Diving With a Camera: How to Take Underwater Photos Like the Pros

Diving With a Camera
15 Apr 2019

Diving With a Camera: How to Take Underwater Photos Like the Pros

Do you want to bring a bit of your scuba diving experience back up to the surface with you? Taking underwater pictures is a fun way to enjoy the water long after your dive.Underwater photography is both fun and rewarding. It amplifies the diving experience while simultaneously capturing memories. Are you ready to start taking pictures of your underwater adventures? The good news is underwater photography is very easy to learn. And with a little practice, you can master the art. Don’t wait to get started. Read on to discover how to take underwater photos just like the pros now.

Use a DSLR If Possible

Professional photography equipment often prevents would-be photographers from getting started. If that sounds like you, it’s perfectly fine to use a mobile device. Just take the first step and start taking pictures.Mobile devices are very convenient and you can still practice getting in the water, getting close to your subjects and taking pictures. But make it a goal to eventually use a DSLR camera, which is what the pros use. DSLR cameras offer numerous options to help take your art to the next level.

Proximity Matters

The closer you are to your subjects, the higher quality your pictures will be. Color, contrast, and sharpness are noticeably better the closer you are. For ideal photos, try to get within a few inches of your subject. Get as low as you can and shoot at eye-level. Aim to get shots with the subject facing you. Alternatively, you can shoot below the subject towards direct light for an ethereal looking silhouette. Any pictures within three feet will require your internal flash or else your photos will appear blue. Use auto-white balance anytime you have your internal flash on. If you are farther than three feet away and have your flash off, you are using ambient light. In that case, it’s best to be in underwater mode or use manual white balance.The beauty of shooting underwater is that you are operating in a three-dimensional space. Take advantage of it by shooting from all angles. You never know which angle will produce the most intriguing image. Practice neutral buoyancy to remain still and get the perfect photos.

Master Your Macro

How you use your macro setting will go a long way towards achieving professional looking photos. Experiment with different settings and practice until your photos are the way you want them. Macro mode enables you to focus on subjects close to the camera lens. Simply put, it’s most commonly used when you want a detailed close-up view. You’ll find that using macro mode is best for most photos. Macro mode range is between one inch to two feet for most cameras, but check your manual for your camera’s exact range.

Use a Strobe

The use of strobes can magnify your photos by providing more light when you need it. Unfortunately, strobes can be expensive so wait until you can invest in one. When you are starting out with underwater photography, many of your photos will be dark. The reason for this is that water absorbs light so the deeper you go underwater, the less light you will find. A strobe helps solve the problem of low lighting. They mount to the top of your camera and help to illuminate your subject when you are farther than three feet away.

The Bottom Line on How to Take Underwater Photos

Be patient as you learn how to take underwater photos. Keep practicing and refining your method. Keep experimenting and adding new techniques to your repertoire over time. Don’t wait until you get underwater before testing your settings. You can practice indoors and get used to setting up your camera, housing, and strobe. Take a lot of practice shots until you completely understand how your settings work. Being a solid diver will help you get better opportunities for great images. The better you are as a diver, the less effort it will take to get quality shots. Discover why you should consider getting scuba diving certification now. We have training that will make you a better photographer. Our local classes can prepare you for the environment in the Northeast.