How to Get Rid of Underwater Backscatter

Using a strobe -- or flash -- can greatly enhance a photograph in poorly lit areas. Using a strobe underwater compensates for the light absorption qualities of water and shows the subject in the correct color format. This can cause a problem if there is any matter such as sediment in the water between the camera and the subject; it will appear in the final picture as "backscatter." Follow certain procedures as an underwater photographer to eliminate backscatter.

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off the camera's internal flash to prevent it from going off and the light catching the particles in the water. If you cannot turn off the flash, a number of underwater housings are equipped with a flash cover to stop the flash light from reaching the subject.

    • 2

      Reduce the water area between yourself and your subject. If there is less water, there is less area for particles to be held up in the water and consequently shown up by light from a strobe. Taking close-up pictures is a good way of eliminating backscatter. Plus, in heavily sedimented water, wide-angle shots of a subject might not be possible

    • 3

      Change the angle of the strobe. If you are using a strobe that is not part of the camera itself, it is possible to reposition the strobe so that it is illuminating the subject from a different angle to the camera and thus not catching any of the particles in between. The best angle is a 45 degree angle above and to the side of the subject.