Marine Wildlife Photography Course
Why this course?
Marine Wildlife Photography
Capture the Hidden Beauty of the Ocean. This course will immerse you in the fascinating world of underwater photography, teaching you to document marine life with stunning and professional images. You will learn everything from the fundamentals of underwater photography, the use of specialized equipment, and lighting techniques to creative composition and image editing, all while respecting the marine environment.
Differentiating Advantages
- Safe Approach Techniques: Minimize your impact on marine life while capturing unique moments.
- Mastering Underwater Light: Learn to use natural and artificial light to highlight colors and textures.
- Professional Underwater Photo Editing: Optimize your images to enhance their beauty and sharpness.
- Understanding the Marine Environment: Understand the behavior of marine life to anticipate and capture the best shots.
- Practice in Real Marine Environments: Apply your knowledge on dives guided by experts.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 26-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Nature and marine life lovers who want to capture the beauty of the ocean with stunning images.
- Marine biologists and conservationists who want to document marine fauna for scientific studies and outreach projects.
- Amateur and professional photographers who want to expand their portfolio with high-quality underwater photography.
- Divers and snorkelers who want to immortalize their encounters with marine life during their dives.
- Photography and marine science students who are looking for specialized training in marine wildlife photography techniques.
Learning Flexibility
Adapted to your pace: 24/7 accessible online lessons, practical exercises to apply what you’ve learned, and personalized tutoring.
Objectives and competencies
Mastering underwater photography techniques:
Adjust exposure, focus, and white balance based on depth, ambient light, and water turbidity.
Identifying and anticipating animal behavior to capture unique images:
“Interpreting subtle signals, body language, and movement patterns to predict actions and optimize framing.”
Selecting and maintaining the right underwater photography equipment:
“Considering the maximum operating depth, the desired sharpness and corrosion resistance, and replacing components according to the preventive maintenance schedule.”
Edit and optimize photographs of marine fauna for dissemination and conservation:
“Employ non-destructive retouching techniques to highlight key details without altering the scientific accuracy of the image, and adapt formats to maximize impact on social media, scientific publications, and awareness campaigns.”
Applying ethics and environmental responsibility to marine wildlife photography:
“Minimize the impact by respecting safe distances, avoiding stress to the animals, and documenting responsible practices.”
Understanding and respecting marine ecosystems when photographing wildlife:
“Minimize the light and noise impact when photographing, prioritizing animal welfare and avoiding disturbing their natural behavior.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Underwater Photography and Videography: History and Evolution.
- Underwater Capture Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lighting, and Accessories.
- Principles of Underwater Optics: Absorption, Dispersion, and Refraction of Light.
- Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flashes, and Strobes.
- Underwater Composition: Golden Rules and Adaptation to the Environment.
- Ethics in Underwater Image Capture: Respect for Marine Life and the Environment.
- Identification of Marine Species: Fish, Invertebrates, and Plants.
- Marine Conservation: Threats and Solutions for Ocean Protection.
- Editing and post-production of underwater photos and videos.
Presentation and dissemination of work: platforms and formats.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Underwater Photographic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Principles of Underwater Optics: Refraction, Absorption, and Dispersion of Light
- Basic Underwater Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flashes, and Spotlights
- Photographic Composition in Underwater Environments: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, and Perspective
- Macro and Wide-Angle Photography Techniques: Focus, Depth of Field, and Framing
- Processing and Editing Underwater Photographs: Software, Adjustments, and Retouching
- Ethics in Underwater Photography: Respect for the Environment and Marine Species
- Introduction to marine conservation: threats, challenges, and solutions
- Underwater photography as a tool for awareness and outreach
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Basic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Lighting
- Principles of Photography: Exposure, Aperture, ISO, White Balance
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flashes, Strobes, and Snoots
- Underwater Composition: Rules, Perspectives, Points of Interest, and Guidelines
- Marine Fauna: Identification, Behavior, Conservation, and Respect
- Approach Techniques: Safety, Buoyancy, and Patience
- Image Processing: RAW Development, Basic Editing, and Creative Retouching
- Workflow: Organizing, Storing, and Presenting Images
- Environmental Considerations: Impact, Sustainability, and Best Practices practices
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Ethics, and Marine Conservation
- Basic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Flashes, and Accessories
- Principles of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color
- Lighting Techniques: Use of Flashes, Natural Light, and Backlighting
- Animal Behavior: Approach, Respect, and Safety
- Composition Techniques: Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, and Perspective
- Photo Editing: RAW Development, Color Adjustment, and Noise Reduction
- Identifying Marine Fauna: Guides, Online Resources, and Scientific Collaboration
- Macro and Wide-Angle Photography: Specific Techniques for Each Type lens.
