When shooting underwater, the type of lens port used on your camera housing has a major impact on image quality. The two most common options — flat ports and dome ports — behave very differently once submerged due to how light refracts underwater.
Flat Lens Ports
Flat ports use a simple, flat piece of glass placed in front of the lens. While they are straightforward, durable, and often more affordable, flat ports significantly alter how light behaves underwater.
As light travels from water to glass to air, it bends, a phenomenon known as refraction. This causes images shot through a flat port to appear magnified, similar to looking through a dive mask. The result is a reduction in the lens’s field of view by roughly 25%, along with increased edge softness, distortion, and potential color fringing when using wider lenses.
Why flat ports still matter:
This magnification can actually be beneficial for macro and close-up photography, allowing small subjects to fill the frame more easily.
Flat ports are best suited for macro, close-focus work, and scenarios where above-water framing or split-level composition isn’t a priority.
Dome Lens Ports
Dome ports feature a curved optical surface specifically designed to counteract underwater refraction. This curvature allows light rays to enter the housing more naturally, helping the lens retain its intended field of view and reducing distortion.
A key characteristic of dome ports is that they create a virtual image underwater. Instead of focusing on the subject itself, the lens focuses on a virtual image that appears closer than the actual scene. Because of this, proper lens selection, aperture choice, and focus calibration are critical for achieving sharp results.
Pro tip:
Stopping down your aperture (e.g. f/8–f/11) helps improve corner sharpness when shooting wide-angle scenes with dome ports.
When used correctly, dome ports deliver sharper edges, wider coverage, and more natural-looking images. They are the preferred choice for wide-angle photography, cinematic underwater footage, reefscapes, wrecks, and clean over-under (split) shots.
Flat Port vs Dome Port
Feature
Flat Port
Dome Port
Field of View
Reduced (~25%)
Maintains original lens FOV
Best For
Macro & close-ups
Wide-angle & cinematic shots
Edge Sharpness
Limited with wide lenses
Excellent when configured correctly
Over-Under Shots
Not ideal
Preferred option
Choosing the Right Port
If your work focuses on macro subjects or fine detail, a flat port is often the better and simpler choice. For expansive underwater scenes, wide-angle compositions, and professional-level image quality, a dome port offers superior optical performance.
Choosing the correct lens port ensures you’re getting the most out of your camera system, and capturing the clearest, most natural underwater images possible.
Editing underwater footage isn’t just about piecing together clips, it’s about sculpting rhythm from silence. Every cut breathes, every fade mimics the pull of a current. The ocean moves differently than air, and so should the story it carries.
On land, we cut for energy, for motion, for reaction, for pace. Below the surface, we cut for emotion, for breath, for stillness, for suspension.
Underwater, time expands. Gravity disappears. And in that slow gravity-less space, editing becomes less about speed and more about surrender.
1. Breathing Rhythm: Finding Natural Pacing
If land editing follows footsteps, underwater editing follows breath.
Divers inhale and exhale slowly, each breath lasting several seconds, each movement delayed by drag and resistance. To honor that, underwater edits should feel like breathing cycles: in, hold, release.
A shot that lingers just one second longer underwater can feel more honest, more emotional. Rushing underwater cuts can break the illusion of submersion, the audience needs time to float.
Try matching your cuts to:
The diver’s breathing rhythm
The rising or falling motion of bubbles
Shifts in natural light from surface reflections
Watch how My Octopus Teacher or Blue Planet II use these cues, not to show action, but to let stillness become narrative.
2. The Sound of Silence: Designing Emotional Soundscapes
Sound is the invisible current that carries underwater storytelling. Even though water muffles sound, it heightens emotion.
Instead of filling silence with music, design it. Layer deep hums, soft crackles, distant sonar pulses. Let the sound of a single exhale or fin stroke echo like memory.
Practical techniques:
Use low-frequency ambient tones (40–80 Hz) to evoke depth.
Add reverb and muffled EQ filters to simulate sound absorption in water.
Mix breathing and heartbeat sounds as narrative anchors.
When using music, keep it sparse and fluid, no sharp percussion.
The result: an audio texture that feels like immersion, not background.
3. Color as Emotion: Grading Beyond Correction
Color correction restores reality. Color grading creates emotion.
