How to reach this beautiful blue Effect using a DSLR?

Looks like just a beautiful spot instead of effect. So airline tickets and great weather:)

agreed. I've been to the Bahamas a few times and the water really does look like that. From what I understand though, the water is prettier in the south pacific island region, which is where this was shot (cook islands).
 
beautiful location
polarizer filter
crank up saturation
colorista (II or free, depending on budget)


on the filters side of things, I'm a newbie, I can't help a lot
if you're interested in the color grading tools and haven't seen them yet, check out this tutorials:
http://prolost.com/ciituts
http://prolost.com/blog/2011/1/27/color-correcting-food-with-colorista-ii.html

and if you like them, also:
http://prolost.com/blog/2009/6/23/got-me-a-side-job.html
http://prolost.com/blog/2010/2/24/mojo-tour.html
 
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Having been to that location I can say that it actually just looks like that. He probably used a circular polarizer and pushed the saturation a bit.

Possibly even used a very slight blue gradient on the sky (look at how the cloud in the top right corner goes from blue to white).

But it just comes down to lighting - natural (as in this case) or atificial, lighting is still the best way to achieve the look you want, rather than relying on post-processing, colour grading or effects. Most likely he carefully chose what time of day he shot this and what path the chopper flies to get the best colours, minumum glare and fewest shadows.
 
Hi Guys,

thanks for the links and coments. I have a shooting in 4 weeks. Location: Beatch and in the sea / boot. And would like to prepare my equipments. I have buy a b+w circular pol filter multi coated for 170 usd. Of course I could change colors and saturation in post. But I only would like to know if there is more that I can do on location as just using a pol filter.
 
Beautiful clear tropical water for good sky reflection. High saturation, color correction (the trees have some tinges of blue), and possibly a blue gradient filter on the lens, and/or possibly a CPL to increase reflection.
 
Hard to say, sorry won't be much help. If you plan on using the new Cinestyle color space, you might want to use a stronger one... Dunno for sure if this will even give the effect wanted.

Hi naturns. I downloaded Cinestyle yesterday. Could you explain better how to reach that color in combination with cinestyle? Thhnk you.
 
Hi All,
This shot was taken using a RED ONE (pre MX) I did use slight polarisation. The location is quite unique though. One foot island in the Aitutaki Lagoon, Cook Islands. The water at certain depths looks as turquoise as the shot and the sky can look near on purple! We shot in RAW so there has been a slight tweak up on the saturation...

Steve Thomson - Director
WOWstockfootage.com
 
Hi All,
This shot was taken using a RED ONE (pre MX) I did use slight polarisation. The location is quite unique though. One foot island in the Aitutaki Lagoon, Cook Islands. The water at certain depths looks as turquoise as the shot and the sky can look near on purple! We shot in RAW so there has been a slight tweak up on the saturation...

Steve Thomson - Director
WOWstockfootage.com


WOW a Answer from the director of this shot!!!!!!!!! Thank you.

If I could ask you something: We guys with Low Budget have to get the maximum of our equipments such as DSLR 7D. I have following equipments. What and how would you use it to make shots in a beach and in the water to reach nice colors and blue's:

Cam: 7D
Lens: Canon 17-55mm 2.8; Sigma 30mm 1.8; Nikon 50mm 1.8
Filter: B+H Circ Pol; B+H ND4; UV
Editing: Vegas Pro 10

I can't wait to see your answer!!!
 
Hey eTrust,

I think one of the previous posters has put their finger on it. Travel. I would add that you also need perseverance and stamina. Sometimes you just have to keep pushing and shooting until you get lucky! As far as your blues go. Don't over-polarise - you will find that your blue sky goes dark blue/black. Don't use ND's. Good luck - and make sure you visit Aitutaki!
 
Hey eTrust,

I think one of the previous posters has put their finger on it. Travel. I would add that you also need perseverance and stamina. Sometimes you just have to keep pushing and shooting until you get lucky! As far as your blues go. Don't over-polarise - you will find that your blue sky goes dark blue/black. Don't use ND's. Good luck - and make sure you visit Aitutaki!

or.. I find a Footage of Monaco on your page :=) Bt I can't :=(
 
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