Snorkeling and Underwater Photography

In the ocean, natural light disappears quickly the deeper you go. Having lot’s of available natural light near the surface provides great benefits to snorkelers. First, some of the most colorful marine life is also the most active in shallow water. And, since it is bright and well lit with natural sunlight, it eliminates the need for artificial lighting. In fact, most people can build a stunning underwater gallery entirely by snorkeling with compact cameras and no lights. Finally, snorkeling eliminates the need for scuba equipment making it easier to travel. This provides more time for creating and having fun in the water.

Choosing Your Camera

The first thing to consider is what type of camera should you use for snorkeling or diving. Depending on your budget and experience level, choose from an action camera like a GoPro, or maybe go for a compact or more advanced mirrorless and DSLR. Second, choose a housing that is specific for your camera. Finally, consider whether or not you plan to do scuba diving, and whether you plan to mostly do video or photography. Depending on your goals, you may want to consider strobes or video lights. This is where snorkeling offers some benefits – the need for lighting is less of a concern because you can rely more on natural sunlight in shallow water.

Classes

Classes can be highly beneficial and ensure you enjoy more time creating good photos and are less apt to missing a shot during a rare encounter. Joe shares valuable insights, techniques, and tips that you might not find in books or online tutorials. “Time and time again I see people learn more in 5 minutes of asking me questions than they learn in hours of online tutorials.”

Improve Your Skills Too

• Good buoyancy is key for staying safe and creating steady shots as well as protecting marine life. Part of being a good underwater photographer is mastering this skill. As a PADI Divemaster, Joe understands how to teach buoyancy control, particularly when using a camera.
• Safety is the key to having fun on any type of adventure, and scuba diving or snorkeling applies. When using a camera, we often overlook certain aspects of safety, because we are focused on getting on good photos or excited by rare encounters. An type of diving or underwater photography that Joe teaches always includes important aspects around safety so you are aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.