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Top 10 Underwater Photography
Do’s and DonT's
Underwater photography is a blend of art, skill, and respect for the marine environment. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, these simple yet crucial “Do’s and Don’ts” can make your underwater clicks truly unforgettable.
The Do’s
1. Master Your Camera on Land First
Before diving into the underwater world, get to know your camera like the back of your hand. Learn the menus, features, and shortcuts. Practice manually white-balancing, adjusting focal ranges, and understanding how fast it focuses. Work on land until you’re confident. The ocean is mesmerizing but also demanding—it’s not our natural habitat, and tasks that seem simple on land can become challenging underwater. Nail the basics so you can focus on the magic beneath the waves.
2. Develop a Housing Maintenance Ritual
Treat your underwater housing like a precious treasure. Carefully clean and inspect the O-ring before every dive. Remove dust, hair, or grit that could compromise the seal and cause a flood. A bit of lube helps keep the O-ring in top shape. Remember, most underwater photographers agree: it’s not if you’ll experience a flood, but when. A meticulous ritual can postpone or even prevent this dreaded event.
3. Get Your Camera Rig Handed Down
Avoid unnecessary risks by having your camera rig passed to you after you’re in the water. Water impact during a giant stride entry can damage your gear or cause a flood. While there are techniques to minimize this risk, letting someone hand it down to you is the safest bet.
4. Master Buoyancy Control
Want to be a great underwater photographer? Start by being a great diver. Buoyancy control is a lifelong skill that improves both your photography and your diving experience. Perfecting your buoyancy will not only keep you and the reef safe but also allow you to compose shots with precision and stability.
Read Tips to Improve Your Buoyancy Control
5. Think Beyond the Bird’s-Eye View
Many beginners instinctively shoot from above, capturing subjects in a flat, bird’s-eye perspective. Stop, position yourself level with your subject, and explore different angles. Filling the background with contrast or balance can make your shots pop. Experiment with framing and composition to elevate your underwater photography to an art form.
The Don’ts
1. Don’t Forget You’re Still Diving First
While planning your photography dive, don’t lose sight of the basic principles of scuba diving. Keep track of your air supply, no-decompression limits, and buddy contact. A dive plan isn’t optional. No photograph is worth compromising your safety. Remember: safety first, safety always.
2. Don’t Harm the Reef or Marine Life
As divers, we’re ambassadors for the ocean. Respecting marine life should always come first. While it’s sometimes necessary to anchor yourself (using fin tips on sand or a reef rod on a rock), ensure you’re not harming delicate coral, sponges, or unsuspecting nudibranchs. Stay vigilant and educate yourself about marine ecosystems to minimize your impact.
3. Don’t Be an Underwater Menace
Nobody likes a chaotic, click-happy diver zipping through groups and spoiling shots. Be mindful of others, avoid barging into their frames, and refrain from stirring up sediment that ruins visibility for everyone. Underwater photography isn’t a race; it’s an art. Practice patience and respect to improve your shots—and your reputation.
4. Don’t Forget the Basics
Yes, we’ve all been there: a fully prepped dive with a perfectly maintained rig, only to realize you forgot the memory card or fresh battery! It’s easy to overlook the obvious, so double-check your gear before every dive. A simple checklist can save you a lot of frustration.
Read our Beginner guide to underwater photography for a refresh
5. Don’t Break the Photographer’s Code
Always remember the underwater photographer’s pledge:
“Take only pictures, keep only memories, leave only bubbles, and kill nothing but time.”
This code isn’t just a catchy mantra—it’s a reminder of the respect and responsibility we owe to the underwater world we’re privileged to explore.
Underwater photography is as much about discipline and respect as it is about creativity and skill. By following these tips, you’ll not only improve your photos but also become a more conscientious diver. Whether you’re capturing your first reef scene or chasing the perfect macro shot, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind for a fun and fulfilling underwater adventure.
