Scuba Diving
10 Essential Tips for Underwater Photography
Written by Scuba Turtles | 2 March 2025
Underwater photography is a thrilling and rewarding way to capture the beauty of the ocean. However, shooting beneath the waves comes with its own set of challenges, from lighting issues to camera settings and composition.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your shots, these top underwater photography tips will help you take stunning images of marine life and seascapes.
1. Use the Right Camera and Housing
Choosing the right camera is crucial for underwater photography. Compact cameras, mirrorless, or DSLR cameras with underwater housing are all excellent options. Ensure your housing is rated for the depth you plan to dive and that all buttons and dials are easily accessible.
Nowadays, you can also find waterproof phone cases, like the one of Sealife, that allow you to take underwater photos with your smartphone. This is a great option if your phone produces high-quality images, but it will never match the performance of a mirrorless or DSLR camera with proper housing and lighting.
2. Master White Balance and Lighting
Water absorbs light, causing colors to fade as you go deeper. To counteract this, adjust your white balance manually or use a red filter. For the best results, invest in an underwater strobe or video light to bring back lost colors.
3. Get Close to Your Subject
Water reduces clarity and contrast, so the closer you get to your subject, the sharper and more vibrant your images will be. Ideally, try to shoot within 1 to 2 meters of your subject to minimize water distortion.
4. Shoot in RAW Format
Shooting in RAW allows for more flexibility in post-processing. RAW files retain more detail and color information, making it easier to adjust exposure, contrast, and white balance later.
5. Perfect Your Buoyancy
Good buoyancy control is essential for capturing clear and steady images. It prevents disturbing the seabed or startling marine life while allowing you to frame your shots with precision.
6. Use the Right Lens
Wide-angle and macro lenses are the best choices for underwater photography. A wide-angle lens lets you capture expansive reef scenes and large marine life, while a macro lens is ideal for photographing tiny critters.
7. Focus on the Eyes
For compelling underwater portraits, always aim to focus on the eyes of the subject. Sharp, well-lit eyes create a more engaging and lifelike image.
8. Be Aware of Backscatter
Backscatter occurs when particles in the water reflect light from your flash or strobes. To reduce this, position your light source at an angle rather than directly in front of your subject.
9. Time Your Shots with Natural Light
For natural light photography, the best time to shoot is during midday when the sun is directly overhead. The shallower you are, the more vibrant the colors will appear in your photos.
10. Respect Marine Life
Responsible underwater photography means never touching or disturbing marine creatures. Observe from a safe distance and avoid using excessive flash, which can stress marine life.
Improve Your Underwater Photography Skills with Us!
Want to practice your underwater photography in crystal-clear waters? Join us for a scuba diving day in Proti Island and capture breathtaking shots of our stunning reefs.