7 Beginner Tips for Underwater Photography That Actually Make a Difference

Whether you're diving in for the first time or bringing your GoPro along on your next ocean adventure, underwater photography is a skill that takes more than just clicking the shutter. But you don't need pro gear or years of experience to capture powerful, emotive shots beneath the surface. Here's where to start.

Tip 01Master your buoyancy first

This is the single most important skill for underwater photography and it has nothing to do with your camera. If you can't control where your body is in the water, you can't control your shot. Before you worry about settings, spend time getting comfortable hovering still. A relaxed, neutrally buoyant diver moves less, disturbs less, and gets closer to wildlife without stress.

Tip 02Get closer than you think

Water absorbs colour and reduces contrast very quickly. Even in crystal-clear visibility, the further you are from your subject, the flatter and bluer your image will look. As a general rule, try to be within one metre of your subject. Yes, that close. The results will surprise you.

Tip 03Shoot upward, not downward

Most beginners photograph marine life from above, looking down. This gives you dark backgrounds and flat subjects. Instead, position yourself below your subject and shoot upward toward the light. The surface creates a natural backlight, separating your subject beautifully and adding depth to the image.

Tip 04Use natural light as long as possible

In shallow water with good visibility, natural light is often your best tool. Strobes and video lights are powerful, but they require practice to use well. In the early stages, focus on understanding how sunlight behaves underwater: the beams, the reflections, the patterns on sandy bottoms. Learn to use what's already there.

Tip 05Shoot in RAW if your camera allows

Underwater images almost always need colour correction in post. RAW files give you significantly more latitude to recover whites, boost reds, and fix colour casts without destroying image quality. If your camera supports RAW, always shoot in RAW.

Tip 06Be patient and let the subject come to you

This applies above water too, but it's especially true underwater. Chasing marine life produces blurry, distant shots of frightened animals. Stillness attracts. Find a position, stay calm, and let the scene develop around you. The moment you stop trying, something extraordinary usually happens.

Tip 07Review and repeat

Between dives, look at every image critically. What worked? What didn't? Underwater photography improves faster than almost any other genre because the feedback loop is so tight. You can review in the afternoon what you shot in the morning and go back the next day with a clear focus. Use that cycle.