- Legal aspects: permissions, protected areas and copyright.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - MĂłdulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Underwater Photography and Videography: History and Evolution.
- Underwater Capture Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lighting, and Accessories.
- Principles of Underwater Optics: Absorption, Dispersion, and Refraction of Light.
- Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flashes, and Strobes.
- Underwater Composition: Golden Rules and Adaptation to the Environment.
- Ethics in Underwater Image Capture: Respect for Marine Life and the Environment.
- Identification of Marine Species: Fish, Invertebrates, and Plants.
- Marine Conservation: Threats and Solutions for Ocean Protection.
- Editing and post-production of underwater photos and videos.
Presentation and dissemination of work: platforms and formats.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Underwater Photographic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Principles of Underwater Optics: Refraction, Absorption, and Dispersion of Light
- Basic Underwater Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flashes, and Spotlights
- Photographic Composition in Underwater Environments: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, and Perspective
- Macro and Wide-Angle Photography Techniques: Focus, Depth of Field, and Framing
- Processing and Editing Underwater Photographs: Software, Adjustments, and Retouching
- Ethics in Underwater Photography: Respect for the Environment and Marine Species
- Introduction to marine conservation: threats, challenges, and solutions
- Underwater photography as a tool for awareness and outreach
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Basic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Lighting
- Principles of Photography: Exposure, Aperture, ISO, White Balance
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flashes, Strobes, and Snoots
- Underwater Composition: Rules, Perspectives, Points of Interest, and Guidelines
- Marine Fauna: Identification, Behavior, Conservation, and Respect
- Approach Techniques: Safety, Buoyancy, and Patience
- Image Processing: RAW Development, Basic Editing, and Creative Retouching
- Workflow: Organizing, Storing, and Presenting Images
- Environmental Considerations: Impact, Sustainability, and Best Practices practices
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Ethics, and Marine Conservation
- Basic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Flashes, and Accessories
- Principles of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color
- Lighting Techniques: Use of Flashes, Natural Light, and Backlighting
- Animal Behavior: Approach, Respect, and Safety
- Composition Techniques: Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, and Perspective
- Photo Editing: RAW Development, Color Adjustment, and Noise Reduction
- Identifying Marine Fauna: Guides, Online Resources, and Scientific Collaboration
- Macro and Wide-Angle Photography: Specific Techniques for Each Type lens.
- Legal aspects: permissions, protected areas and copyright.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Underwater Photographic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Principles of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Use of Flashes, Strobe Lights, and Natural Light
- Underwater Photographic Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, and Viewpoint
- Focus and Depth of Field: Techniques for Obtaining Sharp Images Underwater
- Wide-Angle Photography: Underwater Landscapes, Reefs, and Shipwrecks
- Macro Photography: Small Creatures, Details, and Textures.
- Animal Behavior and Safety: Responsible Interaction and Impact Minimization.
- Underwater Image Processing and Editing: Software, Techniques, and Workflow.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Basic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Principles of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color
- Artificial Lighting Techniques: Use of Flashes and Spotlights
- Marine Fauna Behavior: Respect, Approach, and Safety
- Underwater Composition Techniques: Rule of Thirds, Lines, and Perspective
- Macro Photography: Focus, Depth of Field, and Small Subjects
- Wide-Angle Photography: Underwater Landscapes, Shipwrecks, and Large Animals
- Post-Processing of Underwater Images: Color Correction and Sharpening
- Marine Conservation and the role of the underwater photographer
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Fundamentals of Underwater Light: Absorption, Scattering, and Colorimetry
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Lighting Techniques: Use of Flashes, Strobes, and Natural Light
- Animal Behavior and Approach: Minimizing Impact, Respect, and Safety
- Underwater Photographic Composition: Rules, Lines, Textures, and Perspectives
- Digital Processing of Underwater Images: Development, Editing, and Retouching
- Common Marine Species: Basic Identification and Behavioral Patterns
- Safety in Diving Photography: Planning, Execution, and Awareness situational.
