Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Underwater and Maritime Photography
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of underwater photography, combining professional underwater photography techniques with capturing the beauty of the marine environment. Learn to master the challenges of underwater…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Underwater and Maritime Photography?
The Diploma in Underwater and Maritime Photography
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of underwater photography, combining professional underwater photography techniques with capturing the beauty of the marine environment. Learn to master the challenges of underwater lighting, composition in motion, and the use of specialized equipment to create striking and memorable images. This program provides you with the skills needed to document marine life, explore shipwrecks, and capture the essence of coastal landscapes.
Distinctive Advantages
- Practical Dives: Guided underwater photography sessions led by experienced professionals.
- Advanced Techniques: Master macro photography, wide-angle photography, and digital editing to optimize your results.
- Professional Equipment: Access to state-of-the-art underwater photography equipment during the practical sessions.
- Maritime Specialization: Learn to photograph ships, ports, and coastal life from a unique perspective.
- Networking: Connect with other photography enthusiasts and maritime professionals.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
30-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Master the technique: Learn to capture stunning images in underwater and marine environments.
- Specialized equipment: Discover the use and maintenance of photographic equipment for extreme conditions.
- Composition and visual storytelling: Develop your creativity to tell stories through photography.
- Professional post-production: Perfect your images with advanced editing tools.
- Certification: Earn a recognized diploma to boost your career as an underwater photographer.
- Immerse yourself in the world of underwater photography and capture the hidden beauty beneath the waves.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of photography applied to the marine environment
- Principles of exposure, aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity and depth of field in marine photography
- Visual composition applied to coastal landscapes, boats, marine fauna, ports and navigation scenes
- Characteristics of natural light over water, reflections, contrast, mist and chromatic variations in marine environments
- Selection of cameras, lenses, filters, supports and accessories for photography in the coast, deck and navigation
- Technical differences between terrestrial, sea, coastal and underwater photography
- Management of focus, stabilisation and movement on floating platforms and boats
- Development of a photographic workflow adapted to variable sea conditions, climate and visibility
- History of underwater and sea photography
02
Equipment and configuration for underwater photography
- Typologies of compact, mirrorless and SLR cameras used in underwater photography
- Selection of waterproof housings, ports, domes, seals, locks and protection systems
- Configuration of angular, macro and approach targets for different submarine subjects
- Use of submarine flashes, continuous spotlights, articulated arms, cables and timing systems
- Preparation, assembly, checking of equipment and preventive maintenance of the equipment
- White balance adjustment, exposure, focus and measurement based on depth
- Organisation of the photographic equipment for recreational, scientific and professional dives
- Maintenance and protection of photographic equipment
03
Advanced Underwater Photography Techniques
- Composition and control of perspective in underwater spaces of limited visibility
- Wide angle photography of reefs, wrecks, caves, divers and large marine species
- Macro photography of invertebrates, textures, small organisms and biological details
- Management of particles in suspension, backscattering, loss of colour and contrast underwater
- Techniques of responsible approach to marine fauna without altering their behaviour
- Capture of scenes in low light, high depth and enclosed environments
- Application of photographic sequences to document dives, habitats and submarine processes
- Macro and wide angle photography underwater
04
Maritime, naval and coastal photography
- Photography of boats in port, navigation, manoeuvreing, competition and maritime operations
- Techniques for registering regattas, water sports, fishing, port jobs and professional activities
- Photography of coastal landscapes, lighthouses, beaches, cliffs, marinas and maritime heritage
- Use of fast and slow speeds to represent waves, stelae, wind and movement of boats
- Composition from Deck, Pier, Coast, Auxiliary Boats and Elevated Platforms
- Management of adverse weather conditions, splashes, humidity, corrosion and lighting changes
- Development of visual reports on navigation, life on board and activities of the port environment
- Photography of regattas, ships and coastal landscapes
05
Lighting, colour and marine image editing
- Light behaviour and chromatic absorption at different depths and water masses
- Use of artificial lighting to recover volume, texture and colour in underwater photography
- Correction of dominants, contrast, exposure, sharpness and digital noise in marine images
