Tips From The Pros
The Pro's Tips section features select individuals who've achieved prominence in the field of underwater filmmaking. We hope that this presentation will inspire newer underwater filmmakers to persevere in their efforts to pursue their art and improve their technique. At the same time, we wish to acknowledge those who've worked so hard over the years to make this field what it is today.

Chuck Nicklin

Emmy Award-winning Chuck Nicklin has filmmaking experience in Imax, Omnimax, Circlevision, 70mm, 35mm, 16mm, Panavision, digital film and video formats. Feature film credits include The Abyss, The Deep, Never Say Never, For Your Eyes Only, and Love Is Forever. Nicklin's numerous documentaries include "Gentle Giants of the Pacific,""Behind the Scenes of The Abyss," Nomads of the Deep," and "In the Company of Whales."

chuck nicklin

Check out Chuck's
Travel Website!

Truly one of the pioneers of underwater cinematography, Nicklin is actively involved in the diving and underwater filmmaking communities. He continues to work hard at his art, while putting much time and energy into encouraging and assisting newcomers to the field.

Chuck currently works in High Definition Video (HDV) format, and produces his own videos. In addition to his filmmaking work, he leads dive tours around the world, and is always willing to take time on his trips to help out the newer underwater filmmaker. He is one of the founders and organizers of the San Diego UnderSea Film Exhibition.

Chuck Nicklin's Filming Tips

  • Keep the camera steady! This is the most important thing. And it's what separates the professional camerapeople from the picture takers!
  • Control of your bouyancy is a must! Disturbing the bottom not only creates bad visibility for your film, but can be damaging to the sea life.
  • Camera light(s) should hit the subject at an angle to lessen the reflection of any turbidity in the water (backscatter).
  • Keep your zooming to a minimum.
  • The most common error is to shoot all wide-angle scenes. This is easy, but will not give a professional looking edit. Wide shot to set the scene, medium shot, and close-up. Shoot extreme close-ups and cutaways to hold attention and to allow edit moves.
  • Concentrate on short scenes, but don't be afraid to start the action early. No matter how much you love the shot, it won't work if it starts in the middle of the action.
  • Shoot action coming toward the camera, not moving away.
  • The picture MUST be in focus!

 

 

 

 

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