For Novice Underwater Photographers

Filed Under Basics for Novices |

Maybe you’re destined to become a big name in the world of underwater photographers eventually taking your place among the greats. Or perhaps you just want to capture some memories and have fun becoming better at it.

When first starting out, would-be photo junkies embarking on either course above have one thing in common – they need to know the basics. A good place to start is by enrolling in an Underwater Photographer Specialty Course from PADI, or a similar course that teaches newbie’s how to begin.

This is as much for you as to protect the underwater environment from you. I’ve seen it far too many times, even with otherwise proficient and experienced divers, that as soon as they have a camera in hand, the focus on picture taking pushes everything else to the background. They trash the reef by banging up against it or holding onto it to steady themselves for the shot, plus they lose track of both depth and time exposing themselves to unnecessary danger.

But it doesn’t have to be that way, and a little training along with heightened awareness works wonders at helping to avoid killing oneself or the reef, or scaring the heck out of the critters you’re trying to photograph.

Here are some basic rules to remember when starting out that will help both you and the reef survive.

Buoyancy Control. Make sure you’ve mastered the ability to maintain neutral buoyancy underwater. In fact it should be almost second nature before starting the process of acquiring new photography skills. Otherwise you’ll either be continuously fighting to hover in the water column or destroying the reef by banging against it. Again, there are programs like PADIs Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course to aid in learning this skill.
Develop Patience. Take your time getting into the right position to compose the shot. Move deliberately through the water. Going slow and careful will often get you closer for a better shot since it’s less likely to startle the subject. Also, once they get used to you, there’s a better chance of capturing a more natural image of their behavior, or even an unexpected pose or expression.
Don’t Touch. Resist the urge to touch anything. This includes all marine creatures and their immediate environment, as well as the reef itself. Trying to handle or move a potential subject may inadvertently injure or frighten them, or possibly provoke an attack. Using the reef for a handhold or letting gear knock against it, or brushing it with fins or anything else can destroy the tiny corals and other organisms living there.
Remember the Basics. You’re a diver first and a photographer second. On land one needn’t pay attention to having enough air or drifting deep enough to risk decompression illness, but underwater it’s critical. Be certain to monitor the basics like time, depth and air, for ensuring your own safety. Forgetting to regularly check your gauges during the dive can lead to some disastrous results.

Getting some additional training will help with all the above, and certainly expedite the learning process. After that it’s a matter of practice. Be sure to first hone your diving skills to where you’re comfortable in the environment you’ll be shooting in, then learn the characteristics of your camera underwater.

After that it’s just a matter of practice. The more you do it, the better the results.

Related resources: Underwater Camera Store