Underwater photography demands meticulous attention to equipment care and maintenance protocols that extend far beyond conventional camera handling. The aquatic environment presents unique challenges including saltwater corrosion, pressure variations, temperature fluctuations, and moisture infiltration that can devastate expensive photography equipment without proper preventive measures. Understanding comprehensive housing protection methodologies ensures consistent performance and longevity of underwater camera systems while preventing catastrophic equipment failures during critical shooting opportunities.
The foundation of successful underwater photography lies in establishing rigorous maintenance routines that address every component of the camera housing system. From initial preparation through post-dive procedures, each step requires systematic attention to detail that prevents common failure modes while optimizing equipment performance. Professional underwater photographers recognize that equipment reliability directly correlates with image quality and creative opportunities, making maintenance expertise as crucial as photographic skills.
Modern underwater housing systems incorporate sophisticated sealing mechanisms, pressure equalization features, and corrosion-resistant materials that provide excellent protection when properly maintained. However, these advanced systems require understanding of their operational principles and maintenance requirements to function effectively. Neglecting proper care procedures can result in equipment failures that not only destroy valuable gear but also eliminate irreplaceable photographic opportunities.
The economic implications of proper housing maintenance extend beyond equipment replacement costs to encompass lost opportunities, travel expenses, and professional reputation considerations. A single flooding incident can result in thousands of dollars in equipment damage while potentially ruining once-in-a-lifetime photographic expeditions. Implementing comprehensive maintenance protocols represents essential insurance against these catastrophic losses while ensuring equipment performs reliably under demanding conditions.
Advanced Housing Preparation and Pre-Dive Protocols
Systematic housing preparation forms the cornerstone of reliable underwater photography operations. The preparation process requires dedicated workspace conditions, specialized tools, and methodical procedures that eliminate variables contributing to equipment failures. Professional photographers develop ritualized preparation sequences that ensure consistent results while reducing the likelihood of oversight errors that compromise equipment integrity.
Environmental conditions during housing preparation significantly influence success rates and equipment reliability. Optimal preparation environments feature controlled temperature and humidity levels, adequate lighting for detailed inspection, and sufficient space for component layout and organization. Hot, humid conditions increase condensation risks and accelerate salt crystal formation, while cramped spaces increase the likelihood of procedural errors and component contamination.
The preparation workspace should incorporate specialized tools including high-quality lighting systems, magnification devices for detailed inspection, cleaning supplies specifically designed for optical equipment, and organizational systems that prevent component loss or contamination. Professional-grade preparation areas often include dedicated rinse stations, drying equipment, and storage systems that maintain component cleanliness between uses.
Systematic component inspection represents a critical phase of housing preparation that requires methodical evaluation of every sealing surface, mechanical component, and electrical connection. This inspection process begins with comprehensive visual examination of housing bodies, port systems, and control mechanisms, followed by detailed evaluation of sealing elements including primary housing seals, port seals, and bulkhead connections.
Moisture control during preparation involves multiple strategies including desiccant placement, environmental control, and timing considerations that minimize internal humidity levels. Fresh desiccant materials should be prepared immediately before housing closure, with careful attention to proper placement that avoids interference with sealing surfaces or optical paths. The quantity and type of desiccant materials must be appropriate for housing volume and anticipated environmental conditions.
Pre-dive testing protocols extend beyond simple operational verification to encompass comprehensive system evaluation including strobe synchronization, focus accuracy, exposure control, and user interface functionality. These tests should be conducted under conditions that simulate actual diving scenarios, including manual operation while wearing diving gloves and verification of control accessibility while wearing diving equipment.
Comprehensive Seal Maintenance and Lubrication Techniques
Sealing systems form the core of any underwater camera housing, ensuring that sensitive equipment remains safe from the harsh marine environment. Effective maintenance of these seals is crucial not only for the longevity of the housing but also for the overall performance and safety of underwater photography. Improper care of seals can lead to water leakage, equipment damage, and even complete system failure. Therefore, mastering seal maintenance and lubrication is essential for every underwater photographer or diver who relies on these tools for capturing images beneath the surface.
The importance of seals in underwater housings cannot be overstated. They are the barrier between your camera and the water, and as such, their condition directly impacts your gear’s ability to function. The quality and upkeep of these seals determine how well the housing resists the immense pressures of deep dives, exposure to saltwater, and other potential hazards. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore essential seal maintenance and lubrication techniques that will help ensure your underwater housing remains reliable for many years.
