How To Master Underwater Photography in the Maldives: Tips for Capturing Vibrant Marine Life on Camera

Underwater photography, if done right, is an incredibly unique art form that allows scuba divers and even snorkellers to capture the vibrant beauty of the aquatic world, a beauty that unfortunately goes unnoticed by many. The underwater ecosystems in the Maldives are teeming with picturesque beauty from vibrantly coloured coral reefs to marine species both minute and large. This makes it the perfect place to capture the mesmerising aquatic world that remains hidden below the waters. If photography is your passion and you’re thinking of using it to capture the wonders of the ocean depths, here’s how you can master the art of underwater photography to capture stunning images of vibrant marine life on camera in the Maldives.

Fanny nudi, Doctor Adolfo Tortolero Langarica en un buceo de monitoreo, CC BY-SA 4.0

Choose the Right Equipment

This may not come as a surprise but it is nevertheless the most crucial first step on your journey to capturing the ocean’s wonders on camera. When selecting your camera and other photography equipment there are a few factors that you’ll need to consider:

• Selecting your camera type: There are several camera types you can choose from for underwater photography. These include mirrorless cameras, compact cameras, and even digital SLR cameras. Keep in mind that each offers a different level of image quality and complexity and you’ll need to select the appropriate one based on whether you are a beginner or an experienced underwater photographer.
• Investing in underwater housing: Since you’ll be spending most of your time below the waters, you’ll need to protect your camera equipment, particularly from the water pressure. Choose good quality underwater protection designed for your camera but which also provides easy access to the necessary buttons and controls needed to operate the equipment easily. 
• Selecting lighting equipment: It is best not to rely on natural lighting alone for your photography as this can be quite unpredictable. Instead, select underwater lights that can effectively light up the underwater surroundings to allow you to capture the vibrant colours of these environments and their inhabitants. 

Maintain Steady Positioning

One of the most significant challenges of underwater photography is achieving neutral buoyancy and steady camera positioning in order to capture sharp and clear images. If this is something you continue to struggle with consider the following tips;

• Practice buoyancy control: Focus on learning the art of hovering so that you can manoeuvre yourself to get the right angles and perspectives without disturbing the environment or the animals around you. If you are staying at a resort like Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort you can consult with their team of experienced divers for a few additional tips you can use to maintain control underwater
• Capture on ascent: A useful technique to practice is capturing photos while slightly ascending so that you lessen how much you disturb nearby sand, sediment and debris that could interfere with your photo. 
• Use a camera tray: If you’re struggling with keeping your camera stable, using a camera tray can help fix this, allowing you to capture clear shots. It also helps to keep your camera secure for you to effectively handle it underwater.

Understand Underwater Lighting

Another challenge that can take some time to master is underwater lighting. Given that lighting beneath the waters is never steady or consistent it can result in muted or unusual colours that don’t do justice to your images. In addition to investing in appropriate lighting equipment, consider the following tips;

• Adjust white balance: As you descend further into the ocean depths, you’ll notice more blue and green tones in your images as the water increasingly filters out orange and red tones. To counteract this, you can adjust the white balance settings on your camera to correct any colour distortion and achieve more natural-looking photos. 
• Try shooting upwards: Another technique to try is positioning your camera at an upward angle against the surface light to create more depth and dimension to your photos. An upward camera angle also creates a more natural lighting effect that can enhance your photos. 

Take Care with Composition

Achieving the right composition is a crucial skill that you’ll need to capture underwater images that captivate. There are a few techniques to keep in mind when framing and setting up your shots:

• Move in closer: Try to move in as close as you can to your subjects for a more clearer and detailed image. However, be mindful not to disturb the marine life or the reefs when doing this near your Maldives water suite, as most of the ecosystems in the Maldives are under strict protection. 
• Try different angles: No rule says you have to capture only a single image of one subject. Try experimenting with different angles and perspectives when photographing a single subject. This will help you capture the true beauty of the underwater world through unique and dynamic images.
• Be patient: Capturing the perfect shot on your first try is nearly impossible underwater, so it’s important to be patient. Given that your subjects will likely be moving, wait until the right time to take your photos and try a few different methods to increase your chances of getting it right!