Simplifying Underwater Photography with the TG-5: A Guide

In the vibrant world of underwater photography, one name that stands out is Sibylle, a passionate diver who found a new love in capturing the ocean's wonders. Her journey began 28 years into her diving career, when her husband, professional underwater photographer Gerald Nowak, encouraged her to pick up a camera and dive deeper into the art.

Sibylle's tool of choice is the Olympus TG-5, a versatile camera that offers 12 megapixels and shoots both jpg and RAW, with little noise up to ISO 800. She uses this camera in a Nauticam housing, and for lighting, she relies on LED video lights from Orcatorch or Weefine. One accessory she particularly appreciates is the Weefine Ring Light, which provides even lighting for her subjects from all sides.

For beginners, Sibylle recommends starting with macro photography, offering a closer, more intimate look at the ocean's smallest creatures. She found the TG-5 to be particularly suitable for this type of photography, even without the need for a wide angle wet lens.

Respect for the underwater environment is a cornerstone of Sibylle's approach. She emphasises the importance of not moving, replacing, or harassing marine life, and advises divers to have good buoyancy control before starting underwater photography to avoid damaging corals and small creatures.

Sibylle is inspired by Ellen Cuylerts, a role model in underwater photography who advocates for "Working with what you get." This philosophy resonates with Sibylle, who believes in capturing the natural beauty of the underwater world as it is.

As for her own evolution as an underwater photographer, Sibylle's journey has been one of growth and discovery. Initially, she used a Nikon AW 100 for underwater photography, but she now finds herself using the Olympus TG-5 with a variety of accessories, such as the Weefine wideangle wetlens WFL02, Subtronic Strobe Pro 160, Supe and bubble scuba snoot, and diving equipment supplied by Mares.

For those considering underwater photography, Sibylle's advice is to expect a change in perspective. While diving for leisure, one may casually stroll through the ocean, but as an underwater photographer, the dive becomes a concentrated walk, filled with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of the underwater world.

For those interested in learning more, additional reading is available on Olympus TG-5 Camera Review, The Olympus TG-5: Riding the Wave of Technology, Freediving Photography with the Olympus TG-5, DSLR and TG-5: A New Level of Underwater Photography. Bluewater Photo carries the TG-5 and many accessories, including the Nauticam TG-5 Housing, Kraken Sports KRL-2 Wet Wide Angle Lens, Kraken Sports Weefine Ring Light 1000, Kraken Sports Weefine Ring Light 3000, and more.

As for Gerald, he lost his underwater model but gained a companion in photography. The ocean, once a solitary world, is now a shared canvas for this diving couple, as they continue to capture its beauty and share it with the world.