Want to know how that perfect shot was taken, or techniques for improving your own images. Listen to what the professionals have to say.

1. With any wildlife, getting the ideal shot depends on the behaviour of the animal and its willingness to cooperate. So it is important not to waste any time. All your preparation should be done before you get to the dive location, to avoid any missed opportunities.

2. Be sure to estimate the amount of film you need. It is better to have more than less. With digital cameras, make sure you have adequate storage for your images. Having a portable hard drive will allow you to quickly down load images between dives.

3. Make sure all batteries are recharged, equipment has been tested prior to boarding any vessel, and camera housings do not have leaks. Preset aperture and shutter speed with underwater cameras such as Nikonos. This can be changed during the dive but it is good to have a basic setup before entering the water.

4. When possible carry a back-up camera. It is always at a pivotal moment that something goes wrong with equipment. A secondary rig is invaluable, especially if you are using film and need to reload in an area where exposure to moisture can damage the equipment.

5. Ideal conditions for shooting close to the surface would be an overcast sky. Direct sunlight on a subject such as a whale can appear to be too harsh and reduce the detail of the subject. Although you cannot control the weather, you can try to optimise the conditions you are in. make sure when shooting that the sun is behind you. Particles in the water can often be reflective and will show up on your images. The closer you are to the subject less you will need to concern yourself with the elements.

6. With large subjects a wide angle lens is paramount, especially if you intend to get the entire subject in your composition. A 15mm or 20mm lens will provide the best results. However in situations where you have a whale mother and calf a 35mm lens will allow nice close up detail.

7. When changing film in an underwater camera or opening housing, try to designate a dry area where cameras and housing can be thoroughly wiped down before opening and changing film or storage cards. Any moisture inside the camera or housing can cause considerable damage to the working parts.

8. When in the water with other photographers, you should stay together as a group to avoid getting in front of another photographers composition, as well as reducing stress on the animal.

9. When composing the shot, try to shoot at an upwardly angle. This will allow you to get reflection from the surface which can often create a dramatic effect as the reflection mirrors the subject.

10. Always make sure that your camera is connected to your body. Not all camera gear and housing is buoyant. So it is important that you use wrist bands or spiral cables connected to your dive gear, to avoid the loss of expensive equipment, especially in deep water.