Most editors instinctively remove the blue-green tint of underwater footage. But sometimes, that tint is the story. Cold cyan can feel lonely. Warm amber hues can feel human, hopeful, sacred.
Rather than chasing natural colors, decide: what emotion should this scene breathe?
Blue: Isolation, calm, introspection
Green: Mystery, danger, organic tension
Amber / Gold: Warmth, human connection, surface proximity
Desaturated neutral: Memory, dream, passage of time
Use vignettes, gradients, or light flares not to hide flaws, but to paint feelings. Every wave refracts light uniquely, your grade should too.
4. Seamless Transitions: Merging Land and Sea
Stories often begin above the surface and descend into the deep, that transition can either jar or enchant the viewer.
Instead of hard cuts, let the elements connect:
Fade out surface sounds (wind, birds) as you cross-dissolve into underwater hums.
Carry bubbles or lens flares across the cut to visually “dive” through the edit.
Use one unbroken motion, a camera tilt, a pan, or a ripple, to pull the viewer from land to sea.
Editing underwater isn’t about masking two worlds. It’s about weaving them into one continuous breath.
5. Flow Over Formula: Building an Emotional Arc
Think of your edit like the ocean: waves of tension and release. Every scene should rise, peak, and recede.
Tension: A diver descends, the unknown grows.
Peak: The moment of encounter, a creature, a revelation, a reflection.
Release: A drift, a pause, an ascent.
When you cut, cut for emotional flow. Don’t chase traditional story beats, chase the rhythm of immersion.
Your edit should not move, it should breathe.
Closing Reflection: Editing as Submersion
Editing underwater footage is an act of empathy. You’re not simply presenting what happened; you’re guiding the audience into a state of surrender.
In the stillness between cuts, they remember what it feels like to float, to be held by something vast and alive.
When you stop cutting for speed, and start cutting for stillness, the ocean begins to speak.
Quick Notes for Editors
Always color-grade within scene context, not in isolation.
Test your mix with headphones, it reveals subtle pressure shifts.
Embrace imperfections: particles, flares, distortion, they’re the ocean’s signature.
Let every edit “breathe” for one extra beat longer than feels comfortable. That’s usually where the magic lives.
In the fast-paced world of cinematography, where every shot tells a story, there’s a company that stands out not just for its technical expertise but for its deep-rooted friendship and unwavering commitment to excellence. This is the story of Air Sea Land (ASL), a company that has carved its niche as the largest underwater rental house in the Northeast and whose journey is as captivating as the films it helps create.
ASL’s journey began with a spark of inspiration and a leap of faith. Anthony S. Lenzo, the founder of ASL, started his career right out of high school. At 17 years of age, he began working for All Mobile Productions — following Mike Tyson with a camera, working for Italian and German television, filming tennis pros, and capturing concerts. His early experiences working for All Mobile Productions, what Anthony calls his college degree, laid the foundation for the camera operator he is today. He learned everything there is to know, from single-camera to multi-camera production.
Anthony moved from NYC to Florida, where he honed his skills and nurtured his passion for diving and underwater cinematography. Inspired by the photography term “depth of field,ˮ Anthony and his business partner opened Depth or Field Productions.
When Anthony moved back to New York in 1994, he was faced with the challenge of naming his new company after the dissolution of his previous partnership. He looked around at his existing equipment — all marked with his initials, ASL – and found inspiration. Recognizing the common practice aboard dive boats to mark gear with initials for clear identification of ownership, the idea for Air Sea Land was born. Air for jib cranes. Sea for underwater cameras. Land for everything in between.
Between New Yorkʼs up-and-coming hip-hop scene and the creation of the Food Network, ASL was in high demand. As Anthony ventured into the field and rental demands surged back at the shop, he found himself unable to manage all aspects of the business. While he initially recruited someone to oversee equipment rentals and editing, their departure for Massachusetts in 2007 left a critical gap in operations.
Anthony needed someone with expertise in tools and a high level of trustworthiness.
Enter: Gary Costantino.
Childhood friends who spent their days tinkering in garages and scouring the neighborhood to build bikes from spare parts, Anthony and Gary embarked on a new professional adventure together.
