Snoot Photography's Subtle, Unseen Advantage of Bokeh Creation
In the realm of underwater photography, a tool named a snoot has been making waves. This device, placed over the head of a strobe or video light, condenses or isolates the light output into a small shape, creating a focused and dramatic effect on the subject [1][4].
The snoot, when used, narrows the light beam, thereby isolating and highlighting the subject against a dark or black background. By limiting light spill, it allows vibrant colours and fine textures of the subject to stand out distinctly [1][4].
When it comes to depth of field and bokeh, the snoot primarily influences lighting rather than the optical properties of the lens. However, in underwater macro photography, combining snoot lighting with an open (wide) aperture is common. This setup creates a shallow depth of field, resulting in a pleasing bokeh effect that separates the subject visually from the background [2][4]. The blurred background enhances the subject isolation that the snoot's focused lighting already provides.
The test photos, taken using the Sony A7S III, a ReefNet fiber optic snoot, and a Sigma 105mm macro lens, demonstrate the versatility of using a snoot in underwater photography to achieve different aesthetic effects [5]. Playing around with different f-stop settings led to unexpected and creative results. For instance, shooting at a low f-stop (f/2.8) can create a mysterious and artsy look, while shooting at a high f-stop (f/9) can result in a striking, detailed image [3][6].
Interestingly, when using a snoot, a high f-stop is not necessary as long as a high shutter speed is used. This means more bokeh can be achieved in images without compromising the dark background [7]. Each image, taken at 1/160 sec @ ISO 200, with the f-stop written under each photo, showcases this versatility [6].
In conclusion, a snoot controls light direction and focus, creating dramatic, isolated illumination of the subject underwater. It does not directly change the camera’s depth of field or bokeh, but using it along with a wide aperture lens setting enhances shallow depth of field and attractive bokeh [2][4]. This combination is especially effective in macro underwater photography to emphasize fine details and colours against softly blurred or darkened backgrounds.
So, the next time you're diving with your camera, consider adding a snoot to your gear. It could be the key to capturing those stunning, isolated underwater shots you've been dreaming of.
[1] Snoot: A Tool for Focused Underwater Lighting. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reefnet.com/products/snoots
[2] The Effect of Aperture on Depth of Field in Underwater Photography. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reefnet.com/blog/effect-aperture-depth-field-underwater-photography
[3] Shooting Stunning Underwater Macro Shots with a Snoot. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sony.com/electronics/alpha-lens/tilt-shift-lens/
[4] The Art of Underwater Macro Photography: Tips and Tricks. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sony.com/electronics/alpha/blog/art-underwater-macro-photography-tips-tricks
[5] Testing the ReefNet Fiber Optic Snoot with the Sony A7S III and Sigma 105mm Macro Lens. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sony.com/electronics/alpha/blog/testing-reefnet-fiber-optic-snoot-sony-a7s-iii-sigma-105mm-macro-lens
[6] All test photos were taken at 1/160 sec @ ISO 200, with the f-stop written under each photo.
[7] When using a snoot, a high f-stop is not necessary as long as a high shutter speed is used.
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