The Our World Underwater Dive and Travel Show

A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, Marc Morale is the owner of Hamilton Construction, a civil engineering firm in Frankfort, Illinois. Marc Morale is also an accomplished scuba diver and underwater photographer and videographer. He has presented at a number of scuba-related trade shows, including the Our World Underwater Dive and Travel Show.

A consumer expo that showcases the latest diving equipment, the Our World Underwater Dive and Travel show took place in Chicago on February 16 and 17 at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare. In addition to a large exhibit hall, attendees had the opportunity to attend a film festival and over 100 workshops and seminars.

Seminars at the Our World Underwater event revolved around four themes: Wonders of the Sea, Dive the World, Dive with a Pro, and Shipwreck. Talented experts from each area presented on a wide variety of topics, including underwater photography, insurance, archaeology, and exotic dive sites across the globe.

Diving enthusiasts were also given the opportunity to attend all-day workshops that allowed them to update their training for the certification required to be a visual cylinder inspector.

A highlight of the expo was the film festival, which featured the work of Adam Ravetch, an Emmy award-winning underwater wildlife cinematographer. His film, The Arctic, A Glimpse of our Amazing Frozen World was shown, as well as other works by award-winning filmmakers.

Tips for Shooting Underwater Videos

Marc Morale is the owner of Hamilton Construction, a company he founded in Frankfort, Illinois, in 1996. Outside of work, Marc Morale is an avid scuba diver with experience instructing classes, repairing scuba diving equipment, and giving presentations on underwater videography and photography. 

Many scuba divers record their underwater experiences on video. Here are a few tips for shooting high-quality underwater videos.

1. Buy the correct gear. First, it's important to note there are no true underwater cameras. However, there are waterproof cameras that can be fitted with underwater camera housing. As such, underwater photographers look for a camera capable of shooting in 720p or higher and use an underwater camera housing made by the camera’s manufacturer or a third party. Specifics like features, size and weight, and price are up to the individual. 

2. Make sure the videos aren't shaky. This is easier said than done when strong currents are involved, but steady videos can be taken by focusing on motor control and/or using a tripod. Companies sell tripods for shooting underwater in a variety of prices and styles. Divers can set up the tripod on two legs and hold the third leg for stability or set up the tripod and weigh it down to shoot from a distance.

3. Get buoyancy right. Divers achieve neutral buoyancy by wearing the right amount of weight for the dive and by breathing evenly. Without buoyancy, the diver will not be able to stay balanced, which makes it difficult to take photographs or videos. For instance, an individual seeking to capture up-close video while floating over a coral reef or hovering beside a whale shark will need to stay steady to keep from scaring or bumping into sea life. It takes time to achieve natural buoyancy, so many dives may be necessary before a diver strikes the right balance. However, it will be well worth it to save time editing out shaky or “bobbing” footage later.