Understanding Seal Materials and Their Properties
The first step in understanding seal maintenance is to familiarize oneself with the materials commonly used in underwater housing seals. Typically, these seals are made from high-quality elastomeric materials such as silicone, Viton, or nitrile rubber. These materials are specifically chosen for their ability to withstand compression, environmental exposure, and aging effects.
Silicone rubber, for example, is known for its excellent resistance to extreme temperatures, UV light, and ozone. This makes it a common choice for underwater applications where seals need to retain flexibility and durability even when exposed to saltwater or deep diving conditions. Viton, on the other hand, excels in chemical resistance, making it ideal for housing applications where exposure to harsh substances, such as chemicals or cleaning agents, is common. Nitrile rubber is a popular choice for seals that require robust resistance to oils and other lubricants.
Each material comes with unique characteristics that influence the maintenance and care required. For instance, some elastomers, like silicone, may become brittle over time if exposed to extreme temperatures or UV rays. Others, like Viton, might require more frequent lubrication to ensure that they maintain their sealing capabilities. Being aware of the properties of these materials allows for a better understanding of when seals need to be replaced or maintained.
Importance of Lubrication in Seal Maintenance
Lubrication plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity of seals in underwater housings. The right lubricant helps maintain the sealing surfaces’ flexibility, reducing friction and wear over time. Without adequate lubrication, seals can become stiff, brittle, and prone to cracking or breaking, leading to leaks.
Most camera housing manufacturers provide a specific lubricant recommended for use with their housings. These lubricants are formulated to work with the material of the seal and are often made from specialized silicone-based or petroleum-based compounds. Using the manufacturer’s specified lubricant is essential because it prevents the seal from becoming swollen, degraded, or chemically compromised.
One of the most common mistakes that underwater photographers make is over-applying lubricant. While it might seem like a good idea to apply a generous amount of grease to a seal, this can actually be counterproductive. Excess lubricant can attract dirt, sand, and other contaminants, which can degrade the seal’s ability to function effectively. Furthermore, too much lubricant can migrate to optical surfaces or control mechanisms, causing interference with their operation. Therefore, it is important to apply lubricant sparingly and evenly across the seal surface.
Seal Inspection and Maintenance Procedures
Proper seal inspection is crucial to detecting wear and tear before it leads to a serious issue. The process involves a combination of visual and tactile inspections, which allow you to assess the condition of each seal. Regularly inspecting seals can help identify early signs of damage or degradation, ensuring that replacements can be made before the seal fails.
Visual Inspection
The first step in seal inspection is to perform a visual check. Look for any signs of surface damage, such as cuts, tears, or abrasions, which could compromise the seal’s integrity. Any discoloration or cracking in the material can also be indicative of chemical degradation, which typically occurs after prolonged exposure to UV light, saltwater, or harsh chemicals.
Pay particular attention to areas where the seal contacts the housing’s grooves or other surfaces. These contact points are most susceptible to wear and can often show the earliest signs of stress. You should also inspect for any foreign material buildup, such as dirt or sand, which can prevent the seal from forming a proper barrier.
Tactile Inspection
While a visual inspection can identify obvious signs of damage, subtle issues such as compression set or surface irregularities may not be visible to the naked eye. Tactile inspection involves gently running your fingers along the surface of the seal to feel for any bumps, rough spots, or changes in texture. Compression set, where the seal has permanently deformed after extended use, is a common issue that reduces the seal’s ability to maintain an effective barrier.
If the seal feels stiff, dry, or overly rigid, it may be time to replace it, especially if it no longer has the same level of elasticity it once did. A soft and flexible feel is an indication that the seal is still in good condition.
Removing, Cleaning, and Replacing Seals
The process of removing, cleaning, and replacing seals requires great care to prevent further damage. When seals need to be replaced, improper removal techniques can stretch or tear the material, making it difficult or impossible to reinstall.
To remove the seal, use specialized tools such as a plastic pick or soft-edged spatula. These tools help to lift the seal without damaging it. Avoid using metal tools, as they may scratch the housing or cause cuts in the seal itself. It’s also crucial to note the orientation of the seal before removal, as it needs to be reinstalled in the same direction for optimal performance.
