Underwater Photography Guide

Learn about underwater photography by researching online resources, books, and engaging with the underwater photography community. Understand the basics of photography and how they apply to the underwater setting such as exposure, composition, and focusing.

Select the appropriate camera and underwater housing for your skill level and budget. Consider additional gear like lenses, lights, and accessories such as trays, arms, and floats.

Prepare your gear by ensuring seals are clean and intact, testing housing for leaks, and familiarizing yourself with camera settings and controls while it's in the housing. Charge batteries and check memory card space.

Practice shooting in a controlled environment such as a swimming pool. Get comfortable with the buoyancy of the gear and make necessary adjustments to your setup.

If not already certified, take a scuba diving course to become proficient in safe diving practices. Understand how to communicate underwater and manage your buoyancy and gear while diving.

Plan your dive with photography in mind, taking into consideration the dive site, the subjects you wish to capture, and the natural light conditions at the time of the dive.

During the dive, focus on safety first, and then on capturing images. Pay attention to composition, lighting, and the behavior of sea life. Be patient and respectful of the underwater environment.

After the dive, upload your photographs to a computer and use photo editing software to enhance the images. Adjust exposure, color balance, and cropping to improve the final shots.

Share your photographs with others, either online, in print, or in person. Use feedback to learn and improve your technique for future dives.

Always practice responsible and ethical photography. Avoid disturbing marine life and be mindful of the delicate underwater ecosystems.

Always seek to improve by taking advanced photography courses, diving courses, and staying up to date with the latest photography techniques and gear.