5 Tips for Underwater Photography
Capturing The Magic Beneath The Waves. My commercial work can take me to environments of extreme contrast, from corporate portraiture, engineering and architecture to aquatic events like water polo and swimming, and to underwater fashion and lifestyle.
Shooting underwater has made me a better photographer - the challenges of combining technical skills as a diver and photographer provide a demanding yet extremely enjoyable environment to hone my craft.
The ocean is a realm of endless wonder - teeming with vibrant marine life, dazzling coral reefs, and mesmerising plays of light and shadow. But underwater photography isn’t as simple as snapping a picture on land - it requires skill, patience, and the right equipment. Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your underwater photography game, here are five tips to make your underwater shots truly spectacular.
1. Choose the Right Gear
Your underwater photography journey begins with selecting the right equipment. At the very least, you’ll need:
A camera that is waterproof or housed in a high-quality underwater case
Lighting equipment, such as underwater strobes or video lights, to combat the loss of colour and light at depth
Compact cameras like the are great for beginners, while DSLRs and mirrorless systems with custom housings work well for professionals. Remember, quality gear is crucial for clarity and durability, especially in saltwater environments.
2. Master Buoyancy Control
Perfect buoyancy is a game-changer for underwater photography. Hovering horizontally and steadily allows you to frame shots without disturbing marine life or stirring up sediment particles. Take a buoyancy course or practise consistently until you’re confident. The more you control your movements, the more creative freedom you’ll have to compose stunning shots.
3. Get Close—Then Get Closer
Water absorbs light and colour, making it crucial to minimise the distance between you and your subject. The closer you are, the sharper and more vibrant your images will be.
For macro photography of small creatures, such as clownfish, nudibranchs or shrimp, focus within a few inches of the subject. For larger subjects like sea turtles or sharks, still aim to close the gap while respecting their space.
4. Play with Lighting
Natural light diminishes as you go deeper, so understanding how to use light effectively is critical.
Shallow Waters: Take advantage of sunlight filtering through the water for ethereal effects.
Deeper Dives: Use artificial lighting to bring out the vivid reds, yellows, and oranges that are lost beyond 5-6 metres.
Angles matter too. Position your strobes at 10 and 2 o’clock to reduce backscatter and create dramatic shadows that highlight texture and depth.
5. Respect the Ocean
The ocean is a fragile and vital ecosystem. Be mindful of your surroundings:
Never touch or disturb marine life for the sake of a photo.
Avoid kicking up sand or damaging coral with your fins.
If you’re photographing elusive species, give them space and let them come to you.
Your stunning images can inspire others to appreciate and protect the underwater world, so aim to capture its beauty responsibly.
Dive In and Start Shooting!
Underwater photography is equal parts art and adventure. With practise, patience, and these five tips, you’ll soon have a portfolio filled with images that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the ocean. So grab your gear, dive in, and start capturing the magic beneath the waves!