how to get shots like these

[shooter16]

i'm very new to photography and i'm actually interested in taking a lot of underwater photos. i kinda want to take pictures like these (pics not mine)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs466.snc3/25572_379772883947_355406978947_3601169_5427145_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs466.snc3/25572_379775778947_355406978947_3601205_2887871_n. jpg

found these pictures from the jewelmer facebook page.
www.facebook.com/jewelmer

anyway, what settings/equipment do you usually use to get great underwater shots?

[Harm]

^ forum rules, if the photos are not yours, don't post them up - use a link to the website instead.

[MNUplander]

I dont know much about it so I cant offer any advice, except there is an entire thread on the forum somewhere that is dedicated to this subject. Many pics and experienced photographers there - just do a forum search for some relevant terms and it will come up. I think its in the nature and landscape section.

[In2Photos]

^ forum rules, if the photos are not yours, don't post them up - use a link to the website instead.
What harm said!

Thanks!

[shooter16]

okay thanks. will link pics that aren't mine from now on.

[Chet]

He sells them, it should be pretty easy to get a couple. They'll look great framed in a family room or living room! Good Luck!

[BobL]

Go to an aquarium with a tripod and a decent camera, you will be amazed what you can shoot without even getting wet.

[gnirtS]

First picture doesnt look that sharp for me.

As for how they did it, without EFIX i cant be sure but usually done with an ultrawide lens - fisheye or rectilinear in the 10-18mm range at most. Underwater distance to subject is everything.

It appears to have been taken with a single strobe as well (shadows from 1 side).

Pretty much expose the background to a nice pleasing blue then adjust stobe power to fill in foreground subject.