THRILLED TO HAVE YOU HERE! I’m Glenn Guiao, your friendly neighborhood wedding and engagement photographer based in Wilmington, North Carolina, and I’m excited to share my new underwater photography adventures at Wrightsville Beach!
Underwater Photography at Wrightsville Beach
For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of capturing couples underwater, embracing the magic and mystery beneath the waves. As a beach wedding photographer in North Carolina, I wanted to dive into the unique world of underwater photography.
Wrightsville Beach, with its vibrant sea life and pristine waters, is the perfect backdrop for these dreamy, ethereal photos.
Being a Wrightsville Beach underwater photographer allows me to explore this beauty while delivering unforgettable memories for my clients.
Investing in the Right Gear
This year, I finally decided to take the plunge—literally—and invest in the equipment needed for underwater photography.
After careful research and some serendipitous browsing, I discovered the GDOME XL underwater housing.
Their sale caught my eye, and before I knew it, I was the proud owner of this game-changing piece of gear.
What’s in the Box?
• GDOME XL Housing: The main attraction, this housing promises to keep my camera safe while I explore the underwater world.
• Dome: For those picture-perfect shots that capture expansive underwater views.
• Side Handle: For steady, controlled shots.
• Trigger: Makes capturing the perfect moment easier, but only if the trigger signal is correctly placed. If the signal is Velcroed in the wrong spot, it simply won’t work.
When the box arrived, it felt like Christmas morning. I couldn’t wait to see how my camera—my trusted Fujifilm X-T4—would fare underwater.
The Test Drive: Poolside Practice
Before venturing into the salty sea, I decided to test my new gear in a more controlled environment: my pool.
First Impressions: A Splash of Success
Slipping my camera into the GDOME XL underwater housing, I felt a rush of excitement and nerves. Would this housing really protect my camera? As I submerged the GDOME in the pool, I marveled at the clarity and perspective the dome offered. Every ripple and ray of sunlight seemed to dance across my camera’s viewfinder.
Success! The GDOME passed the test with flying colors, and my confidence grew in my quest to become a top Wrightsville Beach underwater photographer.
Braving the Ocean with Friends
The real test was waiting at Wrightsville Beach. My friends Carissa and Lyndi volunteered as my muses for a morning swim session. The plan was simple: capture their joy and connection in the crystal-clear waters, all while keeping my gear—and sanity—intact.
Challenges: Riding the Waves
Upon arrival, we faced our first hurdle: rough waves. The ocean can be unpredictable, and the powerful swells made me worry about the housing’s seal. With twelve screws securing the dome and a silicone membrane between the housing and the backplate, I hoped it would withstand the pressure.
I discovered some essential lessons about working in such conditions
Key Takeaways
Wind and Sand: A Risky Combo
I learned the hard way that opening the GDOME XL underwater housing at the beach isn’t wise. The wind swept grains of sand into the housing, and I heard a crunchy sound as the screws turned. Not ideal!
Keeping the Camera Awake
My Fujifilm X-T4 tends to sleep when I least want it to. I thought the open back of the GDOME would help, allowing me to keep pressing buttons to prevent the camera from dozing off. But once the camera fell asleep, it was lights out for good. No shutter clicks meant no photos.
Focusing and Composing Challenges
The Fujifilm X-T4 paired with the 10-22 lens works great for focusing, but I underestimated the power of the waves. Composing the camera to my subject was frustrating as the waves constantly washed the camera away. Holding the housing steady against the ocean’s force was a challenge in itself.
Trigger Signal Placement:
Ensuring that the trigger signal was in the correct position was crucial. A slight misplacement of the Velcro meant the trigger wouldn’t work, making it impossible to capture those perfect underwater shots. This small detail is vital for any Wrightsville Beach underwater photographer looking to get flawless images.
Handling the Lens:
One limitation was the inability to adjust the zoom once the camera was inside the housing. That means planning and setting the lens before diving in.
Keeping the Dome Clear:
A smattering of water drops could ruin a shot. The GDOME came with an anti-drop liquid that reminded me of Rain-X, helping to clear my view.
Protection is Key:
The dome needs to be handled with care at all times. Any scratch or blemish could affect photo quality, so I ensured it was always safely stored and transported.
Equipment Challenges
Despite the excitement, there were challenges along the way:
Camera Sleep Mode:
While I couldn’t fully solve the issue of my camera falling asleep, I now know to set the camera settings beforehand and ensure it’s ready to shoot before sealing it in.
Zoom Limitations:
Pre-set the zoom and adjust any necessary settings before sealing the camera.
Focus and Composition:
When battling strong waves, work with an assistant to help hold the camera housing steady, or choose a calmer area of the ocean where positioning and holding the camera is more manageable.
Trigger Signal Positioning:
Always double-check the placement of the trigger signal. If it’s not positioned correctly, your ability to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments will be hindered.
Keeping the Dome Clear:
Always apply the anti-drop solution before heading into the water for optimal clarity.
The Reward
In spite of the obstacles, the results were nothing short of magical. Carissa and Lyndi were naturals in front of the lens, and the underwater world added a layer of mystique and wonder to their photos. The clear waters of Wrightsville Beach provided the perfect canvas for their joyous expressions and playful interactions.
These photos weren’t just beautiful; they were a testament to the connection and love shared between two people. The ocean waves and underwater world offered a unique backdrop that complemented the genuine emotions I aim to capture in every session. Being a Wrightsville Beach underwater photographer means I get to immortalize these beautiful moments in such a surreal environment.
Finally
Underwater photography at Wrightsville Beach is a thrilling and rewarding experience. While there are technical challenges to overcome, the GDOME XL underwater housing offers a fantastic way to explore this new realm of photography. It takes patience, practice, and a willingness to adapt, but the results are well worth the effort.
As I continue my journey into underwater photography, I’m excited to offer this unique service to adventurous couples seeking a one-of-a-kind photography experience. From Wrightsville Beach to wherever the tide takes us, I’m ready to dive into capturing your love story in the most breathtaking way possible.
READY TO MAKE A SPLASH? Book your underwater session today, and let’s create some unforgettable memories together!