Central to ASL’s story is the enduring friendship between Anthony and Gary, rooted in a shared history of exploration, innovation, and intuition. Their fathers worked together and often brought the boys items to take apart and put back together again. At 12 years of age, Gary disassembled his uncleʼs Chevy Nova and rebuilt it from scratch.
As boys, Anthony and Gary shared a harmonious bond, never engaging in conflict and often understanding each other without words. Despite Gary’s initial lack of film industry experience, Anthony had full confidence in him. Recognizing Gary’s meticulous nature with equipment and drawing from his financial background on Wall Street, Anthony knew Gary would bring unique value to the team.
Gary, a natural at understanding the intricacies of mechanics, was the perfect fit for ASL. An out-of-the-box thinker, he possesses an extraordinary ability to troubleshoot and repair a wide array of equipment, making him an invaluable asset to the company. When Anthony and Gary work together in the shop, it reminds them of the good old days.
Another invaluable quality of this friendship is mutual support and reliability. An increasingly busy schedule and the constant influx of new equipment makes it challenging to keep tabs on all aspects of the business. Gary has taken the initiative to familiarize himself with every aspect of ASLʼs gear. His ability to identify and assemble the necessary components ensures that ASLʼs equipment is always ready for action.
With Gary supporting him from the shop and his nephew Bobby backing him up as a camera technician, Anthony can dive into the water with confidence.
When Anthony incorporated ASL in 1994, he didnʼt foresee that his company would become the largest underwater rental house in the Northeast. Originally envisioning jib cranes as the core focus of the business, Anthonyʼs eldest brother invested in ASLʼs first jib. Anthonyʼs youngest brother became ASLʼs first freelancer, later becoming a full-time employee.
Everything shifted upon developing their innovative Splash bags.
These protective covers offer a solution for safeguarding cameras from water exposure and splashes on set, reflecting ASL’s commitment to meeting industry needs with creative solutions. For further insights into the advantages of Splash bags and Underwater Housings, dive into our comprehensive article here.
When ASL identified this gap in the market, Garyʼs skills proved instrumental in the development stage. In the initial designs, an error was identified that required rectification. Instead of re-machining the proper parts, Gary took it upon himself to repair each faulty bag, one by one. Every bag was restored to full functionality, and they continue to perform flawlessly to this day.
ASL remained at the forefront of the underwater cinematography industry, leading in underwater POV work and innovative underwater systems. Anthony also played a pivotal role in consulting on the design of the first high-definition underwater housing — the NPV CAM F900 housing — with Amphibico. Though it has been surpassed in terms of image quality, operationally, nothing has matched its versatility and flexibility. With this housing, almost anything could be accomplished underwater, except changing your tape and battery.
ASL expanded its extensive inventory by becoming representative of HydroFlex, broadening its range of housings and lighting systems for East Coast clients. Like the versatile Splash bags accommodating various cameras, HydroFlex housings increased their inventory of deep underwater housings, catering to the demands of multiple camera models.
As ASL celebrates its 30th anniversary, it does so with a sense of pride and gratitude. Keeping the doors open for its employees through financial crises and worldwide pandemics, ASL is a company that defies the odds.
From humble beginnings in a basement apartment to becoming the go-to rental house for filmmakers across the Northeast, ASL’s journey is a testament to the power of friendship, passion, and perseverance. As ASL looks to the future, the torch will be passed to Anthonyʼs nephew, Bobby, and the spirit of adventure and collaboration that defines the company will remain as strong as ever.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out for professional services or further assistance. We are here to help your vision come to life:
Shooting underwater presents a myriad of challenges, complexities, and nuances distinct from traditional on-land productions. The underwater environment demands a unique set of skills, expertise, and understanding to navigate successfully.
In this blog post, we dive into the importance of having an experienced film crew when venturing into the water for your cinematic endeavors.
As the largest rental house for Professional Underwater camera gear and Jimmy Jib rentals in the North East, and with 30 years of diverse underwater shooting experience, Air Sea Land understands the complexities and challenges of shooting underwater.
Benefits Of Hiring An Experienced Underwater Camera Crew
When it comes to filmmaking, time is money. An experienced underwater camera crew introduces order and structure. Established procedures, meticulous execution, and efficient time management become the norm. This orderliness directly translates into a smoother production process. Hiring an experienced crew doesn’t just save time; it’s an investment in efficiency, versatility, and safety.
