Transform ordinary underwater photos into extraordinary ones with these tips and techniques for good composition.

Why It Matters

No matter which camera you use, good composition can transform snapshots into winning images. High contrast helps pick out the lines, shapes and colors that make images interesting. Reduce the distance between yourself and the subject to get higher contrast between light and dark, and to bring out that all-important color.

"Centering" Your Subject Isn't Always Best

Putting the main subject off-center creates a more dynamic picture, so learn how to offset your focus point, which usually defaults to center. Ideal positions for a subject are along any line that divides the image frame into thirds, or at any intersection of the same horizontal and vertical dividing lines. Don’t be too precise; just remember, “offset from center.”

Make the Water Your Background

Strive for some blue or green water in the background; it provides underwater context. If a subject is moving or looking in a particular direction, set the focus point off-center in the opposite direction to create space for the subject to swim or look into. So for left-to-right movement, offset the focus point left of center to provide more space in front of the subject — in the case of the turtle image above, to the right.

Paul Colley is an award-winning underwater photographer, compact-camera instructor and author of Winning Images with Any Underwater Camera. To view more of his work, visit mpcolley.com.

To find the latest in underwater compact cameras, visit SeaLife Underwater Cameras.

To view more underwater photography tips for your compact camera, visit our Guide to Underwater Photography.