- File processing in raw format and organisation of non-destructive editing flows
- Mask application, selective adjustments and recovery of details in water, sky and subjects
- Creation of coherent visual styles for scientific, editorial, tourist and commercial reports
- Export of images for printing, digital publication, documentary archives and photo banks
- Develop and edit workflow
06
Safety, planning and ethics in aquatic environments
- Risk assessment during dives, navigation, coastal work and boat sessions
- Photo planning according to depth, currents, tides, visibility, meteorology and autonomy
- Coordination between photographer, diving guide, skipper, model, technical equipment and security personnel
- Protection procedures for equipment against floods, shocks, losses and technical failures
- Responsible behaviour against fauna, flora, sensitive ecosystems, wrecks and protected spaces
- Permit management, image rights, access to maritime photography installations and restrictions
- Development of operational protocols for safe, sustainable and respectful photo shoots
- Rules of good practices with marine wildlife
07
Professional production and marketing of marine photography
- Order planning for tourism, conservation, advertising, sports, nautical and scientific documentation
- Preparation of budgets according to time, displacement, immersion, equipment, edition and rights of use
- Selection and editing of series for portfolios, exhibitions, competitions and specialised publications
- Metadata management, catalogueing, backups and archiving of photographic material
- Marketing through agencies, image banks, media, tour operators and private clients
- Assignment of rights, licences, intellectual property and reproduction conditions of the images
- Construction of a professional brand specialised in underwater, sea and nautical photography
- Copyright, licences and sale of images
08
Final Applied Underwater and Sea Photography Project
- Defining a photographic project focused on an ecosystem, maritime activity, boat or coastal destination
- Context research, narrative objectives, public recipient and technical feasibility of production
- Visual script design, photographic style, locations, subjects and sequence of images
- Preparation of the team plan, dives, navigation, security, permits and work schedule
- Execution of photographic production and technical selection of the images obtained
- Editing, processing, catalogueing and preparing the material for professional dissemination
- Presentation of the final portfolio
- Presentation of the final memory and the portfolio with technical, artistic, narrative, operational and commercial validation
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Marine biologists and oceanographers who want to document and communicate ocean life and marine ecosystems in an impactful way.Professional and recreational divers who want to enhance their underwater photography skills and create high-quality images.Nature and adventure photographers interested in expanding their portfolio into the fascinating underwater and marine world.Tour guides and div
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
- 01Documenting and visually communicating the marine environment
- 02Mastering lighting techniques in aquatic environments
- 03Applying photographic techniques for marine conservation
- 04Create impactful visual narratives about marine life
- 05Use specialized equipment and software for underwater and marine photography
- 06Develop skills for editing and post-production of underwater images
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Professional Underwater Photographer: I work on documentaries, advertising, media, and marine research projects.
02Diving and Underwater Photography Guide: Leading photographic dives, teaching techniques, and advising divers.
03Marine Conservation Image Specialist: Photographic documentation for NGOs, scientific institutions, and environmental protection projects.
04Underwater Camera Operator for ROVs/AUVs: Operating remote equipment for underwater inspection, research, and exploration.
05Marine Wildlife Photographer: Capturing images for books, magazines, and exhibitions, contributing to biodiversity awareness.
06Visual Content Creator for Maritime Tourism: Producing photographic and audiovisual material to promote destinations and activities aquatic.
07Underwater Photography Equipment Consultant: Technical advice and sales of specialized equipment.
08Underwater Archaeology Researcher and Documentarian: Photographic record of submerged sites and historical remains.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
Underwater and marine.
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.
Underwater and marine environment.
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
Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of photography (exposure, composition, camera operation).Familiarity with the marine environment and/or experience in water activities (diving, snorkeling, sailing).Recommended Equipment:Camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or advanced compact) with manual control capabilities.Underwater housing compatible with the camera.Diving/snorkeling equipment (if applicable).Certifications (optional):Diving certification (PADI, SSI, or equivalent) if underwater photography with scuba gear is planned.Documentation:Updated CV, copies of certifications (
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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