Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Basic Underwater Photography Course
Discover a new universe of images. This course provides you with the essential tools and knowledge to capture the hidden beauty beneath the waves, from setting up your equipment to lighting and composition techniques specific to…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Basic Underwater Photography Course?
Dive into the fascinating world of Basic Underwater Photography
Discover a new universe of images. This course provides you with the essential tools and knowledge to capture the hidden beauty beneath the waves, from setting up your equipment to lighting and composition techniques specific to the underwater environment. Learn to dive with a camera safely and responsibly, respecting the marine ecosystem while creating stunning photographs.
Differentiating Advantages
- Equipment Mastery: Get to know your camera, housing, and accessories inside and out to achieve maximum underwater performance.
- Lighting Techniques: Learn to use flashes and natural light to correct colors and highlight details in your photos.
- Underwater Composition: Discover the key principles for creating balanced and compelling images in the marine environment.
- Safety and Conservation: We prioritize diving safety and respect for marine life on every photographic dive.
- Practice in Real Environments: Includes guided dives to apply your knowledge and receive personalized feedback.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master the Art: Learn the fundamentals of underwater photography in a safe and exciting environment.
- Equipment and Techniques: Discover how to choose the right equipment and hone your skills with proven techniques.
- Composition and Light: Create stunning images by playing with natural light and mastering underwater composition.
- Safety First: Prioritize your well-being by learning essential safety protocols for underwater photography.
- Editing and Workflow: Optimize your photos with basic editing tools and establish an efficient workflow.
- Dive into underwater photography and capture the beauty of the marine world!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Underwater photography fundamentals, safety and adaptation to the underwater environment
- Underwater photography concept and differences vs. terrestrial photography, surface marine and documentary dive photography
- Underwater environment conditions: loss of colour, low light, suspended particles, pressure, buoyancy and movement
- Basic principles of underwater composition: proximity, clean background, scale, gaze direction and frame control
- Personal safety during snorkeling or diving and priority of buoyancy, breathing, orientation and communication
- Environmental ethics, no contact with fauna or seabed and respect for sensitive ecosystems
02
Basic equipment, housings, lighting and maintenance of photographic material
- Compact cameras, action cameras, mobile phones, mirrorless cameras and basic options to start
- Underwater casings, O-rings, ports, closures, buttons, sealing systems and sealing tests
- Basic lighting: natural light, flashlights, external flashes, continuous lights and limitations according to depth
- Initial Camera Setup: White Balance, Auto Mode, Aperture Priority, ISO, Focus and Burst
- Protection of equipment against salt water, sand, shock, condensation and temperature changes
03
Capture techniques, light control and composition in shallow water
- Capture with natural light on the surface, snorkeling, shallow reefs, swimming pools, beaches and quiet coastal areas
- Distance control to the subject to improve sharpness, colour, contrast and reduction of visible particles
- Use of angles, backlights, silhouettes, blue backgrounds, surface reflections and filtered light
- Photography of fauna, divers, corals, rocks, sand, small caves and details of the underwater landscape
- Basic techniques to avoid images moved by body stability, breathing and adequate shutter speed
04
Buoyancy, approach to subjects and responsible photography of fauna and ecosystems
- Body control and buoyancy as a base for photographing without damaging the background or lifting sediment
- Slow approach to fish, invertebrates, turtles and other organisms without chasing, touching or altering their behaviour
- Reading of animal behaviour to anticipate movement, safe distance and capture time
- Basic macro photography of small organisms, textures, details and sea life nearby
- Basic wide angle photography for wide scenes, divers, underwater landscapes and seabed
05
Basic Underwater Photography Project
- Project definition: snorkeling, initial diving, swimming pool, shallow reef, rocky coastline or underwater fauna series
- Equipment planning, safety, water conditions, lighting, visual objectives and environmental criteria
- Capture of photographs applying proximity, composition, light control, stability and respect for the environment
- Selection and editing of a consistent series with basic colour correction and visual narrative
- Preparation of project memory with technical decisions, capture conditions and good environmental practices
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Certified divers who want to capture the beauty of the underwater world and improve their photography skills.Ocean and marine life lovers looking for a new way to express their passion through stunning images.Travelers and adventurers who want to document their underwater experiences with high-quality photos to share and remember.Photography beginners with an interest in diving who want to l
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Mastering artificial lighting techniques
- 02Identifying and compensating for underwater optical challenges
- 03Selecting and maintaining essential underwater photography equipment
- 04Compose attractive and balanced underwater images
- 05Applying neutral buoyancy techniques for underwater photography
- 06Process and edit underwater photographs to improve their visual quality
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Freelance Underwater Photographer: Covering events, conducting custom photo shoots, and selling stock images.
02Dive Guide with Photography Skills: Adding value to guided dives by capturing memories for clients.
03Underwater Documentarian: Working on marine research, conservation, and science outreach projects.
04Underwater Photojournalist: Collaborating with media outlets to cover news and events related to the underwater world.
05Underwater Photography Instructor: Teaching other divers to improve their underwater photography skills.
06Marketing and Social Media Specialist for Dive Centers: Creating engaging visual content to promote services and destinations.
07Underwater Photography Equipment Technician: Repairing and maintaining cameras and Housings for professionals and amateurs.
08Participation in underwater photography competitions and exhibitions: gaining recognition and professional opportunities.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
An underwater camera, a submersible housing or a waterproof bag, and a light source such as a flash or a diving flashlight.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
An underwater camera (or a regular camera with an underwater housing), a light source (flash or underwater spotlight) and a buoyancy system (jacket or wetsuit).
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Diving Certification:Recognized Open Water Diving Certification (PADI, SSI, NAUI, or equivalent).Diving Skills:Demonstrated neutral buoyancy, fin control, and water safety techniques.Photographic Equipment:Underwater camera (compact or DSLR) with waterproof housing and underwater flash/lighting (optional).Physical Health:Fit for diving (recent medical certificate).Basic Knowledge:Understanding of the basic principles of photography (exposure, aperture, ISO).Documentation:Diving certification, diving insurance (if applicable), ID/Passport, registr
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.