SnootS
TexT and PhoTos by Keri WilK
The digital era has driven image quality in underwater
photography higher and higher over the past decade, so
creating unique images these days often requires significant
planning, dedication to a creative vision and special
equipment — like snoots.
Snoots are devices used to reduce the output beam angle
from light sources (strobes, torches, video lights, etc.) for
more precisely targeted illumination of subjects. They’re
common in studio photography but until recently have
seldom been taken underwater because using them can be
difficult, time-consuming and generally impractical. For
those interested in creating unique underwater images,
however, snoots can be invaluable aids. Underwater photo
equipment manufacturers have begun to realize their
potential, leading to several snoots recently becoming
commercially available.
Snoot designs range from simple cylinders that physically
restrict a strobe’s output to more advanced systems that use
lenses to precisely focus light output on a subject (like the
ReefNet SubSee Light Cannon). Flexible fiber-optic snoots
also exist, primarily for use in macro photography.
Distracting elements in a scene can be removed by
using a snoot to illuminate only the intended subject. This
creates a spotlight effect, which can make subjects pop
even if they’re in drab surroundings.
Backscatter occurs in images when strobe light illuminates
particulate matter between the camera lens and the subject.
Similarly, if strobe light hits the housing port or camera lens,
flare can occur and ruin the image. Restricting the amount
of stray strobe light emitted by using snoots greatly reduces
or even eliminates these phenomena.
Light coming from snoots is more directional than typical
strobe output. This characteristic can be useful for casting
harsh-edged shadows over subjects, accentuating textures
and contours and creating images of common subjects with
unusual moods.
Snoots can be used with any type of lens — circular
fisheye wide angles, midrange zooms, macros and anything
in between. The method of application with each of these
optics varies greatly.
Precise aim of a snooted strobe is not usually necessary when
shooting general wide-angle images. I usually eyeball the strobe
position, shoot, review and adjust. I’ve found that within just a
few iterations the desired illumination can usually be achieved.
The same technique can be used for close-focus wide-angle
shots, but since subjects are usually physically smaller yet larger
in the frame, strobe position is more critical. If your strobe has
a modeling light that can be seen through the snoot, take full
advantage of it as an aiming crutch.
Using snoots for macro and super-macro imaging can be far
more difficult, frustrating and time consuming than using them
with wide-angle and midrange zoom lenses. Broad, directional
snooting is relatively straightforward, but creating an accurate
and effective spotlight effect requires much more finesse.
Shooting moving subjects with macro spotlights is
possible with strobes rigidly connected to your housing via
strobe arms, but it is far easier with a cooperative buddy
willing to aim them on the subject while you frame your
composition. For stationary or slow-moving subjects,
consider connecting your strobes via remote slave triggers
(built-in on some strobes) and mounting them on small
tripods (GorillaPods fitted with Ultralight Control Systems’
ball heads work well). Doing this allows you to maneuver
the camera housing in any direction, distance or angle to the
subject without altering the spotlight illumination.
The snoot is an effective way to change the traditional
visual perception of a reef dweller while adding diversity to
your portfolio and, at times, astonishing viewers.
102
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WINTER 2012
IMAGING
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P H O T O T E C H N I Q U E S
Snoots allow targeted illumination of
subjects for unusual visual effects.
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12/22/11