Using photography - We are not fans of the photograghic image when it is used for drawing. But understanding its shortfalls and appropriate use helps us put it in its place as a tool in the plastic arts. Underwater photography is a Godsent for capturing the images of marine life ( thus not having to capture or kill our subjects, which are out of the question regardless) and the ambeint light in clear water reduces some of the drawbacks of  the photographic image. In general the photo flatens the form and reduces the projection of form. Our method of drawing is based on sculptural principles not tonal ones. Its goal is to project the forms as much as possible. So we use  the photograph as in the manner that a quick sketch is used - to freeze the pose and capture the alignment of large forms. But we still try to quick sketch to reinforce which  simple forms are best for representing the morphology of a subject. The anatomical forms of marine life are simpler, more regular and repetitve as compared to the human figure. This makes the camera even more appropriate to used.

The photograph is good as a reference for identifing forms but ones needs a front, profile and three quarter veiw for most subjects to use it effectively, unless one has a good knowledge of its anatomical or morphological make up.