Five tips for getting started in underwater photography
Text and photographs: Bernat Garrigós, biologist and photographer, president of the Alive Foundation and member of the MedFoto 2021 and 2022 Jury.
Underwater photography is a fascinating art form that captures the beauty and mystery of the underwater world. Thanks to the technological advances in photographic equipment and the improved accessibility to underwater areas, more and more people are getting interested in this exciting hobby.
If you’re thinking of getting started in underwater photography, here are five tips to help you get started.
Tip #1: Before you start capturing underwater images, it is essential to master diving skills.
Underwater photography requires a good understanding of buoyancy, neutral buoyancy and breath control to be able to move easily underwater and be comfortable using photographic equipment. Make sure you have a proper diving certification and have done enough diving practices before you start taking underwater photographs. There are specialized courses in underwater photography and buoyancy control that will help you achieve your goals faster.
Tip #2: Use the right equipment.
Underwater photography requires specialized equipment to capture images underwater. Before starting, it is important that you get used to the equipment and its functionalities. You will need an underwater camera or a normal camera with a watertight box to protect it from water, and other accessories such as underwater flashes, filters, supports and angular or macro lenses, depending on the type of underwater photograph you want to take. Test the equipment in a pool or shallow water before diving deeper.
Tip #3: Practice in shallow waters.
For beginners in underwater photography, it is advisable to start in shallow waters with good visibility. This will allow you to get familiarized with the underwater environment and photographic techniques without worrying too much about the difficult conditions. Shallow waters also offer more natural light, making it easier to learn and practice.
Tip #4: Get to know the marine environment.
As an underwater photographer, it is essential to understand the marine environment. Do some research on local marine life, their feeding areas and habitats and how they interact with their environment. This will allow you to anticipate the behavior of underwater animals and capture better images. Always respect marine life and local regulations to protect the underwater ecosystem.
Tip #5: Use online databases.
Use online databases, such as iNaturalist, to share and learn how to correctly identify your underwater photographs. The Alive Foundation has created a specific project at iNaturalist for underwater photography called the Sealife Collection.
iNaturalist is an online platform that allows users to upload their photographs of nature, including underwater images, and share them with an active community of biologists, naturalists and other nature enthusiasts. This platform is an amazing tool to learn how to identify marine species accurately and enjoy a passionate and collaborative community.
Uploading your underwater photographs to iNaturalist will allow you to receive comments and identifications from experts. In addition, you will be able to learn from the identifications made by other users and discover new underwater species that you may not have known before. This feedback will allow you to improve your identification skills and learn more about marine life.
iNaturalist offers a large database with millions of records of thousands of species, which will allow you to investigate and obtain detailed information about the marine species you photograph. This information can be very useful to better understand the biology, ecology and distribution of these species.
Discovering the underwater world through photography is an exciting and fascinating opportunity. Oceans hide a universe full of wonders, and underwater photography allows you to capture the beauty of this unknown world and share it with other people.
Experiment and be patient.
Underwater photography can be challenging, and you may not get the perfect images right away. It is important to experiment with different settings and techniques, and be willing to learn and improve over time. Be patient and not afraid to explore different angles, compositions and effects to achieve unique and creative images.