Once the seal has been removed, the housing’s groove should be carefully cleaned. Salt residue, old lubrication, or other debris can accumulate in the grooves and prevent the new seal from seating properly. Use a lint-free cloth or a cotton swab to gently clean the groove, making sure to remove any dirt or buildup. If necessary, use an appropriate solvent to remove stubborn contaminants, but avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the housing or the new seal.
Lubrication Application Techniques
Proper lubrication application is vital to maintaining the longevity and effectiveness of your seals. Too much or too little lubrication can both lead to problems, so it’s important to apply it correctly.
Start by placing a small amount of lubricant on a clean, lint-free cloth or your fingers. Gently rub the lubricant into the seal’s surface, making sure it is evenly distributed. The goal is to create a thin, uniform layer that enhances the seal’s flexibility and reduces friction, but without excess lubricant that could attract contaminants or interfere with housing functionality.
After lubrication, reassemble the housing carefully, ensuring that the new seal is seated correctly in the groove. Check the housing to ensure that it seals properly before your next dive, especially if you are working with a brand-new seal or freshly lubricated components.
Preventive Measures and Long-Term Care
While routine maintenance is important, preventive measures can help minimize the need for frequent repairs. Storing your housing and seals in a cool, dry place when not in use helps preserve the material integrity of the seals. Avoid exposing your housing to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures for extended periods of time, as this can cause the seals to become brittle or degraded.
Regularly inspecting your housing before and after each dive is also a good habit. This includes checking the seal for signs of wear, ensuring that the housing is free of debris, and testing the housing for proper sealing before use. Additionally, many photographers find it beneficial to replace seals periodically, even if no damage is apparent, to ensure that their housing remains watertight and reliable.
Equipment Fogging Prevention and Moisture Control Systems
Camera fogging represents one of the most frustrating and preventable problems in underwater photography, resulting from inadequate moisture control during housing preparation and environmental management. Understanding the physical principles behind condensation formation enables photographers to implement effective prevention strategies that maintain optical clarity throughout diving operations while protecting sensitive electronic components from moisture-related damage.
The condensation process occurs when warm, moisture-laden air contacts cooler surfaces within the housing, causing water vapor to condense on optical elements and internal surfaces. This phenomenon becomes more pronounced when significant temperature differentials exist between housing preparation environments and underwater conditions, particularly in tropical locations where surface temperatures significantly exceed underwater temperatures.
Desiccant selection and management form the primary defense against internal condensation, requiring understanding of different desiccant materials and their operational characteristics. Silica gel desiccants provide excellent moisture absorption capacity and regeneration properties, while indicating desiccants offer visual confirmation of saturation levels. The quantity and placement of desiccant materials must be optimized for housing volume and anticipated moisture loads while avoiding interference with camera operation or optical paths.
Environmental control during housing preparation significantly influences internal moisture levels and subsequent fogging potential. Preparation in air-conditioned environments minimizes initial moisture content while providing temperature stability that reduces condensation risks. Conversely, preparation in hot, humid conditions loads the housing with moisture that readily condenses when underwater temperatures are encountered.
Housing thermal management involves strategies that minimize temperature differentials and provide gradual temperature transitions that reduce condensation potential. Keeping housings shaded and cool during surface intervals prevents thermal loading that exacerbates condensation when diving begins. Wet towel coverings provide evaporative cooling while preventing direct solar heating that drives internal temperatures beyond acceptable levels.
Advanced moisture control systems incorporate multiple desiccant types, strategic placement locations, and renewal protocols that provide comprehensive protection against condensation formation. Professional photographers often employ primary and secondary desiccant systems with different absorption characteristics to provide immediate and long-term moisture control throughout extended diving operations.
Salt Water Impact and Corrosion Prevention Strategies
Salt water exposure represents the most significant environmental challenge for underwater photography equipment, creating corrosive conditions that can rapidly degrade metallic components, electrical connections, and sealing systems. Understanding salt water chemistry and its effects on different materials enables photographers to implement effective protection and maintenance strategies that preserve equipment functionality and appearance while preventing costly corrosion damage.
