What are the best books on and of underwater photography?

May 4, 2008 8:12 PM

A great book about/of underwater photography, for the gifting?

The giftee is a talented amateur photographer who'd like to branch out--and into the deep. He's working on getting good housing for his digital SLR, and the boyfriend and I would like to provide some inspiration. We're looking to spend around $40–75.

So I'd like to find two good books: a guide with solid tips for underwater photography, and a gorgeous coffee table book, maybe concentrating on the Caribbean.

Does the hive mind have any suggestions? I've perused Amazon, but first-hand experience would be fantastic.

posted by kwaller to sports, hobbies, & recreation (6 comments total)

How deep? I recently bought The Deep with the intent of framing some of the images. Way cool. It might work for the coffee table part of your gift. For instruction, David Doubilet is a respected and long-time underwater photographer who back in the day would do workshops and portfolio reviews, so some of his books may be aimed at technique.
posted by cocoagirl at 8:38 PM on May 4

Within a Rainbowed Sea by Christopher Newbert is utterly gorgeous. Each chapter is devoted to a color, starting of course with blue. Newbert is based in Hawaii but has a few pictures from other parts of the world. (It's a coffee table book, not a photography manual - can't help you with that part, but this is a slam dunk for your eye candy.) Oh, and by the way, Newbert can write as well as he takes pictures.
posted by Quietgal at 8:55 PM on May 4

I dont know if he has a book out, but Wayne Levin blows me away with his B&W underwater photos...
posted by chromatist at 9:26 PM on May 4

Water Dance, and other books by Howard Schatz.
posted by Wet Spot at 7:43 AM on May 5

OP here: Many thanks for the suggestions so far—much gorgeous stuff!

For clarification, he has more experience snorkeling than diving and would probably be shooting around reefs, relatively close to the surface.

Thanks again!
posted by kwaller at 11:19 AM on May 5

We've decided to pick up a copy of David Doubilet's Fish Face. We're going to let him find his own how-to guide, since he'll obviously have a better idea of his needs.

Thanks again for the help.
posted by kwaller at 7:18 PM on May 6