Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of underwater photography, combining advanced photographic techniques with a deep understanding of the marine ecosystem. Learn to capture the beauty and fragility of the ocean, mastering…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary?
The Master in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of underwater photography, combining advanced photographic techniques with a deep understanding of the marine ecosystem. Learn to capture the beauty and fragility of the ocean, mastering lighting, composition, and specialized equipment. This program prepares you to create impactful documentaries that raise awareness about marine conservation.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Dives: Hone your skills in real and diverse environments.
- Professional Equipment: Access to state-of-the-art underwater photography and video equipment.
- Expert Mentors: Learn from internationally renowned photographers and documentary filmmakers.
- Visual Storytelling: Master the art of telling stories through impactful images.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals and conservation organizations.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
05-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Underwater Photography: Learn advanced lighting, composition, and editing techniques in marine environments.
- Create Impactful Documentaries: Develop narrative skills to tell powerful visual stories about the ocean.
- Explore Unique Ecosystems: Immerse yourself in marine diversity and capture the beauty of reefs, shipwrecks, and wildlife.
- Become a Visual Conservationist: Use photography to raise awareness about protecting the marine environment.
- Boost Your Career: Open doors to opportunities in the world of documentary filmmaking, conservation, and the tourism industry.
- Enroll now and become a visual storyteller of the ocean.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Optics, aquatic physics and underwater photographic technique
- Underwater optics: light behaviour, refractive index, dispersion and chromatic absorption by depth
- SLR and mirrorless camera setup for underwater environment: sensors, dynamic ISO, and dynamic range
- Submarine Housings (Housings): Materials (Aluminium vs. Polycarbonate), Maintenance, Flat Ports and Dome Domes
- Specialised optics: macro lenses, supermacro, wide angle, fisheye and wet conversion lenses
- Underwater flash lighting (Strobes): guide number, recycling time, colour temperature and diffusion
- Positioning of lighting arms: techniques to prevent backscattering (backscatter) and hard shadows
- Continuous photo and video light: High power LED spotlights, CRI/TLCI, adjustable beams and UV/fluorescence filters
- Manual immersion exposure control: shutter speed, flash sync and aperture
- Fluorescence photography (Fluo Photography): Emission of blue light, barrier filters and marine organisms
- Seal test protocols, vacuum systems (vacuum systems) and equipment flood management
02
Advanced underwater photography techniques (macro, wide angle and split-shots)
- Underwater macro photography: Precision focus, reduced depth of field and playback ratio
- Advanced macro lighting: use of snoots, light capacitors and dark backgrounds (Black Background)
- Wide angle photography: composition of reefs, wrecks, benthic landscapes and filtered ambient light
- Split-shot technique (Fifty/Fifty): Simultaneous capture of air and water with large diameter domes
- Pelagic fauna photography: approach to large animals (cetaceans, sharks, blankets) in open water
- Fast Action and Animal Behaviour: Continuous Focus (AF-C) Techniques, Tracking and Shooting
- Freediving Photography: Agility, Operational Silence and Non-Invasive Approach
- Underwater Night Photography: Black Light Techniques, Night Photo Hunting and Bioluminescence Phenomena
- Underwater visual composition: rule of thirds, guide lines, negative space and colour contrast
- Underwater portrait and aquatic fashion: model direction, buoyancy control and light seasonality
03
Marine Biology, Ocean Ecology and Ethology for Photographers
- Identification of marine life: main families of fish, invertebrates, corals and marine mammals
- Marine Ethology: Recognition of behaviour patterns (courage, feeding, defence, symbiology)
- Coral reef ecology: structure, bleaching, restoration and associated macrofauna
- Pelagic and open sea ecosystems: aggregations, trophic chains and ocean migrations
- Deepwater and benthic fauna: adaptations to pressure, darkness and muddy bottoms (Muck Diving)
- Biology of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays): conservation, ecotourism and safe interaction guidelines
- Marine cetaceans and reptiles: acoustics, migratory routes and international approach regulations
- Temperate and cold ecosystems: Kelp forests, polar areas and macro diversity in cold water
- Environmental impact of climate change: acidification, invasive species and loss of habitats
- Ethics in underwater photography: null manipulation of the environment, animal welfare and code of good practices
04
Technical diving, security and logistics of underwater expeditions
