What does scavenging refer to in underwater photography?

Scavenging in underwater photography primarily refers to the practice of being cautious and respectful towards the marine environment and its inhabitants. This means not disturbing marine life or their habitats while taking photographs. By being mindful of their surroundings, photographers can capture beautiful images without negatively impacting the ecosystem or the behavior of the marine animals they are photographing.

Maintaining a respectful distance and minimizing physical interference helps ensure that marine life is not agitated, which can lead to more natural and engaging images. Additionally, this approach fosters sustainable photography practices, encouraging others to be responsible stewards of the underwater environment.

In contrast, focusing solely on one type of marine life, using flash for color enhancement, or specifically photographing wrecks and artificial reefs doesn't capture the essence of scavenging. While those practices could be part of a photographer's approach, they do not embody the key principle of being cautious and non-intrusive, which is central to scavenging in underwater photography.