We're often asked about using lighting solutions with Outex for underwater photography. And the answer is; Yes, you can! There are many different ways to make it work. And that's part of the beauty of the modularity of the system. It can accommodate virtually any lighting setup you wish to use. You can use hot-shoe, camera mounted flash, remote triggers for above water lighting, and tethering to control underwater lighting - as well as combinations.
We recently joined Brett Stanley in his underwater studio for a photoshoot with professional model Linnea Snyderman @underwaterlinnea. Brett custom build his pool to accommodate entire production sets underwater and optimize comfort, composition, versatility, and lighting conditions for underwater photography. Here are a few examples of his work. You can learn more about his work in his profile.
In addition to shooting commercially, Brett teaches workshops and hosts cinematography and photography events that require various professional settings and flexible setup conditions, which is partially what attracted to Outex. As a multi camera shooter, he likes the:
- Flexibility of changing cameras and lenses depending on the job, rather than being limited to only 1 specific camera for which he had purchased a hard case.
- Ability to use the same Outex Pro Kit for multiple cameras (DSLR, Mirrorless, etc.) at the same time for a shoot rather than having to switch them, as well as being able to potentially share a lighting setup with multiple cameras, or using one camera for large display connectivity for teaching & model illustrations and feedback, and another for lighting control.
- Growing his teaching audience significantly by lowering the cost of entry into underwater photography by orders of magnitude. He also likes the lightweight & compact design that makes taking his "show" on the road much easier and more economical, saving him time & money.
- Not having to relearn where each camera's buttons & settings are on a hard case housing
In previous shoots Brett was using his DSLR Canon cameras and lenses (16-35mm f/2.8 and 24-70mm f/2.8), along with GODOX X-PROC wireless flash transmitters to trigger his GODOX lights. For this photoshoot, Brett is using the Outex Pro Kit with an 82mm flat port optical glass front port, and the Tethering Add-On Kit, which includes the patented Outex cable-adaptor to enable an underwater tethering cable pass-thru, the Outex Cover with the opening for it, and a plug to accommodate various types of cables. We're using a Hama 10-meter cord that connects to the camera's PC port on one end, and the 3.5mm trigger port on the other end above water, triggering the "dry" lights. For more information on the tethering system, explore the website's Questions and Community pages such as News, YouTube channel, Instagram feed, or contact our tech support team.
Brett loves his Aquatica Housing system. But it's a much larger setup to operate. It's limited to a specific camera, and is much more expensive to own comparitevely. Therefore also limiting his student target audience.
There are additional examples of Lighting boundary-pushing in our Ambassador, News, and Community Blog pages, as well as testimonials, tips, tricks, and tutorials by other Outex users as part of our Outdoor Photo Series
Full Brett Stanley interview for the Outex Outdoor Photo Series from our YouTube and worldwide pro photographer community of users.
