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Still, there are a few principles that can make even digital photography
better:
STEPHEN’S TIP 1: MINIMIZE BACKSCATTER
Backscatter is the most important variable in point-and-shoot photog-
raphy because the strobe is near the lens with most systems. Particles
in the water are front-lit by the flash and appear as specks of “back-
scatter.” These are some of the best ways to eliminate backscatter:
• Work in the clearest possible water.
• If the water is dirty, find a busy, visually confusing background that
may hide particles.
• Avoid shooting into the open water column, which will accentuate
particles.
• Don’t make backscatter worse with poor buoyancy skills. Avoid
stirring the sand on the bottom or dislodging the silt on a sponge.
