Water in search of color

In the post Colors of the sea we just started talking about what happens to the color and light in the water. But if you treat water as a kind of uniform substance with permanent properties, then you got nothing good from the idea of taking pictures under the water.



Water in one pond will always differ from water in another. Moreover, these differences will depend on the specific place and time. How much will this affect the photos? If it's rough, you can compare it with changing lenses with additional filters. That is more than significant.



Let's see why this happens. In water there are always various impurities and particles (well, except distillate). It can be about dissolved mineral impurities. They are not visible on their own, but they have a serious effect on the light passing through the water. This effect is different for a different spectrum, which is manifested in different color toning. The more impurities, the stronger the effect and the more saturated color.



So in this photo it is clear that the color of the water is greenish-blue. Not at all traditional for the reservoirs of our zone. This is due to just a large number of mineral impurities. For the same reason, the water almost does not bloom and remains transparent throughout the year.

But this is not all, except that in the water there are always micro particles of very different origin. These may be soil components or, for example, algae. They also affect the transparency of water.



The size of the particles, their number and nature are important here. Reflection and scattering of light are added to the effect of the light filter of the particle. This applies to both natural sunlight and artificial light, which we use when shooting.

This gives rise to many problems with exposure and loss of contrast. But at the same time we get the opportunity to see the light, and its game. This allows us to revitalize our photos.



It is important to be able to use these features for the benefit, combining artificial and natural light, and not fall on the rake with parasitic light. But all this is a separate topic, which should be given special attention. In addition, it strongly depends on the equipment available.



Today, I would like to dwell on the fact that it is useful for each water body to be approached individually. Adjusting the plot for the water that is here and now. And sometimes it is worthwhile to postpone shooting at all until the desired period or season.




Photos in this material were made: Russia, Tver region Russia, the Commander Islands. Bering Sea. Egypt, Dahab. Red sea.