Salt crystal formation occurs through evaporation processes that concentrate dissolved minerals on equipment surfaces, creating abrasive deposits that can damage sealing surfaces, jam mechanical components, and accelerate corrosion processes. These crystals form rapidly when salt water dries on equipment surfaces, making immediate post-dive rinsing essential for preventing accumulation and associated damage mechanisms.
Immediate post-dive rinsing procedures must address all equipment surfaces including housing exteriors, control mechanisms, port surfaces, and strobe components. Fresh water rinsing dissolves salt deposits while preventing crystal formation, but the rinsing process must be sufficiently thorough to reach all exposed surfaces including threaded connections, control recesses, and sealing interfaces where salt accumulation commonly occurs.
Extended soaking protocols provide more comprehensive salt removal for equipment exposed to prolonged salt water contact or situations where immediate rinsing was not possible. Soaking periods should be sufficient to dissolve accumulated salt deposits while providing penetration to recessed areas and mechanical interfaces. The soaking process becomes more critical when salt water has dried on equipment surfaces, requiring extended dissolution time for complete removal.
Control mechanism exercise during rinsing helps dislodge salt deposits from moving parts while ensuring continued mechanical functionality. This process involves operating all controls, buttons, and moving components while submerged in rinse water, allowing fresh water to flush salt deposits from internal mechanisms. The exercise process should be conducted gently to avoid forcing contaminants deeper into mechanisms while ensuring adequate cleaning action.
Corrosion prevention extends beyond immediate rinsing to encompass long-term storage preparations, protective coatings, and environmental control measures that minimize ongoing corrosion risks. Understanding the galvanic corrosion potential between different metals helps photographers avoid material combinations that accelerate corrosion while implementing protective measures that preserve equipment appearance and functionality.
Common Housing Failure Analysis and Prevention Methods
Understanding common housing failure modes enables photographers to implement targeted prevention strategies while recognizing early warning signs that indicate potential problems before catastrophic failures occur. Statistical analysis of housing failures reveals recurring patterns that can be addressed through improved procedures, enhanced awareness, and systematic prevention protocols that significantly reduce failure risks.
Seal contamination represents the leading cause of housing floods, typically resulting from foreign materials trapped between sealing surfaces during housing closure. Hair, fabric fibers, sand particles, and desiccant materials commonly cause seal failures when proper inspection procedures are not followed. These failures often occur during the final moments of housing preparation when attention to detail may be compromised by time pressure or environmental distractions.
Mechanical closure failures result from incomplete latching, damaged locking mechanisms, or inadequate closure force that allows sealing surfaces to separate under pressure. These failures often provide warning signs including unusual resistance during closure, visible gaps between housing sections, or control mechanism misalignment that indicates improper seating. Recognition of these warning signs enables corrective action before water entry occurs.
Port attachment failures occur when threaded connections, bayonet mounts, or locking mechanisms fail to maintain secure port attachment under pressure loads. These failures may result from cross-threading, inadequate tightening, damaged threads, or worn locking mechanisms that no longer provide reliable retention. Regular inspection and maintenance of port attachment systems prevents these potentially catastrophic failures.
Electrical connection failures in sync cord systems create immediate operational problems while potentially indicating moisture infiltration that could progress to more serious damage. These failures often result from inadequate connection sealing, damaged bulkhead seals, or contaminated connection surfaces that prevent reliable electrical contact. Understanding sync cord maintenance requirements prevents these failures while maintaining strobe system reliability.
Environmental factors including temperature cycling, pressure variations, and mechanical stress contribute to housing failure risks through material degradation, seal deformation, and structural stress that accumulates over time. Recognizing these factors enables photographers to implement protective measures and inspection protocols that identify developing problems before failures occur.
Advanced Optical Component Care and Cleaning Protocols
Optical component maintenance requires specialized knowledge and techniques that preserve optical quality while preventing damage to expensive lens elements and port systems. Understanding different optical materials, coating properties, and cleaning requirements enables photographers to maintain optimal image quality while protecting valuable optical investments from damage caused by improper handling or cleaning procedures.
Glass optical elements require different cleaning approaches than acrylic components due to material hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical compatibility considerations. Glass elements generally provide superior scratch resistance but may be more susceptible to thermal stress, while acrylic components offer impact resistance but require gentler cleaning techniques to prevent surface damage.