- Precision buoyancy and horizontal position (Trim): Hydrodynamic control for photographic stability
- Technical diving applied to photography: gas mixtures (Nitrox, Trimix) and planned decompression
- Closed circuit systems (Rebreathers / CCR): photographic advantages (absence of bubbles) and risk management
- Diving in closed environments: techniques for photographers in wrecks (Wrecks) and caves or cenotes (Cavern/Cave)
- Logistics planning of photo expeditions in remote locations and life on board (Liveaboards)
- Management of medical emergencies at sea: barotraumas, decompressive disease and oxygen administration
- Operational safety with large predators: water safety protocols with sharks and killer whales
- Transportation and maintenance of heavy photographic equipment in international travel and customs (ATA notebooks)
- Sea navigation, tidal reading, currents, coastal meteorology and visibility conditions
- Water Risk Assessment: Strong Stream Management, Tide, Low Visibility and Tangle
05
Documentary narrative, environmental journalism and oceanic storytelling
- Construction of documentary projects: from concept to visual history about the ocean
- Journalistic and Documentary Research: Verification of Sources, Scientific Data and Socio-Environmental Context
- The marine photographic essay: sequence editing, narrative rhythm and aesthetic-thematic cohesion
- Conservation Report: Illegal Fishing Documentation (IUU), Plastic Pollution and Marine Mining
- Coverage of citizen science projects, oceanographic expeditions and ecological restoration
- The human factor in ocean history: coastal communities, artisanal fishermen and sea culture
- Writing journalistic texts, explanatory captions (Captions) and articles for specialised press
- Environmental photojournalism for NGOs and conservation foundations (WWF, Greenpeace, Mission Blue)
- Construction of personal social impact brands and ocean defence campaigns (Advocacy)
- Documentary ethics: veracity, non-staging and fair representation of environmental problems
06
Underwater Cinematography and Documentary Video Production
- Underwater audiovisual language: shots, frames, camera movements and moving narrative
- Configuration of digital film cameras for water: logarithmic profiles (log), raw video and high framerates
- Underwater stabilisation systems: Rigs, double handles, line drawing and use of underwater scooters (DPV)
- Sound recording in expeditions: Hydrophones for marine bioacoustics and coastal environmental audio capture
- Operation of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and drones for combined aerial/submarine intakes
- Continuous lighting for marine cinematography: light diagrams for underwater video sequences
- Ground and boat interviews: lighting, outdoor lavalier sound and direction of testimonies
- Editing and editing of video documentary: Dramatic structure, rhythm, action cut and insertion of resources
- Sound editing and music production: mix of aquatic foley effects, voiceover and soundtrack
- Colour correction in submarine video: specific LUTS tables, secondary white balance and tone curves
07
Digital development, post-production and advanced photo editing
- RAW Digital Workflow in Underwater Photography (Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, Photoshop)
- White balance correction and colour spectrum recovery in images at different depths
- Digital backscatter removal and suspension using correction brushes and masks
- Local Contrast Management, Clarity, Mist Erase (Dehaze) and Shadow/Light Recovery
- Selective focus, digital noise reduction to high ISOs and artificial intelligence applied to processing
- Advanced Photoshop Editing Techniques: Frequency Separation, Brightness Masks and Compositions
- Focus stacking (Focus stacking) in macro underwater photography for depth of field
- Colour management and calibration of monitors for fine printing (Fine Art) and digital media
- File output and preparation: ICC profiles, resolution for large formats and web optimisation
- File, catalogueing, IPTC/EXIF metadata, taxonomic keywords and photo library management
08
State-of-the-art equipment, underwater technology and innovation
- K / 12K video and video: Ultra resolution storage, processing and optical requirements
- Mid-format sensor cameras in submarine enclosures for high-fidelity photography
- Night vision, low-light (low-light) technologies and ultra-sensitive dark water sensors
- D underwater photogrammetry: three-dimensional modelling of reefs, wrecks and benthic structures
- Underwater photo exploration and technical inspection drones with real-time transmission
- ° cameras and virtual reality (VR) submersible for immersive documentary experiences
- Artificial Intelligence in Cameras: Automatic Detection of Marine Fauna and Adaptive Focus Tracking
- Laser lighting and optical scanning systems for marine research and scientific documentation
- Development and engineering of custom housings and 3D printed accessories for specific technical needs
- Automated Conservation Photography: Submarine Trap Cameras and Long-Term Remote Monitoring
09
Industry, market, intellectual property and professional opportunities
- The market of nature photography and documentary: stock agencies (National Geographic, Naturescapes)