- Marine conservation and photography: The power of images for awareness.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Wildlife Photography: Ethics, Conservation, and Respect
- Photographic Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, Underwater Housings, and Accessories
- Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Underwater Flashes, Modifiers, and White Balance
- Animal Behavior: Basic Ethology for Anticipating and Respecting Wildlife
- Water Safety: Diving, Snorkeling, Navigation, and Marine Environment Hazards
- Image Processing and Editing: Workflow, Basic Retouching, and Optimization
- Marine Conservation: Threats to Wildlife, the Impact of Photography, and Best Practices
- Photographing Large Marine Mammals: Whales, Dolphins, Seals, and Sea Lions
- Macro Photography
- Marine
: Invertebrates, small fish, and ecosystem details - Visual narrative: Telling stories through photography and raising public awareness
‘
Career opportunities
- Nature photographer for specialized media: magazines, documentaries, books, and online platforms focused on marine wildlife.
- Ecotourism and marine wildlife viewing guide: environmental interpretation and photographic documentation during maritime expeditions.
- Researcher/Field technician in marine conservation projects: visual documentation for scientific studies and awareness campaigns.
- Professional underwater photographer: capturing images for advertising, science, art, and reportage in marine environments.
- Social media and digital marketing content creator: producing photographs and videos to promote conservation and sustainable tourism.
- Environmental educator and marine photography workshop facilitator: teaching courses and workshops on marine wildlife photography and ocean conservation.
- Wildlife image bank manager
- Marine: Cataloging, selling, and distributing photographs for various clients.
- Freelance for news agencies and NGOs: Photographic coverage of events, projects, and issues related to marine wildlife.
“`
Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Master the Technique: Learn to capture stunning images of marine life, from tiny invertebrates to large cetaceans.
- Equipment and Settings: Discover essential equipment and how to configure it for professional results underwater and on the surface.
- Animal Behavior: Gain a deeper understanding of species behavior to anticipate unique and ethical moments.
- Editing and Post-Processing: Refine your images with editing techniques to highlight natural beauty and tell captivating visual stories.
- Conservation and Outreach: Use photography as a tool to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation and share your passion.
Testimonials
Mastering marine wildlife photography allowed me to capture the mesmerizing dance of a giant manta ray in the Revillagigedo Islands. The crisp, vibrant image was featured on the cover of *National Geographic*, launching my career and generating enormous interest in the conservation of these majestic creatures.
I mastered underwater photography and videography techniques, producing a short documentary film about local marine life that was awarded at a regional festival and used by an NGO to promote ecosystem conservation.
I mastered underwater photography techniques, capturing stunning images of marine life in its natural habitat, from the majestic dance of manta rays to the vibrant colors of coral. My portfolio, a direct result of this training, led to a publication in the prestigious National Geographic magazine, an achievement that exceeded my initial expectations.
I managed to capture a complete sequence of a whale shark feeding, including stunning details of its gills filtering plankton. These images were later used by a popular science magazine, contributing to an article about the importance of conserving this species.
Frequently asked questions
Marine animals
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.
Waterproof cameras with underwater housings, macro and wide-angle lenses, external flashes, and sometimes drones or remote control equipment for aerial or boat shots.
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Marine Wildlife Photography: Ethics, Conservation, and Respect
- Photographic Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, Underwater Housings, and Accessories
- Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Underwater Flashes, Modifiers, and White Balance
- Animal Behavior: Basic Ethology for Anticipating and Respecting Wildlife
- Water Safety: Diving, Snorkeling, Navigation, and Marine Environment Hazards
- Image Processing and Editing: Workflow, Basic Retouching, and Optimization
- Marine Conservation: Threats to Wildlife, the Impact of Photography, and Best Practices
- Photographing Large Marine Mammals: Whales, Dolphins, Seals, and Sea Lions
- Macro Photography
- Marine
: Invertebrates, small fish, and ecosystem details - Visual narrative: Telling stories through photography and raising public awareness
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.