Underwater Photography

At one time, underwater photography was complicated and expensive. Today, inexpensive action cameras that fit in your pocket mean anyone can take a camera along on any dive.
There is more to getting good photos, however, than just pointing and shooting. You need to consider factors such as subject matter and composition. Equally important, you must be able to shoot while not banging into things with your body or fins.
This course generally takes just a single day and two dives. You can sign up in person, over the phone or online by clicking the button below. If you sign up online, you will still need to call to schedule your class.
This program generally takes just one day and two dives. With sufficient notice, we can usually offer this course when it’s most convenient for you.
- Be at least 10 years old. Students ages 10-14 may qualify for special Junior certification. Learn more.
- Be certified to at least the Open Water Diver level.
- Be able to answer No to all the questions on the medical questionnaire or obtain a physician’s approval for diving.
$249.95/person includes:
- All instruction
- Certification processing when earned
Boat dives are optional.
You supply:
- Underwater camera system capable of shooting video
- Mask and snorkel
- Adjustable scuba fins and wetsuit boots
- Adequate exposure protection
- Cylinder (one per dive)
- Regulator system with alternate air source
- BC with integrated weight system or weight belt
- Weights
- Dive computer
- Underwater compass
- Dive knife/cutting tool
- Dive light
- SMB
Items you don’t already own are generally available for rent. Students are also responsible for gas fills and boat fees or dive site admission
At one time, underwater photography was complicated and expensive. Today, inexpensive action cameras that fit in your pocket mean anyone can take a camera along on any dive.
There is more to getting good photos, however, than just pointing and shooting. You need to consider factors such as:
- Subject matter
- Composition
- Shooting angle
- Shooting distance
- Lighting
Equally important, you must be able to shoot while not banging into things with your body or fins. These are among the many topics we cover in the Underwater Photographer course.
In this course, we cover:
Underwater Light
- Variation of light under water
- Color correction filtering for depth
Strobes vs Video light
- Available light and strobe considerations
- Possible backscatter issues
Camera Use In Association with Scuba
- Types of cameras
- Handling and retention of equipment
- Camera settings if available
Dive 1
- Dive planning
- Select composition to be considered during dive
- Familiarize with equipment and proper handling
- Achieving proper neutral buoyancy with equipment
- Demonstrate awareness of depth and time
- Photography of subjects as planned
- Conduct safe ascent and safety stop with equipment
Dive 2
- Dive planning
- select composition to be considered during dive
- Photograph both still and moving life subjects
- Photograph both close up and distant subject
- Demonstrate awareness of depth and time
- Conduct safe ascent and safety stop with equipment
- Debrief with photo editing of subject matter from fives
Most importantly, we don’t practice these skills until you finally get them right. We have you repeat them until you can’t do them wrong.
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