Pay attention to the distance range listed for your camera. The Canon A-1 gives best underwater images at 1.5 to 3.3 feet from the subject.

Experiment with light factors. We experienced over-exposed photos when we attempted to underwater pictures in a white plaster pool while a brilliant overhead sun beat down. Factors such as blue pools, a cloudy sky, shade and morning/evening timing will reduce the light.

If you wear glasses, a snorkel mask helps you see much more clearly, but makes framing you subject more difficult because you are farther away from the view finder.

A snorkel breathing tube lets you wait underwater for the perfect shot.

Automatic cameras have a slight delay from the moment you press the shutter button. Although the camera reads the subject and makes adjustments in split second, you will need to get accustomed to this timing for action shots.

Planned photos help you frame your shots. Use a dive ring and get set before a youngster dives to retrieve the ring. You can direct where you want a cannonball to hit or position yourself below someone swimming laps.

Underwater photos are fun. Taking them is great entertainment. Express yourself with creative uses of your best shots.

Use an underwater photo for your Christmas cards, Photograph a Christmas decoration underwater (test the water durability of your decoration in the kitchen sink). Your snowbelt friends will love a family portrait taken underwater on your photo card!

Provide disposable underwater cameras for your guests at your next pool party. Kids and teens as well as adults will have fun. Photos of folks taking photos are part of the plan.

Make a season water album of underwater photos of the youngsters who frequent your pool. There swimming progress is recorded much better than by those above-the-water snapshots.

Create – pool-party invitations by taking a picture of a "You’re Invited" sign underwater. (Test the water effect on paper and markers in your kitchen sink). You might also use a photo of a soft drink or beer can taken underwater to send the message about your upcoming party.

Do you have an aquarium? Tape underwater photos to the outside of the glass on the back of your aquarium to put your family in with the fish.