Whether you’re a novice looking for a new hobby or an experienced photographer hoping for fresh subject matter, underwater photography provides plenty of eye-catching imagery. Before you strap on your diving equipment, check out the guide below for some helpful tips.

How to Improve Your Underwater Photography

1. Get Comfortable

Before you can take amazing pictures, you need to make sure you’re comfortable and competent in the water. Go on a few excursions without your camera to familiarize yourself with putting on and swimming with the diving equipment.

2. Use Flash

As you dive deeper, water absorbs all of the color, which is why nearly every photo taken underwater requires a flash. You can use a flashgun on a short, adjustable arm that attaches to the camera and illuminates your subject. You can also use the built-in flash of your camera or a portable ring light.

3. Adjust Your Settings

Before you dive, set your camera’s white balance to auto so it regulates according to your surroundings. This will yield better results than if you color-correct afterward.

Also, experiment with your camera’s ISO (film speed) settings to find a point that limits the amount of background noise. Base ISO (usually 100 or 200) allows you to shoot with high dynamic range and strong tonal values. The higher the ISO, the more convoluted your pictures will be.

4. Alternate Lenses

Most underwater photographers use two lenses: a focusing macro lens for close shots of marine life and an ultra-wide angle lens that captures the environment. However, you must come up to the surface to switch lenses. To avoid missing out on crucial dive time, choose your lens beforehand based on the subjects you want to shoot and the types of photos you want to get.

5. Approach With Caution

While many stunning shots are achieved by getting up close and personal, you need to use caution when approaching certain marine life for your safety and theirs. Don’t get too close to endangered species that are protected by law. In general, try to keep a distance of at least 10 feet between you and marine life like turtles. 

If you’re farther back and want to get a bit closer for a shot, swim slowly and parallel to the creature as opposed to straight at them.

Practice your underwater photography by snorkeling with EŌ Wai'anae Tours. This family-owned company offers catamaran tours that include dolphin excursions, snorkeling, diving equipment rental, and paddle boarding. With a Better Business Bureau®-accreditation and a 2019 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, they’re confident that you’ll see countless sea creatures during your excursion and will book you another tour free of charge if you don’t. Visit them online for more information about their tours, or call (808) 699-5910 to book your spot today.