From time to time some of the best dive spots quite simply don’t produce. An expedition to the Bahamas where one would expect encounters with large sea creatures may only net poor visibility and bad seas. So what do you do when the unexpected happens? Here are some tips I use when preparing for the worst case scenario.

Vacant Reefs
If you can’t find acceptable life to photograph stop and look around. Usually the smallest fauna is the most intriguing. Peek under ledges for Banded Coral Shrimp and check gorgonians for Clingfish. If you still can’t find any animals for your portraits try photographing coral. The symmetry and complexity of a coral polyp shows well when properly framed and lit by your strobe.

Poor Visibility
If your dives are plagued with less than acceptable visibility, shoot close. The turbidity of the water will limit both the use of a strobe and how well your wide angle lens captures the scene but your macro shots can still be breathtaking! Just make sure you get close to your subject effectively eliminating any water between you and your subject

A Bad Drop by the Captain
So the dive captain dropped you on a sandy bottom with no reef in sight. No worries! Keep an eye open for Queen Conch, Bahamian Stars or Garden Eels. Also if visibility is acceptable, try taking some shots of your dive buddy. An upward shot with the silhouette of your partner backed by rays of sunlight are a popular way spend your time finding the reef.