Fins, Friends, and F-stops: Be Everyone's Favorite Underwater Photographer

Part 2 of a Three-Part Series on Underwater Photography Etiquette

You've just invested thousands in your dream underwater camera setup. Then, you miss that once-in-a-lifetime moment of a shark passing by because you're fumbling with settings. Or worse, you've kicked or bumped into fellow divers in your excitement to get the shot, earning those subtle head shakes that make you feel like a complete rookie. We've all been there.

Underwater photography is more than just capturing stunning marine life. It's about being part of a community where technical skills and social awareness go hand in hand. In this second installment of our series, I'll put the necessary tools in your hands to help you avoid these common pitfalls.

Here are my 3 Intermediate Tips to boost your photography to the next level:

1. Master Your Gear Before the Dive

We've all had that morning - you're running late to the dive center. You notice the other divers are already in their wetsuits, and you still have to kit up and wrestle your way into yours — which feels like trying to stuff an octopus into a coin purse. Once underwater, you discover your camera settings aren't right, but the stress of the morning makes troubleshooting difficult. The group grows impatient as you fumble with your equipment, forcing the dive leader to pause. If you have a good handle on your camera and where the buttons are, changing settings becomes automatic. Learn your camera’s functions on land, practice quick changes, and have a pre-dive checklist for your gear.

I follow a strict routine when getting my camera and dive gear ready for a dive, and I follow these steps in the same order every time. Deviating from this routine almost always leads to problems. One time, I couldn't figure out why my viewfinder was just black no matter how much light I added. Finally, with great disappointment, I discovered my lens cover was still on. Lol! Another time, it was more serious when I got into the water and saw that the clips on my housing weren't properly closed. Water would have flooded into my housing, drowning my camera. That near-disaster taught me an important lesson: To stick to my ritual. This routine eliminates issues and stress and allows me to be relaxed, calm and focused.

Perfect buoyancy is crucial for managing camera equipment. Start simple — master the basics before adding complexity like strobes or multiple lenses. The more comfortable you are with your gear, the more you can focus on respectful wildlife interaction and sharing experiences with fellow divers.

A well-prepared photographer is less likely to make hasty decisions that could impact marine life or disturb other divers. When you’re confident with your equipment, you can take your time to compose thoughtful shots instead of rushing to capture something before it gets away.

2. Foster Community Through Sharing

I often find that divers try to see what I have been photographing when I leave a spot. People are interested in your findings, so after your shot, turn around and show the others. Share your experiences; great satisfaction comes from sharing.

“Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”- Norman MacEwa

Recently, warm water in our area brought tropical species normally not found here. On this dive, we had a large group of happy European travelers. I was behind them as the sweeper when I spotted a ghost pipefish. I took a few pictures before alerting the dive master. The whole group had to turn around, but when she saw what I had found, she was super excited. The excitement rippled to everyone, who took turns photographing and filming the pretty little creature. That simple act of sharing turned my private discovery into one of the dive's highlights for the entire group.

These shared moments create memories, build connections within the diving community, and foster appreciation for marine life. The most treasured photos won’t be the technically perfect ones but those that remind you of the joy and excitement shared with fellow divers. When others show interest in your subjects, share your knowledge about the species, its behavior, and your camera settings. This knowledge-sharing elevates everyone’s underwater photography journey.

3. Time Your Turn: The Benefits of Waiting

Unlike the out-of-control turtle-chasing lady from part one, it’s best to stay calm and never claim a sighting for yourself. When you discover something extraordinary — like a tiny pygmy seahorse or a manta ray — remember you’re not the only one hoping for that special encounter.

When traveling and diving in large groups, I’ve developed a strategy that benefits both the photographer and the dive group. Unless it’s a fleeting moment demanding immediate action, I let others observe first. This approach might seem counterintuitive, but it offers several advantages:

• You can observe the subject’s behavior and plan your shots while others view it.
• You earn points from your dive buddies, who often point out subjects you might have missed in good faith.
• You have time to adjust your camera settings.
• And best of all, you can take your time since no one is waiting for you to finish.

There’s a risk the subject might move on before your turn, but I’ve found the benefits of patience outweigh this. Plus, the positive energy you create within the group leads to better diving experiences.

Conclusion

The journey of underwater photography extends far beyond technical skills and equipment mastery. It's about creating a harmonious balance between capturing amazing shots and being a positive force in the diving community. By preparing thoroughly, sharing generously, and practicing patience, we contribute to a culture that benefits all underwater enthusiasts. Remember that every dive is an opportunity not just to improve your photography, but to enrich the experiences of those around you.

Continue reading Part 3 of our series, where we'll explore Pause, Breathe, Shoot: A Mindfulness Guide to Underwater Magic, focusing on advanced techniques for minimizing our impact while maximizing our creative potential.

We Protect what we Love. Join the movement!

by Madelein Wolfaardt

Images ©️ by @sealife_madeleinwolf

Capture the ocean’s magic with my Underwater Photography Course! Build your skills, learn expert techniques, and create stunning underwater images. For those aiming for certification, I also offer the PADI Underwater Photography Specialty Course. Dive in and turn your passion into incredible photos!