Taking a deeper dive into the ocean using scuba diving opens up over 70% of the world to endless underwater photography options. Scuba gear allows up to go deeper, further out in the ocean and get closer to our subjects.
There are endless styles of iPhone underwater photography, and I'd advise you to give them all a go! Macro, abstract, wide angle, portrait it's all to be found and photographed under the water.
Not going too deep into the different styles of photos you can take while scuba diving, instead let's focus on some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your iPhone underwater photography on a dive. All this information works no matter what type of camera you have. If you are new to scuba diving underwater photography then it has never been easier to get started. Your phone in a sturdy ProShot Dive Case is all you need to dive in.
Get Closer Than You Think
A saying you will hear many underwater photographers say is “Get close, and get closer’. It was certainly one of the first tips I was given when I started underwater photography. Ideally, you want to fill your photo with your exciting subject. By getting closer you are eliminating the amount of water between the camera lens and what you are photographing. This way the light doesn't need to travel as far and your photos are much clearer and more colourful.
If you are working on a fish portrait photo, then getting closer will get those all-important eyes in focus. For any fish or macro subjects such as nudibranchs, coral polyps or smaller crustaceans with their tiny details then getting closer will get those all-important details in focus. You won't be able to capture them if there is loads of water in the way.
It can be tricker with wrecks. Being so large you often need to be further away to capture the structure of the wreck. Using a wide-angle lens or wide-angle camera setting will allow you to get closer to the wreck for a crisper photo without losing the shape and structure of the wreck itself. If you don't have the option of a wide-angle lens or setting then look at the wreck from a different viewpoint. Photograph close-up details or sections of the wreck such as the propeller or remaining cargo. Offering a different take on the dive site than the usual photos.
Use Lights To Show Off Your Subject
As we know from our scuba training colours disappear underwater. A simple way to bring those colours back into your photographs is by using light. This can be a dive torch, video light or a strobe, depending on what is compatible with your camera. For your iPhone, a bright wide beam of light will do the job perfectly.
Direct it to the subject that you want to bring the colour back on and expose your subject correctly for this. It will show the true colours of the marine life and reefs making for a more exciting and less washed out. Coral reefs or anemones are fantastic subjects for lighting up in photos. They are usually a rainbow of colours that cannot be appreciated until a light shines on them. From reds to yellows to purples they can really come to life in the blue ocean when lit up.
Be A Good Responsible Diver
The most important thing to remember when scuba diving with your phone or camera is to be a good responsible diver. Always dive first and photograph second. Underwater photographers can earn themselves a bit of a bad name by not being courteous and responsible scuba divers. It is super simple to be a good scuba diver and photographer; make sure your buoyancy is good, don't get distracted by the photo and treat the marine life with respect.
Before thinking about taking a camera with you underwater be sure to have nailed your buoyancy. The last thing you want to do is be bouncing along the reef damaging it while taking photos. Buoyancy is key to all aspects of diving and it can be very easy to start floating all around when you are concentrating on that perfect photo. If you can, try jumping into the pool for a practice dive with your camera to get use to how it feels and moves underwater.
Look after the marine life that you see on the dive. This goes without saying really but no touching, moving or disturbing the marine life in order to get a photo. All the best marine life photos are taken naturally with a natural interaction with the species. There are even some marine species that enjoy having their photo taken! Seals are a great example as they often enjoy looking at themselves in a camera lens and can be very friendly coming up close for a quick picture.
Finally always remember to enjoy your underwater photography! There's no point in doing it otherwise. Underwater photography is so much fun and has such a supportive community of people sharing their photos from the world's oceans. Inspiration is everywhere underwater, you can get so creative with your photos all while helping conservation efforts too.
With so many ways to get into underwater photography, it has never been easier to get involved. Whether you prefer rock pooling, snorkelling or scuba diving there is plenty of beauty in the ocean for you to capture.
About the Writer:
Guest Writer
Jo's Ocean Media is a certified PADI divemaster with a love for the Ocean and photography. Jo decided to combine both and started her scuba diving journey in 2018. With years of knowledge working with cameras, photography, and videography. Jo has started her blog to inspire others to discover our oceans and share the best advice to taking memorable photos and videos.