A Time-Saving, Systematic Approach
Experts understand the practicality of shots, prioritize effectively, and execute them in the shortest time possible.
Practicality: The pace underwater is inherently different, with movements slowed down. Recognizing this, an experienced crew understands the achievable, foresees post-production VFX needs, and excels in meticulous shot planning. They know how to best maximize your time on location or underwater and will tell you the best scenario of events.
Prioritization: Experts understand that time is a precious commodity underwater and know what shots are most important for the audience to see. They are able to streamline the shot list to prioritize essential shots that drive the narrative.
Execution: Seasoned underwater operators bring a high degree of adaptability to the set. They anticipate challenges, pivot when needed, and possess the ability to troubleshoot on the fly. Their experience and versatile nature allows them to handle unexpected situations with composure, ensuring the production stays on course.
This efficiency is not just a time-saver but also contributes to a safer and more controlled filming environment.
Comfort and Safety
Perhaps the most crucial aspect is the trust an experienced crew instills. Trust in their ability to maneuver for the perfect shot, to make talent feel at ease underwater, and to communicate effectively. This trust permeates the entire production, creating an environment where creativity flourishes and safety is paramount.
Environment: Being underwater, whether in a pool or open water, poses inherent risks. Extended periods in water demand vigilant safety measures. Fatigue, unpredictable weather, strong currents, and marine life add variables that demand acute awareness. An experienced crew, equipped with safety divers and lifeguards, navigates these challenges with ease, recognizing the limits and ensuring the well- being of everyone involved.
Effective communication: Traditional verbal cues lose their immediacy underwater. An experienced crew utilizes specialized equipment like an Underwater PA System and employs hand signals to bridge the communication gap between the submerged camera operator and the crew above water. This ensures that the director’s notes can be efficiently translated to the underwater camera operator and crew above. This improves clarity, contributes to steady production flow, and minimizes time spent underwater.
Certifications: Underwater operators require specialized diver training and certification. Inexperienced operators attempting to shoot without proper credentials jeopardize safety and slow down production. An expert crew with certified divers ensures smooth operations, allowing the camera operator to focus on capturing stunning visuals without compromising safety.
Equipment Proficiency
The challenges of shooting underwater are multifaceted and require a thorough comprehension of the equipment being used. From the intricacies of buoyancy control to the importance of lighting, every aspect of underwater filmmaking demands a specialized approach.
Buoyancy: Talent and camera operators must contend with the natural tendency to float, necessitating the use of weighted belts and Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD) for precise control. An experienced crew navigates this seamlessly, understanding the complexities of talent movement and camera buoyancy. This expertise ensures shots are not compromised and that the underwater environment is navigated safely.
Lighting: Experienced crews bring a nuanced understanding of lighting and will help you avoid over-lighting your scenes. They will also use the same lighting in different ways in order to achieve your desired outcome. This knowledge saves 30 – 60 minutes in moving lights around set, allowing for a more focused and efficient workflow.
Navigating The Water With Expert Guidance
In the intricate world of underwater filmmaking, the importance of hiring an experienced underwater camera crew cannot be overstated. As you dive in, remember that having an expert crew on board isn’t just an investment; it’s the assurance of a production that flows smoothly, safely, and creatively.
From understanding the unique challenges to implementing solutions with finesse, an experienced crew is an invaluable asset. As showcased by Air Sea Land’s extensive experience in underwater productions, the benefits extend far beyond technical proficiency. We provide a secure, efficient, and creative environment, ensuring that your vision not only comes to life but does so safely and with the highest cinematic quality.
If you are embarking on an underwater film project and aspire to navigate the depths safely while unlocking creative possibilities, consider the expertise of Air Sea Land. With over 30 years of experience, specialized equipment, and a commitment to safety, we stand ready to guide you through the complexities of underwater filmmaking.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional services or further assistance, and let your underwater vision unfold seamlessly with the support of seasoned professionals.
In the wake of the recent Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) strike, New York City’s film and television industry is on the rise. Filmmakers are leaving Hollywood, and new studios are being built in The Big Apple. Amid this cinematic renaissance, Air Sea Land stands as a leading force, especially in the niche realm of underwater filmmaking.
With over 30 years of experience, ASL is the largest rental house for Professional Underwater camera gear and Jimmy Jib rentals in the NorthEast US.
