Intro to
Underwater
Photography
Learn how to take photos worthy of the beauty beneath the sea, which you will be proud to show your friends and family. Our in-house pro photographer will show you how!
About the Course
In the Intro to Underwater Photography course you will be taught the skills, techniques, and tricks of underwater photography including lighting, use of photographic equipment, the fundamentals of photography, underwater camera techniques, and underwater photo problems. Also included is a brief introduction to post processing your photos in Adobe Lightroom.
This can be done either as certification course or a non-certification course. Add 3,500 for certification. Minimum age for this course is 15 years plus certification as a NAUI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent.
Participants must have at least 20 dives, good buoyancy control, and dive within the past 6 months. Participants must also have their own camera equipment with housing suitable for underwater use. Strobes or video lights are good to have, but not necessary to take this course.
What to Expect in Your Intro to Underwater Photography Course
Assumes you’re a certified Open Water diver (or equivalent) and in good health.
Registration & prerequisites check
Confirm certification. Complete medical questionnaire and waiver
Orientation & course goals
Instructor outlines learning outcomes: camera basics, buoyancy while shooting, lighting, composition, animal approach, and safe photographic practices.
Course format explained (classroom, confined-water practice, and open-water shoots).
Camera & gear overview
Overview of camera types, housings, strobes, arms, lenses/ports, accessories and basic maintenance.
Basic equipment setup.
Fundamentals of photography
Exposure basics (aperture/shutter/ISO), white balance, strobe vs. ambient light, autofocus vs. manual, and simple composition rules for underwater scenes.
Ethics and safety.
In-water photography techniques
Hands-on practice in the water: camera positions, controlling buoyancy and trim while shooting, light/strobe positioning, framing, and simple drills (steady shots, close-focus wide-angle, basic macro).
Open-water photo dives
Guided dives focused on applying skills: approaching subjects, managing lighting at different depths, composition in real scenes, and slow, deliberate movement to protect the environment.
Instructor provides live feedback and may assign shooting tasks.
Post-dive review & basic editing
Download and review images with the instructor; learn quick edits (white balance, exposure, crop) and file management best practices.
Constructive critique and tips to improve composition and technique.
Assessment & course completion
Instructor confirms practical skills and knowledge; successful students receive NAUI specialty certification or course completion certificate.
What to bring
Dive certification card & logbook, personal dive gear (gear rental included), camera/housing, extra batteries & memory cards, towel, laptop for image review.