Dome port maintenance presents unique challenges due to the critical optical properties required for wide-angle photography. Even minor surface imperfections can significantly impact image quality through light scattering, contrast reduction, or optical distortion that degrades photographic results. Understanding dome port optical principles helps photographers recognize acceptable condition limits while implementing appropriate maintenance procedures.
Pre-cleaning inspection procedures identify contamination types and surface conditions that determine appropriate cleaning approaches. Different contaminants including salt deposits, organic materials, and mechanical debris require specific removal techniques that effectively clean surfaces without causing damage. Visual and tactile inspection techniques help assess surface condition while identifying areas requiring special attention.
Progressive cleaning techniques begin with gentlest methods and advance to more aggressive approaches only when necessary. Initial cleaning typically involves compressed air or soft brushes to remove loose debris, followed by solvent cleaning for stubborn deposits, and finally mechanical cleaning for persistent contamination. This progression minimizes the risk of surface damage while ensuring effective cleaning results.
Specialized cleaning materials including optical-grade solvents, lint-free cloths, and precision cleaning tools provide the performance necessary for professional optical maintenance. Understanding material compatibility and application techniques ensures effective cleaning while preventing chemical damage or surface contamination that could degrade optical performance.
Travel Considerations and Equipment Transportation
International travel with underwater photography equipment presents unique challenges including pressure variations, security restrictions, humidity changes, and handling considerations that require specialized preparation and protection strategies. Understanding these challenges enables photographers to protect valuable equipment while ensuring operational readiness upon arrival at diving destinations.
Airline pressure variations during flight create significant stress on sealed housing systems, potentially causing seal displacement, structural deformation, or component damage if proper preparation procedures are not followed. Understanding pressure equalization principles helps photographers implement protective measures that prevent damage while maintaining equipment integrity throughout transportation cycles.
Security screening procedures for photographic equipment require advance preparation including equipment identification, battery management, and accessibility considerations that facilitate inspection while protecting sensitive components. Understanding current regulations and procedures helps photographers navigate security requirements efficiently while minimizing equipment handling by unfamiliar personnel.
Humidity control during travel becomes critical in tropical destinations where dramatic environmental changes can cause condensation, corrosion acceleration, and seal degradation that compromises equipment performance. Implementing environmental protection strategies including sealed storage, desiccant systems, and gradual acclimatization procedures helps maintain equipment condition throughout travel cycles.
Protective packaging systems must address multiple hazards including impact protection, vibration damping, moisture control, and temperature stability that preserve equipment condition during transportation. Understanding packaging materials and techniques enables photographers to implement protection strategies appropriate for specific equipment types and transportation modes.
Pre-departure preparation procedures should include comprehensive equipment inspection, spare parts inventory, tool kit assembly, and documentation preparation that enables effective maintenance and repair capabilities at remote destinations. This preparation becomes critical when equipment problems occur far from professional service facilities or replacement equipment sources.
Specialized Maintenance for Strobe and Lighting Systems
Underwater lighting systems require specialized maintenance procedures that address unique challenges including high-voltage electrical systems, underwater connectors, battery management, and optical component care. Understanding these systems enables photographers to maintain reliable lighting performance while preventing failures that compromise photographic results and potentially create safety hazards.
Strobe electrical systems incorporate high-voltage circuits, precision timing mechanisms, and underwater connections that require careful maintenance to ensure reliable operation and user safety. These systems are particularly vulnerable to moisture infiltration, corrosion, and mechanical damage that can cause operational failures or create electrical hazards during diving operations.
Battery compartment maintenance represents a critical aspect of strobe care, requiring attention to seal integrity, contact cleanliness, and corrosion prevention. Battery compartments are particularly vulnerable to flooding due to frequent opening cycles and potential seal degradation from repeated pressure cycling. Understanding proper sealing procedures and maintenance requirements prevents these costly failures.
Sync cord systems require meticulous maintenance attention due to their vulnerability to moisture infiltration, mechanical damage, and electrical degradation. These systems incorporate multiple connection points, flexible cables, and precision electrical contacts that must maintain reliable performance under challenging underwater conditions. Regular maintenance prevents connection failures that disable lighting systems during critical photographic opportunities.
Modeling light and focus light systems require separate maintenance attention due to different electrical requirements, thermal management needs, and optical component care. These systems often incorporate LED technology that provides reliable operation but requires understanding of thermal management and electrical characteristics that differ from traditional incandescent systems.
