Underwater photography is the process of capturing images below the water’s surface.

It can be done in several different ways, but most commonly involves using an underwater camera housing and a special lens that allows for shooting without getting wet.

The benefits of underwater photography include:

Being able to capture unique perspectives on marine life that you would otherwise not see from above ground level

Capturing images that show off your favorite diving spots in their best light (if you’re lucky enough to have great visibility)

Underwater Photography: Equipment

You’re going to need some equipment for your underwater photography excursions.

The first thing you’ll need is a camera, and there are several options available.

If you already have one that can be used underwater (and not just in water), great!

If not, there are many options available on the market today that will work great for this purpose:

DSLR cameras (digital single-lens reflex) are high-end models with interchangeable lenses and excellent image quality.

They’re also quite expensive; expect to spend around $1,000-$2,000 on one of these if you want something good enough for serious underwater photography work.

Mirrorless cameras are similar in function but less expensive than DSLRs–they usually cost between $500-$800 new or used online at sites like eBay or Craigslist).

They tend toward smaller sizes than traditional SLRs as well as lighter weight; however they still feature interchangeable lenses so they’re very versatile tools indeed!

Point-and-shoot models offer convenience without sacrificing much on quality either:

these compact devices let users take high quality photos without having any technical knowledge whatsoever!

You can find them anywhere from $100-$200 depending upon whether they include features such as zoom capability or HD video recording ability (or both).

Composition

Composition is the art of arranging elements within a photograph.

It’s important to understand composition because it will help you create visually pleasing images that can be easily understood by viewers.

Composition is often broken down into two parts: the Rule of Thirds and Depth of Field (DOF).

The Rule of Thirds is a guideline for placing objects within your image so they are evenly spaced, while DOF refers to how much blurriness there is in front or behind your subject–and this can be controlled through aperture settings on your camera lens!

Lighting

There are two types of lighting: natural and artificial. Natural light is the best way to capture underwater photos, as it allows you to capture the true colors of your subject.

Artificial light is useful for creating shadows or adding highlights to certain parts of your shot.

Lighting can be controlled by adjusting its color temperature (the amount of warmth in a light source).

Editing

Editing is an important part of the process. It can be used to enhance your photos, or it can be used to completely alter them.

Editing software includes:

  • Photoshop – This is probably the most well-known editing software out there, and for good reason. It’s powerful and has a wide range of tools that allow you to do almost anything you could ever want with your photos (and then some). It also comes with an expensive price tag ($20 per month), but there are free alternatives like GIMP if you’re looking for something less expensive or more limited in scope than Photoshop‘s offerings.
  • Lightroom – Another popular option among photographers, Lightroom offers many similar features as Photoshop but at half its price point ($10 per month).

Underwater Photography Techniques

There are three main types of underwater photography techniques: macro, wide-angle and split level.

Macro photography involves getting close to your subject and using a small aperture to create a shallow depth of field.

This can be achieved by using an external flash or by using the built-in flash on your camera with an extension tube (a device that attaches between the lens and camera body).

Wide angle shots are taken from further away than normal so as to capture more of your surroundings in one shot – think big sweeping landscapes rather than close-up portraits or details like flowers or rocks.

Wide angle lenses have shorter focal lengths than standard ones which means they have wider angles of view (the amount of area captured). This makes them ideal for wide shots where there’s lots going on around you!

Split level photography uses two different levels within one frame: one above another – think about how buildings look when viewed from above versus below street level; both levels need equal attention if you want them both looking good!

Common Mistakes

There are a few common mistakes that you can make when taking underwater photos. The first is not checking your camera settings, as this can result in blurry or overexposed images.

If you’re using an automatic mode, it’s important to check that the white balance and ISO (light sensitivity) are set correctly for your environment–the wrong settings could lead to poor quality photos.

Another common mistake is not using a flash when shooting underwater; this will help illuminate any dark areas of your photo and prevent them from looking washed out or faded by comparison with brighter parts of the image.

You may also want to try adding some color filters onto your lens if there aren’t many colorful subjects around; this will give them more definition against their surroundings!

Finally, make sure that no matter what kind of camera equipment you use for taking pictures under water – whether it’s digital or film based – make sure there are enough shots taken so we know exactly what happened during filming sessions.”

Underwater Photography – Wrap Up

So, you’ve read this guide and you’re ready to go out and start shooting underwater. What are some tips for getting started?

First, don’t be afraid to experiment! You might not get every shot right the first time, but that’s okay–it just means you’ll have more opportunities to improve your skills.

Second, make sure that all of your equipment is working properly before going on an expedition or dive. You don’t want any surprises while in the water!

Finally (and perhaps most importantly), always remember: safety first!