NYC’s Industry on the Rise
It’s no secret that filmmakers love New York for its iconic nature and backdrop. Add in the tax credit, and you’ve got even more allure.
To encourage film companies to film in New York, productions which comply with requirements may be eligible for a tax credit of 30% percent of qualified production expenses. Qualified expenses include certain above-the-line wages subject to specific caps, below-the-line wages, and production costs directly related to the production of a qualified film. This tax credit is funded at $700 million a year through 2034. — New York State
Developers have caught on and are making strides. Even NYC Mayor Eric Adams is calling Western Queens “a worthy rival of Hollywood.” (Deadline)
Wildflower Studios
Located next to the Steinway and Sons piano factory in Astoria and developed in partnership with Robert De Niro and his son Raphael, Wildflower Studios is a multi-level, 775,042-square-foot complex with 11 Sound Stages. Wildflower refers to the studio as a “vertical village for film production…combining the collaborative environment of a Hollywood-style studio with the latest digital production capability.” (Wildflower Ltd.)
East End Studio
Located in Sunnyside, East End Studio will be a 340,000 square feet production campus with “three full-service, ground floor soundstages adding up to 75,000 square feet” and a “15,000 square foot rooftop flex stage boasting views of the Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan skylines.” (Variety). Completion is expected by Quarter 1 of 2025.
These studios join Kaufman Astoria Studios and Silvercup Studios in Long Island City, making Queens the place to be. Our company is geared to be an integral part of this exciting chapter.
The Increasing Demand for Underwater Film Scenes
The industry is witnessing a surge in popularity and demand for underwater filming. Productions are increasingly choosing to shoot scenes underwater, a trend aimed at breathing life into their narratives and elevating the audience experience.
In the world of storytelling, underwater scenes have an unparalleled allure. We’ve witnessed ingenious solutions like stages built with retaining walls for shallow water shots, and it’s clear – New York needs a dedicated underwater stage.
As these studios emerge across the city, ASL is here to consult, provide equipment, and cater to the dynamic needs of filmmakers seeking to push boundaries.
ASL’s Underwater Production Services
Our dedicated team of highly skilled underwater divers and camera operators brings premium underwater video and filming services that elevate your visual storytelling. This commitment ensures that we capture not just footage but immersive experiences beneath the surface.
We pride ourselves on:
Versatility: Our expertise spans various industries, including film, television, documentaries, and commercials.
Equipment: We utilize state-of-the-art equipment featuring advanced underwater camera systems and cutting-edge underwater lighting.
Results: We are driven to deliver exceptional results that surpass our clients’ expectations. Whether it’s the visual narrative of a feature film or the impactful storytelling needed for a marketing campaign, ASL transforms your vision into reality.
Check out our latest underwater track record:
In 2017, ASL live-streamed ABC News’ Ginger Zee swimming with sharks at the Ray of Hope Shipwreck off the coast of the Bahamas. ASL is the only company that has live-streamed underwater. You can watch the Live 360-degree view here.
ASL’s Jib Crane Services
ASL stands as a leading provider of jib services, jib rentals, and crew services. We are one of the pioneering companies in New York City to offer jib services.
We pride ourselves on:
Inventory: Our extensive inventory includes various jib sizes and types, catering to the diverse needs of clients across film, television, and live events.
Expertise: Our team of experienced professionals operates 24/7, providing jib services that consistently exceed client expectations. Our highly skilled technicians and operators are dedicated to ensuring that clients’ projects, from setup to breakdown, are executed seamlessly. With ASL’s crewing services, you get a comprehensive solution for all your jib-related needs.
Whether it’s capturing the magic of an underwater environment or orchestrating intricate shots with our jib cranes, our equipment, expertise, and creative support are pivotal in meeting the demands of the NYC film industry.
If you’re searching for underwater video equipment in NYC, check out our website or contact our team for tailored solutions:
In the dynamic landscape of filmmaking, connectivity and communication stand as critical pillars for success — especially in remote locations.
Enter ToughSignal, a powerful solution for remote internet needs, designed to strengthen and protect your film productions.
In this article, we will delve into the key features of ToughSignal, explore how this technology benefits filmmakers, and how it has revolutionized remote internet connectivity for challenging environments, particularly the underwater sphere.