Reflector and optical modifier maintenance ensures consistent light quality and beam characteristics that directly impact photographic results. These components require cleaning techniques appropriate for their specific materials and coatings while preventing damage that could degrade light quality or create unwanted optical effects.
Long-Term Storage and Seasonal Maintenance Programs
Extended storage periods require specialized preparation and maintenance procedures that preserve equipment condition while preventing degradation from environmental factors, chemical processes, and mechanical stress. Understanding proper storage techniques enables photographers to maintain equipment readiness during inactive periods while preventing problems that require costly repairs or replacement.
Climate control during storage addresses temperature and humidity variations that can cause condensation, corrosion, and material degradation. Optimal storage environments maintain stable conditions that minimize environmental stress while preventing moisture accumulation that drives corrosion processes and seal degradation.
Seal preservation during storage requires specific procedures that maintain seal flexibility and chemical integrity while preventing compression set and material degradation. Long-term seal storage may require seal removal, proper cleaning, appropriate storage conditions, and periodic inspection to ensure continued suitability for service.
Battery management during storage addresses both rechargeable and disposable battery systems that can degrade or leak during extended storage periods. Understanding proper storage techniques prevents battery-related damage while maintaining power source reliability for immediate operational readiness when diving resumes.
Mechanical system preservation involves lubrication renewal, corrosion prevention, and exercise procedures that maintain operational readiness while preventing mechanical degradation. These procedures become particularly important for complex housing systems with multiple moving parts and precise mechanical interfaces.
Periodic inspection schedules during storage enable early detection of developing problems while providing opportunities for preventive maintenance that addresses issues before they become serious problems. These inspections should encompass all system components with particular attention to items most vulnerable to storage-related degradation.
Professional Service and Repair Coordination
Professional service relationships provide essential support for complex maintenance procedures, warranty repairs, and equipment upgrades that exceed typical user capabilities. Understanding when to seek professional service while maintaining productive service relationships ensures optimal equipment performance while preventing problems that could result from inappropriate repair attempts.
Annual service schedules provide systematic evaluation and maintenance that addresses wear items, calibration requirements, and preventive replacement of components approaching service limits. These service intervals help maintain equipment reliability while providing opportunities for performance optimization and upgrade integration.
Warranty management requires understanding coverage limitations, service requirements, and documentation procedures that ensure maximum benefit from manufacturer protection programs. Proper warranty management can significantly reduce repair costs while ensuring access to authorized service and genuine replacement parts.
Emergency repair capabilities become critical during travel or remote diving operations where professional service is not readily available. Understanding emergency repair techniques and maintaining appropriate spare parts and tools enables photographers to address common problems while preventing minor issues from becoming expedition-ending failures.
Service documentation and maintenance records provide valuable information for troubleshooting, warranty claims, and resale value preservation. Maintaining comprehensive records helps identify recurring problems while demonstrating proper care to service technicians and potential equipment purchasers.
Conclusion
Mastering underwater camera housing maintenance represents an essential skill set that directly impacts photographic success, equipment longevity, and overall diving safety. The systematic approach to equipment care outlined in this comprehensive guide provides the knowledge foundation necessary for reliable underwater photography operations while preventing costly equipment failures and missed photographic opportunities.
The investment in proper maintenance procedures and equipment protection pays dividends through improved reliability, extended equipment life, and consistent photographic performance that enables creative expression without technical limitations. Understanding these principles empowers photographers to focus on artistic vision while maintaining confidence in their equipment capabilities.
Professional underwater photographers recognize that equipment maintenance expertise represents a competitive advantage that enables them to operate effectively in challenging environments while maintaining the reliability necessary for commercial success. This expertise becomes particularly valuable during expensive travel operations where equipment failures can result in significant financial losses and professional reputation damage.
The evolving technology of underwater photography equipment continues to provide new capabilities and challenges that require ongoing education and adaptation of maintenance procedures. Staying current with technological developments while maintaining focus on fundamental maintenance principles ensures continued success in this demanding and rewarding field.
Ultimately, the discipline and attention to detail required for proper equipment maintenance reflects the same qualities that distinguish exceptional underwater photographers from casual practitioners. This commitment to excellence in all aspects of underwater photography creates the foundation for artistic achievement and professional success in one of photography's most challenging and rewarding disciplines.