Photo Gallery: Using a Snoot
Gregory PiperA coconut octopus seeks refuge in a shell, creating an excellent opportunity to use a snoot.
Gregory PiperHarlequin shrimp are always a great find and so much fun to shoot. Adding the snoot allows you to capture all, or just a part, of these amazing creatures.
Gregory PiperA mimic octopus rising up from the sand presents a rare opportunity to practice patience and get a unique perspective in your shot. Notice I left the backscatter in, as I felt is showcases the beam of light.
Gregory PiperWith the most advanced eye in the animal kingdom and unmatched curiosity, the peacock mantis is one of my favorite creatures to shoot. They actually stay focused on the snoot as my dive guide moves it, making them the perfect candidate for snooting.
Gregory PiperA not so rare find in Lembeh, the blue-ringed octopus is a perfect subject for a snoot. The light in this shot not only illuminates the animal but because it’s behind her forward tentacle, it also produces an added silhouette that makes the shot stand out.
Gregory PiperThis juvenile painted frogfish was no more than an inch long, and was happy to give me all the time I needed as he hung out, waiting for his next meal.
Gregory PiperThe striking pose of a blue-ringed octopus was enhanced by my decision to snoot him.
Gregory PiperAn adult painted frogfish poses for his turn with the snoot.
Gregory PiperHere's another angle of a snooted harlequin shrimp.
Gregory PiperI can’t help but rewrite the lyrics to Salt-n-Pepa’s song “Shoop” in my head as I snap pictures of this beautiful mimic octopus, singing to my subject, “girl, you make me wanna snoot…”
Alex BeanSport Diver Weekly eNewsletter
Did you enjoy the gallery? Have articles like this delivered in our weekly eNewsletter!
Get exclusive trip reports, current dive news, travel deals and detailed gear reviews. Plus awesome contests, videos, photos and more — all delivered right to your inbox. It's a direct link to the best of the dive life.
As a diver, photographer and artist, I’m always looking for the next new gadget to try out underwater. A few years ago I was shooting in the Philippines and, as luck would have it, I found myself in the same resort as underwater photographer Martin Edge and his wife. Being an avid fan of Martin’s work and his book The Underwater Photographer, which encompassed the entire $25 that I had ever invested in photography lessons — I could not believe my luck. During my time with Martin in Dumaguete, he introduced me to the fiber-optic snoot. Several lessons followed over the next few days, and although all of them made me a better photographer, my favorite — and the one I found hardest to master — was the fiber-optic snoot.
A snoot, which is designed to channel light, can be made out of almost anything. They are easily constructed after a quick stop at any hardware store or, for those who lack engineering know-how, there are plenty of prefab makes and models available. The main rule in “snooting,” as I affectionately refer to it, is undoubtedly patience.
Although there are several techniques, I find that removing the strobe and holding it my non-firing hand is the best solution when alone. Best is the buddy system — a dive buddy or private guide will prove to be the most effective tool you can employ while snooting. Having someone to position the strobe and snoot, as well as to make adjustments on the fly, will shave hours off the learning curve and produce amazing and more diverse results much faster.
Snoots can be used in a variety of ways to produce a smorgasbord of creative images. The shots in this gallery were all the result of two dives in Lembeh with Critters at Lembeh. Professional dive guides like these can not only help you find every creature on your bucket list, but also help you get that perfect snoot shot every time.
So, if you’re looking to expand your portfolio and add some new lighting techniques to your arsenal, why not try on a snoot for size? As always, make sure to hold yourself accountable to the environment we dive in — “Take only pictures and leave only bubbles.” Wherever your next dive takes you, I hope to see you out there.
