Exploring the Depths: A Guide to Underwater Photography

Words and Images by Jon McCormack  |  November 2024

Underwater photography offers a unique set of challenges and rewards, and along the way, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that I’ll share with you in this easy guide to capturing what lies below.

The Vanishing Colors of the Deep

The first surprise of underwater photography is how dramatically colors change as you descend. Water absorbs light in a way that transforms the underwater world.

Reds vanish around 20 feet, yellows fade at 50 feet, and after 100 feet, nearly all colors are gone, leaving a monochromatic scene. This phenomenon shapes how photographers approach their craft beneath the waves.

Thankfully, there are several ways to work with these changes:

Staying shallow: By remaining in shallow waters (20–30 feet), you can capture vivid colors without extra equipment. This is ideal for beginners.

Embracing black and white: Monochrome photography offers a mysterious, artistic perspective on the underwater world.

Using artificial lights: While effective for restoring colors, this option requires more equipment and expertise, often increasing complexity and cost.

Mastering Shutter Speed

Underwater, everything moves—you, the water, and your subjects. To capture sharp images, a high shutter speed is essential.

I rarely go below 1/500 of a second unless I’m using strobes. To balance depth of field and exposure, I use Manual mode for shutter speed and aperture and set my ISO to Auto. Exposure adjustments are made with the compensation dial, allowing for flexibility in ever-changing underwater conditions.

The Art of Focusing

Autofocus can struggle underwater, particularly in low-light conditions. Mastering manual focus is essential, and I rely on the following two techniques.

Zone focusing: This involves pre-setting your focal distance and aperture for a specific range before entering the water. With wide-angle lenses, stopping down your aperture provides a forgiving depth of field.

Focus peaking: This feature highlights areas of contrast in your viewfinder, helping you identify sharp focus zones while composing your shot.

Natural Light Photography

If you’re starting out, stick to shallow depths where natural light is abundant. Many fascinating subjects, from coral reefs to vibrant fish, are found close to the surface.

Shooting in natural light offers creative flexibility. You can capture fine details or wide, sweeping scenes, taking advantage of the ability to move in three dimensions underwater.

For those venturing deeper, the absence of color opens opportunities for striking black-and-white photography. Post-processing can further enhance the mood by adjusting blue luminance to create dramatic effects.

Artificial Lighting: A Double-Edged Sword

When natural light isn’t enough, artificial lighting becomes crucial. However, using lights underwater introduces new challenges.

Water scatters light, necessitating close proximity to your subject. Wide-angle lenses help with this and minimize “backscatter,” the pesky reflection of light off water particles that can ruin an image.

Traditional underwater photography uses strobes, which stop motion and highlight your subject beautifully. Although many strobes come with through-the-lens (TTL) settings, I’ve found manual power adjustment more practical. Start by testing your strobe settings—photographing your fins is an easy way to ensure proper exposure for a subject about four feet away.

For a simpler alternative, consider video lights. These continuous lights eliminate guesswork, allowing you to see exactly how your image will look in the viewfinder. Combined with mirrorless cameras and high ISO settings, video lights have revolutionized underwater photography, making it more accessible for beginners.

Compositional Strategies

Underwater, the golden rule is to get close and then closer. Filling the frame with your subject minimizes the effects of water distortion and backscatter.

Take time to explore each scene. Resist the temptation to snap everything you see—deliberate composition will yield better results.

For instance, in one of my favorite photographs (above), a wolf eel peeking from a hole in British Columbia, I slowed down to capture its curious expression. By carefully adjusting my focus and lighting, I created a compelling image that stands out in my portfolio.

Gear Up: From Basic to Advanced Equipment

Underwater photography gear ranges from simple to sophisticated. My advice is to start small.

Smartphones: Modern phones in waterproof housings, like those from SeaLife or AxisGO, are excellent for shallow dives.

Compact cameras: Models like the Sony RX100, paired with a housing, offer greater flexibility, including strobe synchronization and better low-light performance.

DSLRs and mirrorless systems: High-end setups provide the ultimate control and quality but come with a steeper learning curve and price tag.

For advanced setups, seek advice from stores specializing in underwater photography to assemble a system tailored to your needs.

Dive In

Once you have the gear and the basics down, start practicing in controlled environments like swimming pools before venturing into lakes, rivers, or oceans. Take inspiration from Jacques Cousteau, who said, “The best way to observe a fish is to become a fish.”

With patience and practice, you’ll uncover the wonders of the underwater world—and create images that inspire others to protect it.

See more of Jon McCormack’s work at jonmccormack.com or on Instagram, @jonmccormackphoto.

If you’re interested in learning more about underwater photography, see our previous story about photographing in the shallows.

Top photo: Rendering this image of a California sea lion in black and white added a sense of drama.