Digital Underwater Photographer

If you’ve ever surfaced from a dive thinking, “I wish I could show someone what I just saw,” then underwater photography might be calling your name. As a PADI Instructor, I’ve seen how transformative it can be for divers to capture their underwater experiences—not just for social media, but to better understand marine life, improve buoyancy, and even deepen their connection to the ocean. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course offers a smart, approachable way to get started—or sharpen your skills—depending on where you’re at in your diving journey.

There are two levels (Level 1 and Level 2) and each one builds on your skills step-by-step, starting with camera basics and moving toward thoughtful, creative storytelling through images.

What You’ll Learn

Level 1 (Beginner to Intermediate)

How to choose and set up an underwater camera system (even a GoPro counts!)
Key differences between land and underwater photography
Composition and lighting fundamentals
The SEA method: Shoot, Examine, Adjust
Care and maintenance of your camera gear after saltwater exposure

Level 2 (Advanced Techniques)

Manual camera settings: ISO, shutter speed, aperture
White balance control and strobe lighting techniques
Shooting macro and wide-angle effectively
Post-dive editing tips to bring out color and contrast
Organizing and backing up your photo library

Why It’s Important

Preserve experiences – Let’s be honest, words don’t always do justice to a manta ray fly-by or a coral nursery in full bloom.
Tell stories – Great photos don’t just look good; they inspire conservation and spark curiosity.
Enhance your diving – Better buoyancy, more patience, greater awareness—all side effects of trying to get the perfect shot.
Share responsibly – Learn the ethics of respectful underwater photography that protects marine life.

Course Structure

Flexible delivery – Start with PADI eLearning at home, then complete dives with a certified instructor
One or two training dives – Depends on whether you complete Level 1 only or progress into Level 2
Buildable curriculum – You can take just Level 1 or combine Levels 1 & 2 in one go
Tailored to your camera – Use a compact, mirrorless, DSLR, or even an action cam like a GoPro or Olympus TG series

Course Highlights

You don’t need to be a tech wizard—just curious and willing to learn
Real-time feedback during dives so you can improve immediately
Customizable learning pace and camera choices
Use your own camera or try out different setups during training (check with your dive center)

Requirements

Prerequisites:

PADI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent)
Minimum age: 10 years old (great for younger divers starting to explore creativity)

Equipment:

Underwater camera (compact, DSLR, or action cam with housing)
Strobe or video lights recommended but not required
Dive gear appropriate to the environment (many people use rental gear—just focus on comfort and familiarity)
Optional: laptop or editing software for Level 2 if post-processing is part of the plan

Benefits

Confidence builder – Nothing improves your dive awareness like having a camera in hand.
Creative outlet – Use your dives to explore artistry, storytelling, and visual journaling.
Better buoyancy – Photographers naturally refine their finning, trim, and positioning.
Marine ID skills – When you photograph a creature, you often want to learn more about it—building your ID skills naturally.
Share with purpose – Your images can educate, entertain, and inspire action for ocean protection.

Course Duration

eLearning: Typically 2–4 hours, self-paced
Training dives: Usually 1–2 open water dives over half a day to a full day
Many divers complete both levels in a single weekend with the right conditions and planning

Who It’s Best Suited For

New divers curious about photography and eager to develop better control underwater
Travelers wanting to capture their adventures without relying on stock photos or dive guides’ footage
Certified divers looking to get more value out of their dives or build a specialty toward their Advanced Open Water or Master Scuba Diver rating
Marine life lovers wanting a deeper connection and understanding of the underwater world

Final Thoughts from an Instructor

Photography underwater isn’t about perfection—it’s about perspective. Whether you’re hoping to capture the golden eye of a seahorse or the sweeping scale of a wreck, the Digital Underwater Photographer course teaches you how to see with intention and dive with purpose.

And honestly? It’s just plain fun. You’ll come out of it not only with better photos but with stronger dive skills and a fresh way to engage with the underwater world.

If you’re even thinking about combining your love of the ocean with a lens, this course is the place to start. And I’m happy to guide you through it, one frame at a time.