Tips for photographing underwater creatures
Underwater photography can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some tips for photographing underwater creatures that will help you take your photography skills to the next level:
1. Get comfortable underwater
The first step to successful underwater photography is feeling comfortable in the water. This means practicing your swimming skills, getting used to your equipment, and familiarizing yourself with your surroundings. Consider taking a freediver course to boost your confidence in the water.
2. Shoot handheld & with the right settings
Shooting handheld when photographing marine life allows you to move freely and quickly. Unless your subjects are relatively stationary, using a tripod or monopod may impede your movement, and the perfect moment may slip away. You should also consider using a high ISO and fast shutter speed, as well as turn on image stabilization to prevent camera shake blur. Start out with an ISO of 400 and a shutter speed o 1/1,000, take some test shots, then adjust accordingly.
3. Choose the right camera and housing
Underwater photography requires specialized equipment. When choosing a camera, make sure it's waterproof and capable of taking high-quality photos. It should allow you to have manual control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, and have a decent autofocus system to capture fast-moving subjects. When it comes to the housing, make sure it is constructed with durable, high-quality materials, offers easy access to all camera controls, and is compatible with your camera model and any lenses you intend to use.
4. Use natural light
Underwater creatures are often colorful and vibrant, but capturing their true beauty can be difficult. Natural light is often the best way to bring out their colors and textures. To take advantage of natural light, shoot during the day and position yourself so the light is behind you.
5. Get close to your subject
One of the biggest challenges of underwater photography is getting close enough to your subject. Unlike on land, there's often a lot of space between you and the creatures you're photographing. To get a great shot, you need to get as close as possible. Use a wide-angle lens to capture a wider field of view, and make sure to move slowly and calmly through the water. This will make you appear less threatening to wildlife and allow you to get closer to your subjects.
6. Practice patience
Waiting for the perfect moment to capture a shot of an underwater creature can take time. Take the time to observe and learn the habits and movements of the animals so that you can better anticipate their behavior and be prepared to capture that special shot.
7. Don't disturb the marine life
Finally, it's important to remember that you're a guest in the underwater world. Respect the creatures you're photographing and don't disturb them or their environment. In most areas there are rules about how close you can get to marine wildlife. Always follow local guidelines and regulations for diving and underwater photography.
More info on photographing underwater creatures
“7 Tips for Better Marine Wildlife Photography,” Digital Photography School
“ 8 Tips to Create Beautiful Underwater Animal Portraits,” Nature TTL