


The Art of Underwater Photography
Step into the extraordinary world of Underwater Photography! This guide invites you to explore the intricate art of snapping stunning images beneath the water’s surface. Unveil the nuances of underwater photography as we share valuable insights and tips to enhance your skills and bring the mesmerizing underwater world to life.
Whether you’re a seasoned underwater photographer or a newcomer drawn to the wonder of subaquatic visuals, join us as we demystify the techniques behind crafting compelling underwater photographs. Enjoy watching our curated collection of videos, showcasing the versatility and creativity inherent in underwater photography. Explore the diverse facets of this art in our article about 58 Types of Photography.
As you strive to create enticing visual narratives through underwater photography, join us on this creative exploration! Engage in our Ongoing Competitions, where you can showcase your artistic prowess and relish the satisfaction of preserving the magic of underwater photography. Get ready to compose, convey, and plunge into the enchanting world of Underwater Photography.
3 Notable Underwater Photographers
In showcasing the depths of the oceans, these three underwater photographers bring the undersea world to the surface. They record breathtaking images that offer a glimpse into the aquatic world few get to see firsthand.
1. Thomas Peschak
Thomas Peschak, known for his assignment work with National Geographic Magazine, interweaves scientific understanding and environmental advocacy through his photographs. His work, often celebrated for its contribution to marine biology before he transitioned full-time to photography, is crucial in promoting ocean conservation. Work Gallery
2. Becky Kagan Schott
With a portfolio rich in underwater cinematography, Becky Kagan Schott specializes in capturing dynamic underwater scenes. Her work has earned recognition across various platforms and continues to inspire those fascinated by the hidden beauty beneath the waves. Work Gallery
3. Cristina Goettsch Mittermeier
Cristina Goettsch Mittermeier combines art with conservation, giving a voice to our oceans’ stories through her lens. She co-founded SeaLegacy, a nonprofit organization focused on ocean conservation. Mittermeier’s impactful imagery captures the intersection of human culture and natural ecosystems. Work Gallery
5 Stunning Underwater Photography Styles


Underwater photography encompasses a range of stunning styles that picture the enchanting beauty of the aquatic world. From macro photography, which mirrors the intricate details of sea life and corals, to over-under photography, each style offers a unique perspective. Abstract aquatics explore the fluidity of underwater scenes, emphasizing the interplay of light and water, while dramatic depths plunge into the mysterious landscapes and creatures found beneath the waves. These styles collectively showcase the captivating allure of underwater photography.
1. Macro Photography
Macro underwater photography focuses on photographing small subjects at a close range, often revealing intricate details not visible to the naked eye. This style typically requires a macro lens and additional lighting but allows you to showcase the minute wonders of marine life, from the texture of coral to the eyes of a tiny shrimp.
2. Wide-Angle Photography
Employ wide-angle photography to capture the vastness of underwater scenes, including wrecks, reefs, and large marine life like sharks and whales. The wide-angle lens helps you cover more area and emphasizes the sense of scale and habitat that smaller lenses cannot provide.
3. Over-Under Photography
With the over-under style, aim to create a split perspective by placing the camera half above and half below the water’s surface. This technique requires a dome port and careful positioning to balance the composition, but the result can juxtapose the marine environment with the land or sky, offering a unique and compelling view.
4. Motion Photography
By using slow shutter speeds or panning techniques, your motion photography seizes the movement of aquatic life, giving the images a dynamic and sometimes ethereal quality. Experiment with shutter speed to blur the movement or freeze a moment in time, adding a creative element to the photograph.
5. Night Underwater Photography
Night dives open up a new world for you as a photographer, exposing nocturnal creatures and behaviors not seen during the day. Artificial lights are essential, and the resulting photographs can be both eerie and enchanting, spotlighting the subjects against the void of the dark surrounding waters.
5 Essential Tips for Enchanting Underwater Shots
1. Get Close to Your Subject
When you’re underwater, the clarity of your photos can be greatly affected by the water between the camera and the subject. Light and colors diminish with distance underwater, so to ensure vibrant and sharp images, aim to get as close to your subjects as possible. This practice reduces the amount of water light must travel through, resulting in better focus and richer colors.
2. Master Your Buoyancy
Controlling your buoyancy is crucial for stable underwater photography. The more you refine your buoyancy skills, the easier it becomes to maneuver near the ocean floor or a reef without disturbing the environment. Stability allows you to compose shots with precision and prevents you from kicking up sand or silt that could obscure the photo.
3. Understand Lighting
Underwater lighting conditions differ significantly from those on land. Utilize natural light effectively by shooting in shallow water when the sun is high, which optimizes the amount of light entering the water. For deeper or darker environments, artificial lights like strobes or underwater flash units can help illuminate your subjects and restore color lost to water absorption.
4. Know Your Gear
Understanding the gear is fundamental. Ensure you’re familiar with the camera settings, how the housing operates, and how your light sources impact the scene. This preparation allows for quick adjustments and better responses to the dynamic underwater world, leading to higher-quality shots.
5. Study Marine Life Behavior
Gaining knowledge about marine life behavior enhances your ability to snap compelling shots. Learn when certain creatures are most active or where they’re likely to be found. This insight aids in anticipating movements and interactions, ensuring you’re ready to freeze that perfect moment.
Underwater Photography: Top Takeaways


Underwater photography presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Capture scenes that are not visible in everyday life. From the tropical fish and whale sharks in the open sea to the minute detail of coral reefs, the subjects are as diverse as they are vibrant. The importance of equipment cannot be overstated; a lens like a 24mm f/1.4 is prized for its clarity and depth of field, while a zoom lens offers flexibility.
In terms of technique, remember to remain patient and respectful of the marine environment. Your conduct underwater should ensure the preservation of the life that you aim to document. By adhering to ethical practices, you ensure the continued splendor of these ecosystems for future generations and photographers alike.
Advancing in underwater photography also opens doors to participate in related activities that showcase our work. Our Ongoing competitions provide a platform for you to display skill and artistry. These contests often celebrate the best in the field and push the boundaries of what can be found beneath the waves.
Extra Lessons
Underwater Photography Basics: Mantas, Sharks, Turtles, and Shipwrecks!
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
Underwater Photography: A Beginner’s Guide | B&H Event Space