- Publication in specialised magazines, illustrated books and international print/digital media
- Sale of Author's Photo Work: Art Galleries, Limited Edition Fine Art Prints and Trade Shows
- Copyright, licences of use, image transfer contracts and protection against unauthorized use
- Digital marketing for marine photographers: professional portfolio, social media presence and SEO
- International Underwater Photography Contests (e.g. Ocean Photographer of the Year, Wildlife Photographer of the Year)
- Sale of documentary projects to streaming platforms, television channels and distributors
- Expedition Financing: Research Scholarships (National Geographic Grants, OEM), Patronage and Sponsorships
- Guided photographers and organisation of international underwater photography workshops
- Business management, budgets, billing, equipment insurance and civil liability for photographers
10
Production of shipments and oceanic documentary projects
- Design of a documentary project
- budget and financing
- Filming and photography permits
- Shipping Logistics
- Management of the technical team
- Safety on ocean shoots
- Collabouration with scientists
- Distribution Plan
- impact campaigns
- Memory of the documentary project
11
Master’s Final Project in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary
- Conceptualization and design of the documentary project or portfolio of high-quality underwater photography
- Logistics, security and financial planning of the field issuance or study work
- Execution of the field work: dives, shooting and photographic capture of the selected theme
- Selection, curatorship and critical edition of the photographic and/or audiovisual material obtained
- Advanced digital processing and retouching of the final photo series or post-production of the documentary short film
- Layout and design of a photobook (photo book) by author on the project
- Production of a proposal for a museum exhibition or art gallery (impression, assembly, lighting)
- Preparation of the justification report, curatorial text and technical sheet of the documentary project
- Creation of the dissemination strategy, press dossier and editorial or audiovisual distribution plan
- Public presentation, projection and oral defence of the project before a court of experts in photography and sea science
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 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
Photographers and videographers looking to specialize in the fascinating underwater world and ocean visual storytelling.Marine biologists, oceanographers, and conservationists who want to communicate their research and projects in a powerful way through images.Professional and recreational divers with a passion for photography and video who want to enhance their technical and creative skills u
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 advanced underwater lighting techniques
- 02Create impactful visual narratives about marine life
- 03Leading oceanographic documentation projects with scientific and artistic rigor
- 04Managing logistics and security in challenging underwater environments
- 05Applying marine conservation methodologies through photography
- 06Assess the environmental impact of human activities on marine ecosystems
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Professional Underwater Photographer: Production of images and videos for media outlets, agencies, and independent projects.
03Ocean Documentarian: Creation of documentaries about marine life, conservation, and exploration.
04Diving and Underwater Photography Guide: Leading photographic expeditions and diving workshops.
05Scientist and Researcher: Collaboration on marine research projects through visual documentation.
06Educator and Communicator: Teaching courses, workshops, and lectures on underwater photography and ocean conservation.
07Conservationist and Activist: Using photography to raise awareness about marine environmental issues.
08ROV and AUV Camera Operator: Operation of remote equipment for underwater exploration and filming.
09Underwater Imaging Consultant: Advising companies and organizations on the production of underwater visual content.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Underwater/oceanic environment.
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.
It combines both, delving into underwater photography as a tool for scientific documentation and visual storytelling of the ocean.
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
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Fine Arts, Audiovisual Communication, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related field; or accredited professional experience in photography, professional diving, or marine research.Certifications/Skills:Certified diver (minimum Open Water Diver or equivalent); More advanced diving certifications (Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Divemaster) and photography experience will be considered an asset.Language proficiency:Recommended: English at level B1/B2 (Common European Framework of Reference fo
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Frequently Asked Questions
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