I needed to kick it up a notch and make it worth every penny. I said goodbye to blank DVD’s with Sharpie titles and said hello to custom printed disks and cases. I was also inspired to try video. My camera has the little video setting on it but I never tried it out. I now make a video slide show with every shoot I do. I can tell a story that I couldn’t tell before with just an online photo gallery. More importantly I’m feeling what I do again. I’ve brought back the emotion to my work that I felt was slipping away. These mini videos have helped me find my muse again.

Happy clicking moms,

Eva Creel Photography

animoto.com (video slide show creator)

whcc.com (custom disks and cases)

Senior Class of 2012

http://video214.com/play/vLcTRRE7Ee9xnYHhYEPMWQ/s/dark

Welcome Home

http://video214.com/play/Vv6JHDSNgYG7pM1hsGwnnQ/s/dark

Wedding

http://video214.com/play/43vKz1E00c6813cmy9gGxw/s/dark

Family

http://video214.com/play/WPBl21cIOINYwmC5bg2fBw/s/dark