Composition
Along with sharp and properly exposed photos, you can improve your images by paying attention to photographic composition, which is the arrangement of objects in a pleasing or interesting way.
Foreground, Background and Negative Space
Foreground is the area in the photograph between the viewer and the subject. Background is the area in the photograph behind the subject. Negative Space is the area in the photograph that is not the subject and should not attract the viewer’s attention. It is the space around your subject. Negative space balances the subject by directing attention to the main subject in the frame.
Composition and negative space significantly alter how we perceive a photo. Avoid having a very distracting negative space. A lot of negative space results in a very dramatic photo. Usually, to isolate your subject, your negative space will be the open water, darkness, or the reef.
Composition can benefit from simplicity, basically keeping the information in the image relatively simple. For example, try to avoid distracting background in order to keep your subject as the most important focal point in the frame.
Rule-of-Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is probably the most important of all the composition techniques. It can be very helpful in achieving good compositions and eye-pleasing images. It creates a focal point for the viewer. The viewer’s eyes immediately fall on that point and then explore the rest of the image It virtually divides the frame into thirds (three sections) vertically and horizontally. By placing your subject on or close to these imaginary line intersections, you give the subject more emphasis and create a stronger composition than if you place your object in the centre of the frame. Many digital cameras can add a Rules-of-Thirds grid to your LCD screen to help you with composing your photo.
Subject Direction
Place your subject so it naturally swims into the frame instead of out. Don’t crop or frame the image so close that your subject has nowhere to go. Leave space in front of your subject to move to for a stronger composition.
Vertical or Horizontal?
Many times a horizontal orientation might be more appropriate for swimming subjects underwater. Nevertheless, not all photos need be in horizontal orientation. Photographs can be much more pleasing at times if you turn your camera on its side. This may require an adjustment of the strobe. Vertical shots are very good for getting the subject at the bottom of your frame with sunlights penetrating the water at the top of the frame. Remember to frame the shot so the reef occupies the bottom third of your composition.
All these composition techniques mentioned are only recommendations to help get you started. They do not have to be (nor should be) followed religiously. Experiment on your own to find what kind of composition pleases you. Some of the best photographs created break all the composition rules in the book.
One of the biggest advantages of digital photography is the ability to take as many photos as you like (as long as your memory card is big enough), thus allowing you to practice many of the techniques above.