The Best Underwater Camera Under $250 | Stoke-ness
How many nights have you spent camping so far this summer?
Whatever the number, I bet like me, you wish it was more.
In this issue, I share a book for the Photographers and Freelancers, Mongolia videos, and the cheapest underwater photo setup.
Be stoked,
Isaac
New Places
Mongolia
In 2007, I was living in Maui working three jobs while my wife went to school. Everything was so expensive and all I wanted to do was ride the dirtbike I had sold to fund moving to Hawaii. In my dark time (sarcasm) I started reading a blog about 3 people riding offroad 7,000 miles from Poland to Valdivlostock, Russia.
On the way, they passed through Mongolia. Then and there I knew that someday I needed to ride this beautiful country.
Eleven years later and BMW asked me to host their BMW GS Trophy in Mongolia. I rode over 1600 miles in 8 days. There are no fences and you can ride anywhere you point your bike.
It was all I hoped it would be. Dreams really do come true.
See the videos here
Google Maps Pin
Gear
Underwater Camera for less than $300
On a recent trip to Florida, I brought my current underwater camera. I knew I'd be in the ocean and famously clear waters of the legendary Florida springs.
It is a GoPro Hero 5. Yup, the little action camera that everyone uses to film jumping off tall things. Here is why I chose to use it.
It's cheap. I bought a non-retail display model from Amazon for $234. Another $12 for the accessory bundle and I was in business.
It's waterproof without a housing. No case to fog up or mess up the seal.
It takes great photos underwater. Really, I was super impressed with the quality of the images I received. They require more editing than my DSLR photos, but you can shoot in raw and a flat profile that makes it work magic.
Now I still want a housing for my DSLR, but I wasn't going to let not having one stop me from taking photos underwater. The GoPro has been a fun and cheap way to change my perspective and take images I've always wanted to see.
As a bonus, I use it to make my videos when it's raining or I need a smaller camera.
Get one Here
P.S. I chose the Hero 5 over the Hero 6 because the reviews on image quality were better.
Who I'm loving on Instagram
@jessedriftwood
Jesse is the godfather of professional Instagram Stories. He has been creating edited short stories for his Snapchat, then Instagram Stories, now IGTV for almost 2 years.
His stories are good vibes only and he is the type of person you instantly want to be friends with when you watch his videos.
If you don't follow him you are missing out on a piece of popular culture. It's like just now finding out who Casey Niestat is, you shoulda known this already.
Give him a follow here
Or watch his most recent IGTV here
Music I'm Diggin'
RUMTUM
RUMTUM is an artist and musician that is all sorts of talented.
His new single "Mystics" is the kinda song that floats over the water at the lake house you rented for summer vacation.
It will make you wish you had a cold drink in your hand and an all-day dock party to attend.
Give it a spin on Spotify here.
Videos, Movies, and TV
BMW GS Trophy
I was asked to be the host of the 2018 GS Trophy in Mongolia this year. While I've never hosted anything (other than a killer birthday party/kickball tournament) I had more fun than I expected.
The BMW crew were the best to work with and I learned so much.
Let me know how I did.
Watch it here
Reads
Fast Track Photographer
This book was recommended by one of my favorite authors, Seth Godin. He pitched it as so much more than a photographers book, he referenced it as a freelancers bible.
Being that I am both of those things, I thought it would be a good fit.
If you are an aspiring creative specifically a photographer and have not read this book, please put it ahead of everything else in your summer reading list. It will change your life and get you a few steps closer to your dreams.
10/10 would recommend.
Fast Track Photographer
Photo Technique
Shooting Photos Underwater with a GoPro Hero 5
If you read my gear recommendation above then you know I used a GoPro Hero 5 to shoot underwater photos in Florida last week.
It's a whole new experience and with a bit of a learning curve.
Here are a few things I learned:
Change your camera settings. The GoPro stock settings are no bueno.
I turn on "Protune" and then adjust the sharpness to low, the color profile to flat, maximum 800 ISO, wide field of view and RAW file format.Use the .5 second time-lapse setting. This can not be used in the RAW setting, but it allows you to be underwater with your subject and continuously shoot photos. Then you can focus on framing and holding your breath.
Get in the water with your subject. Holding a camera in the water from the shore or a boat will limit your perspective. Once you are in the water you are committed and shooting from any location you want is as easy as swimming.
Use the vertical space. When you are underwater the vertical space is what really sets the scene apart. Your subject can float anywhere from the bottom to the surface like zero gravity. Use that by having them be upside down, blow big bubble streams or jump into the water in weird positions. Don't just do a typical swimming shot, use it like a whole new world.
I'd love to see your underwater photos. Send me them and I'll share my favorites on my IG Story! Good Luck!
Thanks as usual for taking time to read this email. You all are why I continue to make stories and share them. I appreciate you.
What are your summer plans? Are you headed up to Montana at all? If you are let me know and I'd love to meet you.
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
