Introduction

If you are a fan of photography on land or you are already a diver looking to enhance their diving experience then underwater photography might be right for you. Photography in general is a fun and artistic hobby that allows us to capture memories and amazing shots that last over a lifetime.  Underwater photography poses its own unique challenges compared to taking photos on land but it is without a doubt a rewarding and beneficial skill.

The first step to starting your underwater photography experience is having a waterproof camera or housing for your camera. There are so many types of cameras on offer and although it seems like an expensive hobby don’t despair as there are second hand cameras that you can get a bargain for!  As long as you know how to use your camera well you are ready to go.

Of course underwater photography has some challenges – which make it more fun. Firstly, water absorbs light. This means that the deeper you go underwater the harder it gets to capture the true colors under the water. Without artificial light the photos will appear blue. This happens because the water filters out certain colors on the color spectrum. Red colors are absorbed more quickly so at around 5 – 6 meters below the surface there is no red color left. This makes it impossible to capture the vibrant marine life.  This problem however is easily solved by using a flash or a strobe light to add the light yourself.

There are 2 methods to use in underwater photography, wide angle or macro photography. Macro is a close up shot of a sea creature that brings out its vibrancy and details. Wide angle is a shot of the landscape. It is scenic and usually captures the habitat and coral reefs.  One of the key skills to taking excellent macro shots is to cut out as much of the water as possible. The frame should target the subject closely. This is easily done by getting as close to the small animal as possible. Shining the light correctly from the side will also help brighten the image and prevent backscatter. This is when particles obscure the subject.

Wide – Angle photography also requires the photographer to get close to the scene or animal however specialist lenses are often used to allow you to get close to the animal but still capture the surroundings. These lenses are called fisheye lenses.  With this skill the closer you get to the sea creature the better the color, contrast and sharpness will be.  Of course this means adjusting your camera accordingly which can be a challenge from under the water!

Types of cameras

There are a vast number of cameras on offer out there. Your first decision should be whether you want a compact camera or a DSLR.  Compact cameras are great for beginners because they are easy to use and easy to travel with as well as being less expensive than a DSLR.  DSLR cameras are aimed at professional photographers and yield optimal results.  Of course you also need housing for your camera but it is very easy to find affordable second hand housing online.

A key part of underwater photography is the upgrades to your camera. For example, lenses are essential to creating the best photos.  Having a collection of lenses will last many years and allow you to achieve optimal results under the water.

Most camera manufacturers make excellent macro and wide angle lenses. In terms of macro lenses, a 60 mm focal length is probably best for beginners with a crop sensor DSLR, while a 100 or 105 mm lens is for more advanced photographers. Other companies also make great lenses such as Tokina 10-17mm or 11-16mm. These lenses should last you forever, and will not lose their value. For compact cameras try an INON fisheye or wide angle lens, and stacked INON UCL-165 macro lenses.

Overall having a great camera is great but ultimately the photographer’s knowledge of their camera and their skill is what brings out the best photos.  To be a successful underwater photographer you have to understand exposure and use your camera and its settings well. You have to be able to use a light under water and get close to the subject without disturbing it or causing it any distress or harm.

Lights

There are two main types of lights used under the water, focus lights and underwater video lights. Lights are very important in underwater photography because they not only provide light for your camera but also light up the coral reefs. There are many companies that provide both lights. Video lights light up the scene and the reefs whereas focus lights are used with Macro shots to specifically brighten up the animal you are focusing on.

Focus lights may not always seem necessary but are great for Macro shots because they help the camera capture the focus and the contrast quickly. Focus lights are a must when doing photography at night.  However in some situations during the day a video light can be used instead.

Video lights are used to illuminate the whole area. This is critical when shooting a video because spot lights will only illuminate one area of your shot.  It is important to consider what types of shots you want to take and whether it will be daytime or night time when considering buying lights. Another useful trick many divers use is to mount their focus light on their housing to allow for flexibility.

Housing manufacturers

To become an underwater photographer the first step is making sure you protect your camera.  The camera is a valuable asset that will be with you for years to come – this is why appropriate housing is essential.  Here is a list of different types of popular housing manufactures:

1. Sea Frogs For Sony Underwater Camera Housing
2. VGSION GoPro Max Underwater Camera Housing
3. Sony RX100-series Underwater Camera Housings
4. Olympus PT-058 TG-5 Underwater Camera Housing
5. Ikelite Nikon D810 Underwater Camera Housing
6. Ikelite Canon G7X Underwater Camera Housing
7. kelite Canon G7X II Underwater Camera Housing
8. Ikelite Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Underwater Camera Housing
9. DiCAPac WP-S10 Underwater Camera Housing
10. Sea&Sea MDX Nikon D500 Underwater Camera Housing

What are you waiting for?

Underwater photography aims to liven up the adventure and is an exhilarating and fun experience. With the proper equipment you can become a fantastic photographer in and out of the water fast.  There are courses available to improve your skills and teach you top photography tips.  It is a lifelong hobby that offers something new to capture every time.