About ToughSignal
ToughSignal is your go-to for powerful remote internet. It’s resilient, easy to use, and scales to your filmmaking needs
Key Features:
Reliability: ToughSignal keeps you connected anywhere. It combines up to 5 internet sources through network bonding technology for extreme reliability and security.
Straightforward Operation: ToughSignal has a user-friendly design with an integrated power button inside the case. Once you connect to the dedicated Wi-Fi network, you can start working.
Battery Life: With a massive 54,000 mAh battery, ToughSignal provides up to 72 hours of runtime on a single charge.
Business Use Cases:
Live Streaming: ToughSignal provides stable and uninterrupted internet connection for live streaming, festivals, or trade shows.
Mobile Teams: ToughSignal is ideal for teams on the move. Smooth video calls, quick data transfer, and secure access to your files.
Education & Health: Uninterrupted internet for online classes, virtual labs, or remote health services.
ToughSignal emphasizes its commitment to customer relationships and technical expertise under pressure through ToughCare™ Priority Support, staffed by enterprise-class network engineers.
How ToughSignal Benefits Filmmakers
ToughSignal enhances connectivity and communication in the film industry in three main areas:
Cell Service
ToughSignal has multiple high powered antennas that reach cell towers a phone cannot. If you’re on a film shoot where cell service isn’t reliable but you still need access to Wi-Fi and phone calls, ToughSignal acts as a hotspot for everyone on set.
Remote Locations
If you find that no one has service during a location scout, you can fix that problem ahead of time. Using ToughSignal is a great safety backup that streamlines production and makes you feel like you’re back in the studio.
ToughSignal (with the Starlink add on) connects you to the internet in any remote location as long as you have a clear view of the sky. The Starlink antenna provides access to the Starlink satellites so you’re not tethered to cell towers. When Starlink is in use, ToughSignal acts as a modem.
Large Events
If you attend an event that has good service but a large crowd takes up a substantial amount of bandwidth from neighboring cell towers, you can use ToughSignal to bypass the cell towers nearby. It will connect you with further cell towers that are less jammed up.
How ToughSignal Provides Solutions for ASL Clients
With over 30 years of experience, we understand the challenges that come along with filmmaking. Our unwavering commitment to simplifying our clients’ lives propels us to explore cutting-edge solutions. After an extensive search, we’re thrilled to unveil a product that not only meets but exceeds expectations, delivering truly remarkable solutions:
Safety
Since we work in unconventional environments, safety is always our top priority. In the past, we’ve run into a problem: no cell service on the boat in the middle of the ocean. Although our expert camera operators and technicians are trained to handle uncertain situations, it’s important to be able to contact emergency services if needed. ToughSignal enhances any communication you may need. If something goes wrong, you’re no longer on your own.
Remarkable Access
ToughSignal gives you access to remote locations like never before. Since underwater live streaming comes with many challenges, it has only ever been done three times – all by us. With this technology, the possibilities to do livestreams in any capacity (through live TV or an app like Zoom, Facebook, or Instagram) are endless. Whether you stumble upon a pride of lions on a safari or start swimming with sharks off the coast, a live presenter can narrate for your audience, bringing them right into the action.
Cost Effective and Effortless Live Streaming
In our initial endeavor into live underwater feeds, we arranged microwave transmitters aboard a boat to send signals to a strategically positioned satellite truck on the shore. This truck beamed the signal up to a satellite, serving as our uplink. While this intricate setup thrived in proximity to the shore, it would not serve us for our next live event 80 miles off shore. Instead, we needed to place large satellites on the boat itself, requiring a larger boat to fulfill the task.
With ToughSignal, everything you need to live stream is self contained within two cases. Not only does this reduce the possibility of error or failure, it dramatically reduces the costs associated with live productions of the past.
ToughSignal is Your Go-To Solution
From enhancing communication in remote locations to providing a safety net in unconventional filming environments, ToughSignal transforms what was once near impossible into endless filmmaking possibilities.
With a unique set of features, ToughSignal provides bold filmmakers the security they need to pursue their creative vision.
ASL clients, supported with over 30 years of filmmaking expertise, now have at their disposal a tool that not only simplifies but revolutionizes their productions.
To explore ToughSignal further, check out our web page or contact our team for more information via:
